Car Tyres - speed markings
Service Description
In addition to the Tyre Size Designation a tyre's performance capability may be identified by a Service Description consisting of a Load Index (or two load indices in the case of single/dual fitments) and a Speed Symbol.
Speed Symbol
Indicates the max speed at which the tyre can carry a load corresponding to its Load Index (except for speeds above 210km/h) under service conditions specified by the tyre manufacturer.
Speed Category
Indicate tyre speed capabilities:
- above 210 km/h for VR tyres (Obsolete)
- above 240 km/h for ZR tyres
and are included within the tyres size designation
e.g. 215/50 ZR 15
In those cases where a Service Description is not shown. Consult the tyre manufacturer for actual speed capability and load capacity.
Car Tyres - speed limits
| Marking | Characteristics |
| Speed symbol "V" | Designed as a fitment for vehicles with a speed capability not exceeding 240 km/h (e.g. 225/55 R 14 91 V) |
| Speed category "ZR" | Designed as a fitment for vehicles with a speed capability over 240 km/h (e.g. 195/50 ZR 15) |
| Speed category "VR" | Obsolete. For Vehicles having speed capability over 210 km/h (e.g. 185/60 VR 13) |
| Speed symbol "W" | Designed as a fitment for vehicles having speed capability not exceeding 270 km/h (e.g. 225/55 R 14 91 W) |
| Speed symbol "Y" | Designed as a fitment for vehicles having speed capability not exceeding 300 km/h |
| ZR + Speed symbol "W" | For a transitional period only tyres will be marked with both designations. Designed as a fitment for vehicles with a speed capability over 240 km/h but not exceeding 270 km/h (e.g. 195/50 ZR 15 82 W) |
| ZR + Speed symbol "Y" | For a transitional period only tyres will be marked with both designations. Designed as a fitment for vehicles with a speed capability over 240 km/h but not exceeding 300 km/h (e.g. 195/50 ZR 15 82 Y) |
| ZR + Load index/Speed Symbol "Y" in brackets | Tyres will be marked with both designations. Designed as a fitment for vehicles with a speed capability over 240 km/h and exceeding 300 km/h (e.g. 195/50 ZR 15 82 Y) |