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.
Read next
- Next in Tire sidewall markingsW speed ratingW at the end of a tire’s service description, as in 93W, is the speed rating for 270 km/h (168 mph).
- The same shape in Accessibility symbolsAudio description symbol (AD)AD stands for audio description: a narrator describes what is happening on screen or on stage in the pauses between the dialogue, for people who are blind or have low vision.
More tire sidewall markings
The same shape elsewhere
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
Researched, edited and approved by Rory Hansen before publishing. Last reviewed September 29, 2026. How we research
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