Kumho Tire | Your Smart Mobility Partner
Ultra High Performance

HIGH PERFORMANCE VS. ULTRA HIGH PERFORMANCE

WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HIGH PERFORMANCE AND ULTRA HIGH PERFORMANCE TIRES

HIGH PERFORMANCE TIRE CHARACTERISTICS ...

  • Typically have aspect ratios of 60
  • Have an H speed rating
  • Provide improved traction and handling as compared to non-performance tires
  • Often provide all-season capabilities but some are not built for snow and ice
  • Are generally less expensive than Ultra High Performance products

ULTRA HIGH PERFORMANCE TIRE CHARACTERISTICS ...

  • Typically have aspect ratios of 55 or lower
  • Have speed ratings of V or above
  • Typically are designed for rim diameters of 16" and above
  • Provide excellent traction, cornering and overall handling
  • Have stiffer sidewalls to maximize contact with the road during cornering
  • Not designed for snow and ice although there are exceptions

ASPECT RATIO

  • The aspect ratio is the section height of the tire divided by its section width
  • Low aspect ratio tires are wider and have shorter, stiffer sidewalls
  • Low aspect ratios deliver enhanced performance attributes such as hard cornering and improved handling
  • Low aspect ratio tires also impart a sporty, modern look
  • 1 : passenger
  • 2 : section width (mm)
  • 3 : aspect ratio (section height/section width)
  • 4 : radial construction
  • 5 : rim diameter

speed rating

  • A tire with the proper speed rating is important for a vehicle`s overall performance capability
  • When replacing a tire, always match or exceed the speed rating of the vehicle`s original equipment to preserve the performance capabilities of your vehicle.
  • A speed rating indicates the maximum speed at which a tire can perform based on controlled tests - but it does not sanction operating speeds beyond what's permissible by law.
  • A speed rating is identified within an alphanumeric "service description" code.

Example of Service Description (load index + speed rating) 99H

  • 99 : load index, equating to a max load carrying capacity of 1,709 lbs.
  • H : speed rating, indicating a maximum safe speed of 130 mph

Tire Speed Ratings

Symbol Max Speed (mph & km/h) Symbol Max Speed (mph & km/h)
Q 99 mph R 106 mph
S 112 mph T 118mph
U 124 mph H 130 mph
V 149 mph W 168 mph
Y 186 mph
Symbol Max Speed (mph & km/h)
Q 99 mph
S 112 mph
U 124 mph
V 149 mph
Y 186 mph
R 106 mph
T 118mph
H 130 mph
W 168 mph

WHAT ABOUT Z-SPEED RATED TIRES?

Z-speed rated tires originally reflected the hightest speed rating. When new cars were developed that could exceed this speed, the automotive industry added the W and Y rating. While a Z-rating still often appears, such as : 215/50ZR16 91W ... the Z in the size signifies a maximum speed capability in excess of 149 mph; the W in the service description indicates the tire’s 168 mph maximum speed. When the Y-rating in a service description is enclosed in parentheses such as 285/35ZR19 (99Y), the top speed of the tire has been tested in excess of 186 mph.