Does tire speed rating matter?

[Howie Dub]

Hey everyone. Just wondering if going from H rated to T rated tires matters with our trucks? Stock Goodyears are H rated, but I found a decent deal on some T rated AT tires. Load ratings, size, and max psi are the same, with the AT tire being a bit heavier. I read that our trucks are rev limited to 107mph and don't plan on ever going that fast. I don't think my diesel can go up to the rated speed anyway, but want to make sure the driving dynamics at highway speeds shouldn't be different between the two ratings. Thanks.

 

[scottmoyer]

As long as the load ratings are similar, you should be fine. The sidewall strength is also impacted by the rating, but again, that would also normally affect the load rating, so if you don't plan on going 100+ mph, you're good.

 

[Howie Dub]

As long as the load ratings are similar, you should be fine. The sidewall strength is also impacted by the rating, but again, that would also normally affect the load rating, so if you don't plan on going 100+ mph, you're good.

Thanks. So if they're both 114 XL tires, there should be no difference at 70-90mph? Or will an H rated tire handle and ride better than a T rated one at those speeds because it's traveling at a lower percentage of its max speed?

 

[ais122]

I'd probably play it safe with the rating the same. In fact, I called a few shops with the same question and they refused to put on tires that were different ratings, even after offering to pay full asking for tires plus labor. Maybe they were a little too much, but safety first I suppose!

 

[Howie Dub]

I'd probably play it safe with the rating the same. In fact, I called a few shops with the same question and they refused to put on tires that were different ratings, even after offering to pay full asking for tires plus labor. Maybe they were a little too much, but safety first I suppose!

Thanks. That's what I ended up doing. Decided to go with the Yokohama Geolandar A/T G015s in 285/45r22. Same ratings at the stock Goodyears and only 3 lbs heavier and slightly less revolutions per mile, so hopefully it won't affect MPGs too much.