V speed rating
V at the end of a tire’s service description, as in 91V, is the speed rating for 240 km/h (149 mph).
How to read it
On the chart used by USTMA and Bridgestone, V is 240 km/h (149 mph), between H at 210 km/h (130 mph) and W at 270 km/h (168 mph). Michelin says a V-rated tire, properly inflated and loaded, is designed to handle speeds up to 149 mph. Bridgestone Australia reads 205/55R16 91V as load index 91 and speed rating V. Pirelli’s chart lists V tires for sport sedans, coupes and sports cars. See the full chart.
Also searched as: V rated tire.
What each marking means under the standard that defines it. This page describes markings; it doesn’t advise on choosing, fitting, inflating or replacing tires.
V and ZR
240 km/h (149 mph) is the threshold for ZR. USTMA and Bridgestone say a tire rated for more than that may, at its maker’s choice, have a Z in its size.
More tire sidewall markings
Browse symbols drawn with curves and waves or letters and numbers.
Sources
- Tire Care and Safety Guide, U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association (USTMA), Speed Symbol, p. 8
- Tire Load Rating & Speed Rating Explained, Michelin North America, Tire Speed Rating
- Speed and Load Rating Charts Explained, Bridgestone Australia, How to read tyre speed rating chart
- Replacement Tire Selection Manual, Ref. No. P-06-01, August 2006, Bridgestone Americas, p. 7
- Tire speed rating, Pirelli Tire North America, Tire speed rating chart
Last reviewed September 29, 2026 by Rory Hansen. How we research