Tire Speed Rating

[The G-unit]

Im looking at buying a couple of new tyres for my surf. the originals have a speed rating H which is 130mph max. Theres no way im doing 130mph in it. If i buy a lower rated tire it will cost me less and match the realistic top speed, but are there any regulations (DVLA, VORSA) that say i have to have the high rating?
Im thinking rating S or T are more suitable.

Does anyone know anthing about this.

[BUSHWHACKER]

Mine are Q rated, 99mph. Thats plenty!

[The G-unit]

Mine are Q rated, 99mph. Thats plenty!

i take it , it passes the MOT with those. Im just supprised that the general public are allowed to make the decision on the rating. being that the slower ones are cheaper you whould thing everyone would get these and take the risk when going over the rating.

[BUSHWHACKER]

Not an issue with the M.O.T. as far as I'm aware.
The only laws regarding tyres that I know of are.....
1. they must have more than 1.6mm of tread accross the whole width of the tyre.
2. tyres on the same axel must be of the same size/rating/type.

[Morr]

Im looking at buying a couple of new tyres for my surf. the originals have a speed rating H which is 130mph max. Theres no way im doing 130mph in it. If i buy a lower rated tire it will cost me less and match the realistic top speed, but are there any regulations (DVLA, VORSA) that say i have to have the high rating?
Im thinking rating S or T are more suitable.

Does anyone know anthing about this.

The speed rating of a tyre is not just about the maximum speed at which it will travel, its also about the loads it will accept, ie cornering forces etc.

ie if a vehicle normally has tyres with 130mph rating, this is not just to enable those speeds, but also because the vehicle is capable of transmitting such forces in conjunction with the tyres that require a tyre of that rating.
That said, your Surf clearly does not need tyres rated for 130, but don't assume that if you (for example) never travel over 70mph you should an 'L' or 75mph rated tyre, as the Surf is capable of more than that, you should always get a tyre to match its capabilities.

Its hard to advise as to the maximum speed your Surf is capable of as you haven't given us any clues as to what year/model you have
If you fill in your details in your profile, your vehicle details will show up under your name/avatar on the left, it helps us give you the most pertinent responses

[TonyN]

i take it , it passes the MOT with those. Im just supprised that the general public are allowed to make the decision on the rating. being that the slower ones are cheaper you whould thing everyone would get these and take the risk when going over the rating.

We're grown up enough to decide now!

Speed limit is 70mph in UK.

[NFC]

Speed limit is irrelevant. As Morr says, it is the vehicle's maximum speed (as quoted by the manufacturer) that determines what speed rating is required.

EU Law plus unrestricted Autobahnen = technical offence in this country.

Having said that, there is nothing to stop you taking the Surf to Germany so you can see why the law exists.

[That Ruddy Squirrel]

Speed limit is irrelevant. As Morr says, it is the vehicle's maximum speed (as quoted by the manufacturer) that determines what speed rating is required.

EU Law plus unrestricted Autobahnen = technical offence in this country.

Having said that, there is nothing to stop you taking the Surf to Germany so you can see why the law exists.

hmmmmmmmmmmmmm

a Surf FLAT OUT on an Autobahn

hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

erm

HOW far is the next Filling Station ?