H rated tires DANGEROUS?

[GullyBoy21]

I got H rated tires from a tire store. 4 all season tires for $718 including balance and alignment. I didn't know they were H rated i told the guy 150 mph rated. I could still get Y rated tires just pay the difference. What should i do? H=130mph Y=150mph W=160mph

 

[chief_wiggum]

Well, how much time do you drive above 130?

 

[MikeHTally]

Some tire shops won't install tires that don't meet the speed rating. Those ratings are for sustained speeds, so the infrequent foray above 130 shouldn't be too risky. My 300C has "H" rated tires and it's fuel-cutoff limited to 131. It's only seen 125 for a brief period.

I've not done much homework, but $718 seems a bit pricey for "H" rated.

 

[GullyBoy21]

Not too often but i've hit 130mph like 12 times and 144 like 3 times since i had the car. its been a year and 1 month since i had the car.

 

[GullyBoy21]

Some tire shops won't install tires that don't meet the speed rating. Those ratings are for sustained speeds, so the infrequent foray above 130 shouldn't be too risky. My 300C has "H" rated tires and it's fuel-cutoff limited to 131. It's only seen 125 for a brief period.

I've not done much homework, but $718 seems a bit pricey for "H" rated.

i live in NY so 718 is a good deal. Seriously is it save?

 

[MikeHTally]

i live in NY so 718 is a good deal. Seriously is it save?

Probably. Bear in mind, "safe" has many connotations -- decent wet grip -- cold weather tolerance -- snow traction.

If you're asking for an opinion, I'd say no.

 

[lestat13]

I have this philosophy: If you buy a real expensive radio and turn the volume all the way up, s*** is gonna start to break. Same principle, if you drive 130mph tires upto 155 its gonna put extra strain on the tires. To me it's not worth it if your life is on the line. I'm gonna go at least Y rated, if only for the peace of mind.

And about only sustained driving, some people might hit 155 and immediately drop back down to say 45mph, I did it once. But most of the time if you are driving like that, you are keeping the speeds high consistently. Even if you aren't averaging 130, 100-120 for sustained periods of time can't be easy on a tire. I don't know a ton about tires, but I would think thats still pushing your luck.

 

[chief_wiggum]

And since you specifically asked for tires rated to 150, that should be what you get. If you're not happy now, you're not going to be happy two weeks/months from now; take them back if you can.

 

[GullyBoy21]

i feel the same... i dont do it often just once in a blue moon but i've gotten to 144. Maybe i should get the higher rated tire.

 

[lestat13]

Quick question, what are our factory tires rated at??? Probably something I should have checked BEFORE searching for the limiter......

 

[MikeHTally]

Z=sustained 149

 

[speed1016]

You should only be driving the speed limit or maybe 5 over. I know for a fact no where in north Fl is the speed limit anywhere near 130mph! HEHE

 

[strytnyne]

BFGoodrich g-Force Super Sport A/S (Ultra High Performance All-Season)

* Size: 235/40ZR18
* Treadwear: 400
* ZR Speed Rated
* Price: $146.00 (each) > h rated tires imo.

 

[lestat13]

You should only be driving the speed limit or maybe 5 over. I know for a fact no where in north Fl is the speed limit anywhere near 130mph! HEHE

Well we would all be lying if we said we all bought these cars to drive the speed limit. (burp)

 

[MikeHTally]

You should only be driving the speed limit or maybe 5 over. I know for a fact no where in north Fl is the speed limit anywhere near 130mph! HEHE

You have to realize the posted "limit" is actually a suggested minimum.

 

[speed1016]

thats a good way to look at it.

 

[GullyBoy21]

I CHANGED THEM... I feel like i made a mistake. The Cooper H speed rated tires i had felt more comfertable, and they looked cool. I also know they were going to last me longer b/c of the treat wear. I got Pirelli Rated W speed rated. Damn me........

 

[coololddude]

MS3 stock tires are Y rated. (186 mph.)

 

[Olestra]

There is a strong misconception that b/c a tire is rated at 130mph, if you don't drive that fast, you're fine.
This is incorrect.

Quoted from:
http://www.caaquebec.com/Automobile...=f307774a-33db-41dd-97e1-80e0362efc40&lang=en

"When replacing your vehicle’s original tires, it is important to respect their speed rating. With today’s suspensions, car manufacturers attach more and more importance to the speed rating of the tires that equip their vehicles. Thus, a car delivered with original tires rated H or V will offer lower performance with S-rated tires (see chart below). In fact, steering, braking, road holding and stability will all be negatively impacted because, for one thing, the sidewalls of an S-tire are not as stiff as those of an H- or a V-tire."

As a side note semi related to this thread, when buying winter tires, winter tires often have lower speed ratings. So this is something you have to consider. I often see ppl buying Michelin X-Ice b/c they are a highly recommended tire but they don't realize they are a Q rated tire.

Edit: an excellent read:
http://www.wheels.ca/Tire Talk/article/250663

So I think you did the right thing by changing them out. The more "comfortable" feeling you were getting is softer sidewalls. I would rather have a safer car.

 

[VAspeed3]

There is a strong misconception that b/c a tire is rated at 130mph, if you don't drive that fast, you're fine.
This is incorrect.

Quoted from:
http://www.caaquebec.com/Automobile...=f307774a-33db-41dd-97e1-80e0362efc40&lang=en

"When replacing your vehicle’s original tires, it is important to respect their speed rating. With today’s suspensions, car manufacturers attach more and more importance to the speed rating of the tires that equip their vehicles. Thus, a car delivered with original tires rated H or V will offer lower performance with S-rated tires (see chart below). In fact, steering, braking, road holding and stability will all be negatively impacted because, for one thing, the sidewalls of an S-tire are not as stiff as those of an H- or a V-tire."

As a side note semi related to this thread, when buying winter tires, winter tires often have lower speed ratings. So this is something you have to consider. I often see ppl buying Michelin X-Ice b/c they are a highly recommended tire but they don't realize they are a Q rated tire.

Edit: an excellent read:
http://www.wheels.ca/Tire Talk/article/250663

So I think you did the right thing by changing them out. The more "comfortable" feeling you were getting is softer sidewalls. I would rather have a safer car.

Amen brother. Higher speed rated tires handle better at ALL speeds.