Speed ratings

[bramble111s]

OK, looking at new rears, I have Dunlop SP Sport 9000 245/45 ZR17 's

On black circles, they appear to only have a 'W' rated tyre, not 'Z's, however 'W' is rated to 168mph, my car should only do 165mph, so that should be fine for my insurance right?

Here is the table, and Z is 150++++++++ so the best? As in the table Y is last, but only up to 186!!!

Of course I am not likely to be doing 165mph anytime soon, however I don't want to invalidate my insurance.....

Speed Rating Miles/Hour Kilometers/Hour

N 87 140

P 93 150

Q 99 160

R 106 170

S 112 180

T 118 190

Speed Rating Miles/Hour Kilometers/Hour

U 124 200

H 130 210

V 149 240

Z 150+ 240+

W 168 270

Y 186 300

thanks peeps!

[lince]

I think the original tyres where rated W so you shouldn

[bramble111s]

OK, that would be great, can anyone confirm original spec was 'W'?

Not sure what tyres Lotus recommend, but got the dealer price of

[pitstoppete]

original tyres were Z rated i thought. may depend on what model though.

this rating is also to do with the actual load rating too i was always told, hence the stiffer sidewalls/better construction etc.

[ragingfool35]

w and y ratings are sometimes considered subcategories of z

and were created because the z rating was ambiguous.

as cars got faster, the z rating was no longer good enough.

consider w and y better than z because there is an actual test

speed rating

Edited June 9, 2006 by ragingfool35