Speed ​​index

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Tires in size 305/30 ZR 19

The speed index , speed class or speed category indicates the maximum permitted driving speed for tires . It is included as the last character in the tire designation and can be read on the side of the tire. A breakdown of all tire names can be found under the term car tires .

The maximum speed indicates the speed up to which the manufacturer guarantees perfect continuous operation with the correct tire pressure. Otherwise there is a risk that the tread will detach from the carcass due to the centrifugal force of the materials .

Germany

In Germany, the design-related maximum speed (bbH) entered in the vehicle registration document is used to determine the speed index.

When the vehicle type is approved by the German Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA), it is up to the vehicle manufacturer whether this value is sufficient for him or whether he declares a tire of a higher speed class to be necessary. This entry in the vehicle documents is not binding and a tire with a lower speed index can be mounted on the vehicle if the rule below allows a tire with a smaller index. A higher index can also be used.

In addition, all-season and winter tires that have a lower speed index can be fitted if (a) a sticker with the maximum permitted speed is affixed in the driver's field of vision and (b) the vehicle is not driven faster than permitted by the tire labeling (see Section 36 StvZO ) .

Vehicles with first registration before May 1, 2009

For vehicles with a general operating permit (ABE) or national individual operating permit ( first registration / EZ before May 1, 2009) and a BBH> 150 km / h, a safety surcharge on the BBH according to the following formula must be taken into account to determine the speed index:

  • bbH × 0.01 + 6.5 km / h

As an example, for a vehicle with a BBH of 205 km / h, this results in a safety margin of:

  • 205 km / h × 0.01 + 6.5 km / h = 2.05 km / h + 6.5 km / h = 8.55 km / h

The tire must therefore be designed for a speed of: 205 km / h + 8.55 km / h = 213.55 km / h. Speed ​​index H (max. 210 km / h) is therefore not sufficient and a tire with (at least) a "V" index must be used.

Vehicles with first registration from May 1st, 2009

For vehicles with ECE homologation (EC type approval) or individual approval in accordance with Section 13 EG-FGV (Vehicle Approval Ordinance) applies from May 1, 2009:

  • To determine the speed index, the bbH is used as a basis without a safety margin. A car with a bbH of 205 km / h can therefore use tires with the speed index "H".

Italy

Since May 15, 2014, year-round, summer and winter tires may only be used from May 16 up to and including October 14 (summer months) according to the regulation of the Italian Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport if they have a speed index that corresponds at least to the speed index specified in Part I of the registration certificate .

Switzerland

According to Art. 58 Para. 2 VTS , tires must be suitable for the maximum possible speed of the vehicle. The possible maximum speed should be taken from the operating manual; alternatively, ask the brand representative or the vehicle importer. An exception to this concerns M + S tires ("winter tires"). According to Art. 59 Para. 3 VTS, approval for passenger cars for 160 km / h and for motorcycles , small or three-wheeled motor vehicles for 130 km / h is sufficient .

Speed ​​classes

The following speed classes are defined:

Speed ​​classes
class A1 A2 A3 A4 A5 A6 A7 A8 B. C. D. E. F. G J K
km / h 5 10 15th 20th 25th 30th 35 40 50 60 65 70 80 90 100 110
class L. M. N P Q R. S. T U H V VR W. ZR Y (Y)
km / h 120 130 140 150 160 170 180 190 200 210 240 > 210 270 > 240 280 > 300

The abbreviation ZR generally applies to tires over 240 km / h and is often provided with an addition. Example: 225/45 ZR 17 Y. If the addition is put in brackets (e.g. 295/30 ZR 21 (Y)), the tire can be driven at over 300 km / h.

According to Directive 97/24 / EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of June 17, 1997 on certain components and characteristics of two-wheel or three-wheel motor vehicles:

"2.1.12. Tires that are suitable for speeds above 240 km / h must be marked within the size designation of the tire before specifying the type [...] with the appropriate code letter "V" or "Z" [...].

2.1.13. Tires that are suitable for speeds of over 240 km / h (or 270 km / h) must have the load capacity index […] applicable for a speed of 210 km / h (or 240 km / h) and the following reference letters for have the speed category [...]:

  • “V” in the case of tires with the letter “V” within the size designation;
  • 'W' in the case of tires that have the code letter 'Z' within the size designation. "

See also

Web links

  • Calculate speed index for tires Calculation when the maximum speed of the vehicle deviates from the required tires
  • Tire speed index Permissible maximum speed of tires explained in a simple and understandable way

Individual evidence

  1. ↑ ADAC Technik from January 14, 2012
  2. ↑ GTÜ informative edition 09-1 / 2005 ( Memento of July 10, 2012 in the Internet Archive ) (PDF; 197 kB)
  3. ↑ Toroleo: Pay attention to the speed index when buying tires
  4. ↑ ADAC car tire labeling as of 07-2010 p. 3 ( Memento from March 18, 2015 in the Internet Archive ) (PDF; 856 kB)
  5. ↑ a b GTÜ informative as of 02/2012 (PDF; 197 kB)
  6. ↑ http://www.oeamtc.at/portal/italien-ab-15-mai-fahrverbot-fuer-bestte-winterreifen+2500+1603481 ( Memento from November 1, 2014 in the Internet Archive )
  7. ↑ Zurich Road Traffic Office: tires and rims
  8. ↑ Directive 97/24 / EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of June 17, 1997 on certain components and characteristics of two-wheel or three-wheel motor vehicles , accessed on November 30, 2015