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Showing results for tags 'tire speed rating'.
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Looking at some snow tires for our family car (AKA “my wife’s car”). Before now, I was unacquainted with the “Speed Rating” part of the tire code. But I am still not sure I understand it, at least in the case of the tires I’m looking at. Here’s the specific tire: Bridgstone Blizzak DM-V2 P235/65R17S XL. Which is the speed rating, the ‘S’, or the ‘L’? Why this tire? The car (2019 Honda CR-V EX-L) comes with P235/60R18 tires. I want to drop down to 17” steel rims for the winter tires. Why the smaller size? Somewhat lower cost, more tire height, used 17” steel rims available. Why steel Rims? Avoid the reaction between the normal aluminum wheels and the steel it’s mounted to. The much lower cost. Personal preference – I don’t like the looks of aluminum wheels. (I’m weird that way.) Re: matching the tire sizes: The tire size comparison: P235/60R18 – 91.4” circumference; 693 revolutions/mile P235/65R17 – 91.1 circumference; 695 revolutions/mile So this specific tire comes up in the tire size matching charts, by both circumference and by Revolutions per mile. BUT, it is not available in the ‘T’ speed rating for passenger cars – this particular tire is designated for ‘light trucks’ (by which I assume they mean ‘Pick ups’, which in my upbringing and dialect are not considered ‘trucks’ – That would mean a 1 ton or more.) Notice in the speed rating chart that the ‘L’ designation has a top sustained speed of 75 MPH. We don’t drive that fast in the snow around here, and have the street tires for Summer time. But if the ‘XL’ is not the speed rating for this tire, then it is an ‘S’ rated tire, and there’re no more questions in my mind. OR, Would you all suggest just sticking with the 18” tires for both Summer & Winter? (I can purchase 4 new 18” steel rims for about 4 times the cost of the 4 used 17’s – $300.00 compared to $75.00.)