Tyre Speed Ratings

[Ben565]

I know the topic of tyre speed ratings has been done to death on various forums, but uncle google wasn't able to give me an answer to my specific question.

My old Primera GT had an official top speed of 129mph and required V rated tyres

My new Avensis 2.2 has an official top speed of 130mph yet it requires W rated tyres?

Anybody know why?

Why do two cars with identical top speeds require two different speed rated tyres? Obviously the Avensis is heavier but this is covered by the load rating of the tyre not the speed rating.

Just curious, as it seems really strange

[Heidfirst]

it's probably that the profile/size required was most economically available in that speed rating rather than the car specs. actually requiring it (V covers up to 149mph after all which the car isn't capable of, even in 177bhp form).

I have run Ys(186mph) because they were cheaper than the same tyre in W ...

[FROSTYBALLS]

In many countries, the law requires that tyres must be specified, and fitted, to exceed the maximum speed of the vehicle they are mounted on, with regards to their speed rating code. Manufacturers usually use quite a wide margin when deciding what speed rating OE tyres should have.

Insurers would also expect to see the same speed rating or higher as the OE tyres.

Two exceptions are "temporary use" spare tyres - eg space savers -, and M&S tyres (where a warning sticker stating the maximum allowed speed must be placed inside the vehicle and in sight of the driver).