NASIOC - View Single Post - H-R-W-XYZ....ratings..what do they REALLY mean?

GooseMan · 02-08-2002, 09:12 AM

I'm planning on getting a set of Kuhmo 712's this spring, and I can get a good deal on them. The W rated ones are about 40-50 bucks cheaper OVERALL (for all 4) than Z rated.

I know that the ratings are heat ratings for maximum speed (for instance, W is only for 100mph, whereas Z is for 149+ mph (I'm just making those numbers up)).

I rearely go over 100mph, so I dont really NEED Z rated tires....or do I???

Do Z rated tires actually have better GRIP than W rated? I guess they would be more heat resistant, but is the compound actually grippier? What benefit would I have with Z rated? Should I pay the extra cash?

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02-08-2002, 09:12 AM	#1
GooseMan Scooby Specialist Member#: 2462 Join Date: Sep 2000 Chapter/Region: SCIC Location: Los Angeles/Montreal Vehicle: 2012 Volvo S60 T5 2005 Triumph Sprint ST	H-R-W-XYZ....ratings..what do they REALLY mean? I'm planning on getting a set of Kuhmo 712's this spring, and I can get a good deal on them. The W rated ones are about 40-50 bucks cheaper OVERALL (for all 4) than Z rated. I know that the ratings are heat ratings for maximum speed (for instance, W is only for 100mph, whereas Z is for 149+ mph (I'm just making those numbers up)). I rearely go over 100mph, so I dont really NEED Z rated tires....or do I??? Do Z rated tires actually have better GRIP than W rated? I guess they would be more heat resistant, but is the compound actually grippier? What benefit would I have with Z rated? Should I pay the extra cash? * Registered users of the site do not see these ads.