What does 101W mean on tires?
Take ‘101W’, for instance. This combination is not just random; it carries significant meaning that can impact your driving experience and safety. The ‘101’ in this marking refers to the tire’s load index, which indicates how much weight each tire can safely support. You can always increase the speed rating of the tires on your vehicle for improved performance, but can never decrease it without reducing the vehicle top speed to that of the lower speed rating selected.T and 102H are service descriptions. Load Index, what this means is, the tire is capable of carrying weight up to, 1,874 lbs per tire. The T and H are speed Ratings, this indicates that a tire is capable of speeds up to, 118 mph and 130 mph (respectively).The higher rated tyres, specifically W rated tyres, tend to be required on high-performance sports cars. So, what does tyre rating W mean? It means that you have a car that is capable of driving safely at high speeds up to 168 mph.The choice between H and T tires is actually based on speed ratings: while H-rated tires allow a top speed of 130 mph, delivering superior handling and heat resistance. T-rated tires max out at 118 mph and thus favor durability and comfort for everyday use.Using tyres with different speed ratings can also cause uneven wear and tear on the tyres, leading to a shorter lifespan and potentially compromising the safety of the vehicle. The only exception to this is a winter tyre.
Are 7 year old tyres too old?
Yes, tyres do have a recommend shelf life. However again this is just a recommendation. While there isn’t a specific expiration date, tyre manufacturers recommend replacing tires after 6-10 years from the date of manufacture, regardless of tread depth or usage. The straightforward answer is “it depends. A normal set of tires should last for 60,000 to 75,000 miles, or about four to five years. But there are a few key factors that will affect your tires’ lifespan.
What is the 3% tire rule?
The 3% tire rule is a guideline for upsizing tires. It recommends keeping the new tire’s diameter within 3% of the original to avoid affecting performance and safety. As a general rule, you want replacement tires that are within 3 percent of the diameter (height) measurement of the tires originally on your vehicle.Finally, a few tire manufacturers recommend outright tire replacement, as they will not accept repaired tires for warranty consideration or do not endorse repair of V-, Z-, W- or Y-speed rated tires.