Tire Basics

Some General Info Before You Start Shopping:

Performance Ratings or 'Speed' Ratings: determined by the tire's maximum sustainable speed

Performance Ratings
  • M -- up to 81 mph, (130km/h)
  • N -- up to 87 mph, (140km/h)
  • P -- up to 93 mph, (150km/h)
  • Q -- up to 99 mph, (160km/h)
  • R -- up to 106 mph, (170km/h)
  • S -- up to 112 mph, (180km/h)
  • T -- up to 118 mph, (190km/h)
  • U -- up to 124 mph, (200km/h)
  • H -- up to 130 mph, (210km/h)
  • V (VR) -- up to 149 mph, (240km/h)
  • W (ZR) -- up to 168 mph, (270km/h)
  • Y (ZR) -- up to 186 mph, (300km/h)
  • Z -- for cars speed rated 149 mph and over, (240km/h)

  • S and T are the long-time standard tire for mini-vans and passenger cars.
  • H, V, and Z are high performance and ultra high performance tires.
  • H rated tires are starting to be standard on many cars.
    • BMW, Volkswagon, GM, and Chrysler use high-performance Goodyear Eagle as their standard tire.

How Much Performance Do You Want?

Standard Tires  (S and T rated)

High and Ultra High Performance Tires

You don't need to own a high-performance tire, if it doesn't suit your needs. T and S rated tires are significantly cheaper, have a longer tread life and warranty, and a better quality ride.

Now that you understand speed rating, there are still a few more things to consider...

When Will The Tires Be Used?

All-Season Tires
  • The best for most people.
  • Overall good traction.
  • Long treadwear (Between 40,000 to 100,000 miles).
  • Comfortable ride.
  • Not the most precise handling.
  • Sizes range from 13-16 inches.
  • S and T performance ratings available.
Summer Tires 
  • Some of the best performing tires around.
  • Cannot be used in winter conditions.
Snow Tires
  • Also known as Winter Tires.
  • Not recommended for "non-winter" conditions.

But, I Want It All

All Season Performance Tires 

  • Best for those who want better handling and grip.
  • While still getting good treadwear and comfort.
  • Treadwear is 40,000-70,000 miles.
  • Wheel sizes from 15-17 inches.
  • H and V performance ratings.

Max Performance Summer Tires 

  • For those who want the best wet and dry braking and handling and short treadlife.
  • Summer versions are the fastest but cannot be used in winter conditions.
  • Willing to forgo a warranty entirely.
  • Wheel sizes range from 16-20 inches.

Performance Winter Tires 

  • Performance snow tires are available for more responsive snow tire.
  • Almost all performance winter tires are H-rated but a few V-rated are available.
  • Winter performance tires come in sizes up to 18-inch wheel diameters, cross section widths up to 285 mm, and profiles as low as 40 series.

Something Entirely Different

Self Sealing Tires 

Self Supporting Tires

Tire Size

  • Make sure to match new tire specifications to those of your existing tire.
  • You'll need a tire that fits your existing wheels and has the same or greater load rating for your vehicle.
  • Be cautious when considering the latest trend, "plus-size" tires and wheels, which means larger sized wheels and shorter, wider tires than car really requires.
  • You can find out what size tires are right for your vehicle by consulting your owner's manual.
  • You can also look at your current tires for a sizing reference:
    • The ratio is the width in mm over the percentage of that width that makes up the profile (distance between rim and outer edge), so a tire with a size of 215/60 16 is 215mm wide, 129mm (60% of 215) from the ground to the rim, and is intended for a 16-inch wheel.

Major Manufacturers

International Resources

For this resource in your home country, please see:
NL: Autobanden Shopgids
DE: Felgen