Tire Speed Ratings Are Easier to Understand Than You Think

What are tire speed ratings and why are they so important? Many tire buyers have asked this question and understanding the answer can help you the next time you buy a set of replacement tires for your car or truck.

The importance of tire speed ratings can be summed up quite simply. Tires are manufactured to a wide variety of specifications that meet, or exceed, certain levels of performance. The standard tires that will perform best on a Ford Focus, will not get the job done on a Chevrolet Corvette. Conversely, a Corvette tire will far exceed the needs of a Focus.

If you look closely enough you will notice there is a fair amount of information imprinted onto the side of your tire. Among this information is the speed rating, which is generally listed by a letter that follows the tire size and load index. For example, your tire may include this set of numbers and letters: P205/55R-15 88V. The P means passenger tire, 205/55 is the width and aspect ratio of the tire and the R designates this as a radial tire. The number 15 indicates that this tire fits 15 inch diameter wheels, 88 is the load index and V is the speed index. All tire manufacturers in the world adhere to a universal system of rating.

The whole idea of a speed rating may seem unnecessary in the United States, where our "legal" speed limits max out at 70mph, but in truth speed ratings were born overseas in Europe to meet the needs of the infamous German autobahn. Here posted speeds are not listed as maximum limits, but minimum requirements for the lane you choose to occupy. As vehicles became capable of higher and higher speeds, tire manufacturers realized that different tire grades were necessary to avoid catastrophic high-speed blowouts.

Speed ratings are determined through lab testing. Essentially, it involves pressing a tire at its appropriate load against a large, high-speed metal drum, and then gradually increasing running speed until the required speed rating has been reached. The chart below lists the tire speed ratings and the maximum speed for that rating:

M: 81mph (130 km/h)
N: 87 mph (140 km/h)
P: 93 mph (150 km/h)
Q: 99 mph (160 km/h)
R: 106 mph (170 km/h)
S: 112 mph (180 km/h)
T: 118 mph (190 km/h)
U: 124 mph (200 km/h)
H: 130 mph (210 km/h)
V: 149 mph (240 km/h)
W: 168 mph (270 km/h)
Y: 186 mph (300 km/h)
(Y): 186+ mph (300 km/h)

As you can probably guess, the speed ratings were originally created in kilometers-per-hour, thus the odd miles-per-hour increments. Also, there are two Y ratings; the Y rating enclosed in parentheses (Y) indicates that it has been tested in excess of 186 mph.

When you shop for replacement tires make sure you select a speed rated tire that meets your driving requirements. Naturally, you must be careful when driving not to exceed the rated speed of your tires. And also keep in mind that even though tire manufacturers market and sell tires capable of high speeds, they do not condone the use of their products in excess of legal speed limits. Don't try explaining to the officer that pulls you over for speeding that you thought you were allowed to go faster because your tires were capable of such excessive speeds.

Speed ratings are only effective when tires have not been damaged, altered in some fashion, are not overloaded and are properly inflated. Even if a tire has been repaired due to a puncture or other damage, it no longer retains the original speed rating because the manufacturer cannot control the quality of the repair.

Finally, although speed ratings do not indicate tire handling capabilities, a higher speed rating may translate to different handling characteristics. This is important to note if you buy a new set of tires with a lower speed rating. Make sure you are familiar with the handling characteristics of your car or truck and make the necessary driving adjustments to allow for the lower speed rating.

About Belle Tire
Allen Park, Mich.-based Belle Tire was founded in 1922 when it opened the first Belle Tire location in Detroit, Mich. Today, the company has expanded to 80 locations across Michigan and Ohio. Belle Tire offers discount tires and variety of car care needs, ranging from auto glass repair, auto glass replacement, brakes, alignments, batteries, shocks and struts, exhaust system repair, batteries, and oil changes. For more information about Belle Tire, visit http://www.belletire.com/. Join the Belle Tire Advantage today, http://belletireadvantage.com/.

Belle Tire Celebrates the Grand Opening of 2 New Locations (In Michigan!)

(http://www.prweb.com/releases/2009/11/prweb3223154.htm)
Belle Tire is pleased to announce the grand opening of two new Michigan stores located in Battle Creek and Monroe. Both locations stock over 250,000 tires ready for immediate installation and offer services including, but not limited to: wheel alignment– which many other tire retailers don’t even offer, brake systems, oil and lube, steering and suspension, windshield repair and replacement, air conditioning, batteries, starters and alternators, shocks and struts, cooling systems, and more.

Allen Park, MI (PRWEB) November 18, 2009 -- Belle Tire is pleased to announce the grand opening of two new Michigan stores located in Battle Creek and Monroe.

The Battle Creek store, located at 2822 Capital Ave. S.W. just south of I-94 at the corner of Beckley and Capital, opened Sept. 30, 2009.

“This is the first Belle Tire store in the Battle Creek area and we are pleased and excited to be entering this new market,” said Don Barnes Jr., President of Belle Tire. Belle Tire currently has four locations in the Kalamazoo area.

The Monroe location, at 1776 N. Telegraph Road, will open its doors Wednesday, Nov. 25, 2009 and host a ribbon cutting ceremony on site at 11 a.m. Currently Belle Tire has locations in Toledo and Woodhaven to service the Monroe area; this is the first location in the Monroe market. Special Grand Opening savings postcards will be mailed to 53,000 area residents offering $20 off anything the Belle Tire location sells with no minimum purchase required.

"Belle Tire is absolutely thrilled to be in the Monroe area. We’ve worked for years to find the best building site in Monroe and we’re extremely happy with the outcome. We look forward to earning the business every day of our new neighbors and promise to always provide a great value and service. The Frenchtown township building officials and Fire Department were among the best to work with and we thank them" said Jeff Kruse Vice President of Retail Operations.

Belle Tire stocks over 250,000 tires ready for immediate installation. Customers at both stores will have access to top tire brands including:

Goodyear Michelin Toyo Tires Kelly Tires BFGoodrich Bridgestone Continental Sumitomo Tire

Services offered at the Monroe and Battle Creek locations include, but are not limited to: wheel alignment– which many other tire retailers don’t even offer, brake systems, oil and lube, steering and suspension, windshield repair and replacement, air conditioning, batteries, starters and alternators, shocks and struts, cooling systems, and more.

Both the Battle Creek and Monroe stores will employee 15 people, which include manager, assistant manager, sales staff and Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certified technicians. The store hours at both locations are Monday and Thursday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Both locations are new construction stores featuring 9800 square-feet and include 12 service bays to better serve the customer.

About Belle Tire
Allen Park, Mich.-based Belle Tire was founded in 1922 when it opened the first Belle Tire location in Detroit, Mich. Today, the company has expanded to 80 locations across Michigan and Ohio. Belle Tire offers discount tires and variety of car care needs, ranging from auto glass repair, auto glass replacement, brakes, alignments, batteries, shocks and struts, exhaust system repair, batteries, and oil changes. For more information about Belle Tire, visit http://www.belletire.com/. Join the Belle Tire Advantage today, http://belletireadvantage.com/.

Belle Tire Partners With Collex Collision For Wheels of Hope Program

ALLEN PARK, Mich., Nov. 12, 2009 – Three years ago Collex Collision began its Wheels of HOPE program to give away restored used vehicles to families with transportation needs. This year, Belle Tire is donating tires, brake services, oil changes and windshield repair and replacement services in the restoration process of these vehicles.

In the first two years the Wheels of HOPE program gave away seven cars along with gas cards, gift cards and one year vehicle insurance, all totaling over $50,000, to families in Michigan and Florida. Through further donations and support of Collex's employees, vendors and area communities, this year's goal is six vehicles.

Wheels of HOPE obtains the used vehicles through donations by Collex Collision, charitable organizations, including Charity Motors and Volunteers of America, and individual donors. Belle Tire then utilizes its Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certified technicians in restoring the donated vehicles to a like-new condition to then be given to the deserving families.

"As a locally owned and operated company, Belle Tire is happy to be giving back to our communities through our partnership with Collex and Wheels of Hope" said Darren Mcgeachy, Belle Tire Auto Glass Sale/Operations Manager.

On December 19, 2009 the Collex Collision Clinton Township store will host an event to give away the restored vehicles. Both WDIV Channel 4 and WJBK FOX 2 News in Detroit will be covering the event night live. In addition, WDIV Channel 4 will be broadcasting the complete story as it follows around Collex Collision employees while they select and surprise the vehicles' recipients prior to the event.

Families and local non-profit organizations can find applications on Collex Collision's website to submit to be selected to receive a vehicle. Once applications are received, potential recipients are then narrowed down through a process that includes interviews and background checks. The recipients must have valid transportation needs, clean driving records and are actively trying to provide for their families.

Individuals and companies that are interested in helping with the Wheels of HOPE program can give a monetary donation, donate a vehicle, become a Support Partner and/or help with an event night ceremony. A Support Partner can give on five different tiers and will be acknowledged on corresponding levels. All donations, including vehicles, are tax deductible.

If you are interested in making a donation or donating a vehicle in Michigan please call: 586-493-9110.

About Wheels of HOPE
The mission of Collex Collision Experts’ Wheels of HOPE program is to create good will at the local level by uniting company staff, city officials and local businesses to help deserving families by giving them a “like-new” vehicle. Through the generosity and donations of Collex Collision business support partners and caring individuals and companies, “Wheels of HOPE” also provides vehicle insurance, prepaid gasoline cards, AAA road service, oil changes and more. For more information please visit: http://www.collexcollision.com/wheelshope.htm

November Money Saving Coupons

Shopping for Winter Snow Tires?

In Michigan it is almost impossible to predict the winter weather, but drivers can always expect to travel in moderate to severe snow during much of the season. A qualified tire professional can recommend that your car be fitted with a set of winter tires (also known as snow tires) to ensure your safety and the safety of your passengers during the harsh winter months, even if your vehicle already has all-season tires on it.

Today, most cars come equipped with all-season tires as indicated by the M+S (mud and snow) markings on the sidewall. These tires are not designed to be best in one specific weather condition but are meant to be adequate in all weather conditions. An all-season tires’ tread design is not as defined as a winter tire's tread and is not as flexible in the cold. The tread of an all-season tire can quickly get packed with snow creating low traction much more quickly than the deep tread of a winter tire.

Winter tires, as indicated by a mountain / snowflake symbol on the sidewall, will give you better traction, braking ability and maneuverability you'll need to drive safely on snow and ice. They are made from different rubber compounds than all-season tires and have specific tread patterns designed for the winter conditions. They are fashioned to prevent snow buildup and to help maintain traction on ice and packed snow.

Winter tires are rated based upon actual testing. For example, a test performed with two identical vehicles, one fitted with winter tires and the other with all-season tires, showed that the vehicle with winter tires traveling at 15 mph on ice stopped from 1/2 to a full car length shorter than identical vehicle with all-season tires.

Never reduce your all-season tires' inflation to attempt to increase traction and match the performance of more flexible winter tires. Driving on underinflated tires of any kind in any season is dangerous. Always maintain proper tire pressure at all times.

Winter Tires Purchasing and Installation Tips

There are few things to keep in mind when shopping for and installing winter tires:

• Don’t put it off until the severe winter weather hits; have your car fitted in the fall. Be prepared and don’t get caught in a situation that might lead to a shortage of winter tires around you.
• Consider purchasing separate rims for your winter tires. This will save you the time and costs involved in balancing the winter tires onto your existing rims.
• Never mix winter tires with all-season tires. Keep an even tread depth, consistent tire design and similar rubber compound across all four wheels to ensure the best maneuverability. Never put winter tires on just the drive wheels of your car.
• If you are unsure which winter tire to choose pick the one that offers more tread. A deeper tread will grip the icy roads better than a lower tread.
• If you already have a set of winter tires, again, don’t wait until the last minute to have them installed. A good guideline for installing your winter tires is to have them installed once the temperature is regularly 50 degrees or less. This will ensure that they do not wear prematurely in warmer weather. Also, remember to have them removed when the weather stays consistently above 50 degrees.

It is important to understand that cars outfitted with electronic driver assistant features such as an anti-lock braking system (ABS) and traction control do not have more traction than vehicles that do not offer this equipment. These aids only help prevent the driver from over braking or overriding the amount of available traction in their tires. The only way a vehicle can experience an increase in traction is to install tires best suited for the terrain, season and the vehicle itself.

Whether you’re selecting winter tires, all-season tires or any other type of tires, be sure to select the tire that meets your vehicle specifications. An ASE certified technician can help with all related technical details and get you on the road with the tire that’s right for your vehicle, driving style and budget.

Michael Trudel is a freelance writer for local and national marketing companies. Belle Tire is working even harder to bring you the best tire price, period! Learn how you can get Out-The-Door with More...more value, services and protection! http://www.BelleTire.com