2001 Tire Speed Rating

[guy_mu1]

My current tires have Speed rating 'H'. Now if I put new tires of Speed Rating 'S', would there be any problem? Will there be any damage to car? Would i feel any difference in car performance?

[JustSayGo]

If the tires are the same size, No problems. No damage. There are many other factors that affect tire performance. As a general rule I would expect most H rated tires to feel more performance than most S rated tires. You may feel some difference. Probably softer ride with some loss in cornering.

[guy_mu1]

Hi JustSayGo,

Thank you for replying...You mentioned that S rated tires won't have as smoot ride as I am getting in H rated tires. You meant that I would have more jerks on a bumpy ride?
I have heard cornering work before for tires. What does that mean??

[JustSayGo]

H rated tires are a higher speed rating and are likely to have tread design and other construction that make them more of a performance tire than an S rated tire. Sporty car vs more limo like. Yes H tires would tend to give more of a choppy ride.

[guy_mu1]

Oh, I thought that as the speed rating is higher, it would have better tires and less jerks...I would like a smooth and quite ride, so I guess I will go with S rated tires now. Thanks a lot...

Can you please explain what is corning in terms of tire speed rating???

[JustSayGo]

You may not be able to take sharp corners at as high a speed with the same stability.

[JoeShmoe]

Sorry to butt in but I believe the treads on H-rated tires are designed for driving straight and have less taction on the outer part of the tire to reduce friction. The S-rated are smoother ride but more traction to hold on to the road and hug curves a bit better. But as long as they are the same size you should be okay.

Again sorry to butt in, Bye.