LARRY A. STRICKLAND
U.S. Army Garrison Hohenfels Safety Office
Hohenfels, Germany

How well do you know your vehicle’s tires? If you’re doing a permanent change of station move to Europe and ship your vehicle, do you know if your tires will be safe for the high-speed conditions of the autobahn? Before you get out there and put the pedal to the metal, you need to know your tires’ speed rating.

What is a speed rating?
Developed in Europe primarily for the German autobahn, speed ratings were originally intended to help owners of high-performance cars select tires to match their vehicle’s speed capabilities. As of 1991, tires are marked with information designating their size and speed rating. In the following examples, the speed rating is designated by the letters H and/or S: 215/65R16 98 H, 225/50SR16, 225/50SR16 89S or 215/50R16 89S. For more on the most common tire speed rating symbols, maximum speeds and typical applications, see the info graphic below. Note that the miles per hour ratings will appear strange due to the ratings being developed under the kilometer per hour criteria.

It’s important to recognize that high-speed tire ratings don’t mean it is safe to drive the vehicle they’re mounted on at high speed. Also, drivers should consider the road conditions or any unusual handling characteristics their vehicle may have. Regardless their tires’ speed rating, drivers should never operate a vehicle in an unsafe or unlawful manner.

When replacing a tire, check your owner’s manual or the information on the side of the tire to ensure your replacement tire is the appropriate size and style/classification. If the vehicle came with high-performance tires, you may be required to replace the tires with the original or a similar type of tire. Additionally, be sure to not mix and match (put different types of tire ratings on the vehicle). Also, your vehicle’s tire speed ratings should match your driving style.

Winter driving tires in Europe
Here are some things to consider before driving in Europe during the winter months:

• If you are a skier, most of the alpine areas require the additional use of snow chains, regardless if you have winter tires.

• Studded snow tires may not be approved in the country in which you are driving.

• All-weather or all-terrain tires may not be an acceptable substitute for winter/snow tires. For example, Bavaria has specific requirements for the type of all-weather tires that may be used.

• Check your owner’s manual, tire rating, tire manufacturer’s specifications and the requirements for the country where you’re driving for specific criteria on which tires may be used or required.

• Some overseas U.S. military communities have considered adding tire requirements as part of annual vehicle inspections.

Ensure your move overseas goes well. Have your vehicle checked to meet emission, suspension and other standards and make sure to have your tires checked as well. Remember, your life is riding on your tires. Make sure they’re safe so they’ll keep you safe.


FYI

Motorcycle Tire Speed Ratings
Speed ratings indicate at what level of sustained speed a tire has been tested and certified safe. Speed ratings are issued by the tire manufacturers, and they do not recommend that any of their products be used to exceed legal speed limits.
Tires rated for 150 mph are just as capable of driving at 65 mph. Obviously, they are rated for higher speeds for passing, an occasional night at the quarter-mile track and the autobahn.
Always consult your owner's manual or other reference materials for recommended tire ratings for your machine and never mix speed ratings. If you have an H tire on the front, you need an H tire on the rear.