What does Z mean on a tire?

Some manufacturers will insert a “Z” in the middle of the tire size description (right after the aspect ratio) when the tire is rated at “W” or “Y.” And if a tire is rated in excess of 186 mph (300 kph), manufacturer's usually will list a “Z” within the size description, per industry standards.

What's the difference between Z and R tires?

Conclusion. ZR tires were historically known as “performance-rated tires” with a speed rating of more than 149 mph while the letter R on a tire represents both the fact that it is built with a radial construction in mind and the fact that it is speed rated for 106mph.

What is the difference between Z and ZR tires?

The Z in ZR corresponds to an old label used by manufacturers to indicate that the speed index is higher than V, i.e. 150 mph. Thus, a ZR tyre has a speed index of V, W, or Y.

Do I have to have Z-rated tires?

Tires with a maximum speed capability higher than 300 km/h (186 mph), require a "ZR" in the size designation. Consult the tire manufacturer for maximum speed when there is no service description.

What makes a tire Z rated?

Some manufacturers will insert a “Z” in the middle of the tire size description (right after the aspect ratio) when the tire is rated at “W” or “Y.” And if a tire is rated in excess of 186 mph (300 kph), manufacturer's usually will list a “Z” within the size description, per industry standards.

What the ‘Z’ Logo on Russian Tanks Means

What does Zr mean on a tire?

The letters ZR on the sidewall relate to a tyre's speed rating, which in this case is 150mph. That means it should not be driven at speeds in excess of 150mph (240kmph) - of course, where such speeds are even legal! Before 1990, ZR was used for high-performance tyres.

Are ZR tires better?

Historically, the speed rating ZR on a tire meant that the construction of the tire could reach of 150 miles or 240 kilometers per hour. Today, a tire labeled ZR, has more capabilities than before. ZR can be classified into 3 different speed ratings, which can be either W, Y or Z.

Are ZR rated tires good?

That's well below the speed limit of most states, unless you're planning on bringing your commuter on the Autobahn. ZR-Rated Tires: The ZR rating (or Z rating) indicates anything above the V rating (168 mph), so it includes both the Y and W speed rating. Sports cars will often get the best handling with these tires.

What is ZR speed rating?

ZR basically means the tyre is adapted for speeds above 149 mph. ZR tyres includes the speed ratings V(149mph), W(168mph) and Y(186mph). Before 1990, the manufacturers used "ZR" to mean high performance tyres before the ratings got refined with W, Y…

Are ZR tires run flat?

All ZRtyres locations carry a massive range of Run-flat tyres in stock for all popular makes and model of cars, as well as having the correct tyre fitting and balancing equipment to fit these specialist tyres correctly without damage.

Are ZR tires good for winter?

NO, the rubber will be hard as a rock at low temp, and the rubber compound is hydrophobic, vs. hydrolphilic (I may have that reversed). Summer tires are crap in the winter, winter tires are crap in the summer, all season tires are crap all the time. great post.

What is Z in tyre size?

"Z" Ratings

A tire rated with the letter "Z" in the tire size designation (i.e. P275/40ZR17 93W or 275/40ZR17 93Y) is the tire which have a maximum speed capability above 240 kmph/149 mph.

What does VR mean on a tire?

If a listed speed rating contains two letters (such as VR), the first letter represents the speed rating and the second letter (R) indicates that it is a radial tire.

What does 91W mean on a tire?

A Z speed rating still appears on some tires sizes (ex: 225/50ZR16 91W). In this case, “ZR” designates a maximum speed capability of more than 149 mph, while W indicates that the tire's maximum speed is 168 mph.

Are ZR tires all season?

The Raptor ZR A/S is RIKEN's Ultra High Performance All-Season tire developed for the drivers of sporty coupes and sport sedans looking to combine responsive steering and performance-focused handling with capability in inclement weather, even in very light snow.

What is the best tire speed rating?

What does the XL mean on tires?

XL tyres have been especially developed for use with heavy loads. Generally speaking, the tyre name XL is used for heavy duty tyres. However, the labelling varies between tyre manufacturers. Sometimes you might have XL tyres that are also labelled "reinforced" (RF or RFD), or models labelled EL (Extra Load).

What does H mean on a tire?

“H” represents the speed rating, which is how fast the tires can go based on their load capacity. This rating ranges from A – Z. “H” indicates a speed rating of up to 130 mph.

Can I use a lower speed rated tire?

Things to Consider about Speed Ratings

Downgrading the speed rating of your tires is not recommend. This may result in poor handling and unpredictable steering. However, if a better cornering response is what you want, installing a higher speed rated tire on your vehicle will work.

Is a higher tire speed rating better?

The speed rating tells you the speed the tire can safely maintain over time. A higher speed rating usually means you will have better control and handling at higher speeds - and that the tire can take the extra heat. As a general rule, tires with higher speed ratings also handle better at slower speeds.

What is 92w tire?

The 92 represents the maximum load the car can carry. The range of load ratings is vast and each number corresponds to a chart that shows how many pounds a single tire can carry. In this case, the 92 means it can support 1,389 pounds.

What does 93w in a tire mean?

In our example, the "93" stands for the maximum-load rating of 1433 pounds. The letter W denotes the maximum speed rating, which translates 168 mph—not something intended for mom's minivan.

What is Michelin ZR?

ZR basically means the tyre is adapted for speeds above 149 mph. ZR tyres includes the speed ratings V(149mph), W(168mph) and Y(186mph). Before 1990, the manufacturers used "ZR" to mean high performance tyres before the ratings got refined with W, Y…

Is Michelin ZR run-flat?

Michelin - ZP

Michelin integrated their ZP (Zero Pressure) run flat technology to existing tyre models in order to enhance their performance.