what does this symbol mean?
A service description ending in Y

Y speed rating

Y at the end of a tire’s service description, as in 93Y, is the speed rating for 300 km/h (186 mph). In brackets, (Y) means over 300 km/h.

How to read it

On the chart used by USTMA and Bridgestone, Y is 300 km/h (186 mph), the highest letter, above W at 270 km/h (168 mph). Michelin gives Y as 186 mph; Ford’s manual converts it as 299 km/h. See the full chart.

Also searched as: Y 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.

Y and (Y)

USTMA says a tire rated above 300 km/h (186 mph) must have a Z in its size and a service description with the Y in brackets. Its examples: P275/40ZR17 93Y is rated for 186 mph; P275/40ZR17 (93Y) is over 186 mph, and USTMA refers to the tire’s maker for the figure. See ZR in a tire size.

More tire sidewall markings

Sources

Last reviewed September 29, 2026 by Rory Hansen. How we research

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