Tire speed ratings: how important are they?

by Rick

I'm replacing the wife's tires on a 2003 Acura RSX. I would like to use Michelin Hydroedge, since I really like them on my caddy.

The local dealer says V or better tire speed rating would be better, since the hydroedge would not ride as comfortably and may affect handling characteristics. Then I talked to a guy at Michelin, and he said he could not "officially" recommend less than a V rated tire because of potential liability issues, but it was my choice and they would be OK.

The Hydroedge is a 90,000 mile tire and the others cost about $40 more each and were 60,000 mile tires.

The car has never been driven over 90 MPH and the T rated hydroedge are rated good to 130.

Please comment on how you think the ride would be affected (if at all), and how much importance the tire speed rating has.




Hey Rick,
From what you've stated, I'm inclined to think that somebody is trying to put something over on you and are not telling you what you need to know.

From my experience, Tire Speed Rating, in itself has nothing to do with the comfort or ride you get from a tire. It is simply the maximum sustained speed at which a tire is designed to operate.

It is possible, that a specific tire might feel better or handle differently on one car than another, so just because you're happy with the way it felt on your Caddy, it might not be the same with the Acura.

Try a search on Acura + Hydroedge in forums or blogs to see if any comentaries come up from others who have actually experienced using these.

Were you really unhappy with the tires you're replacing? Remember the old saying "If it ain't broke ... don't fix it."