It might help if I explained "speed ratings." The rating does not tell you how fast the tire can go, rather how long it can be expected to last at a sustained speed.

We’re going to use the code P205/65R16 75H as an example. Tire type. The first letter of the code describes what type of vehicle the tire is meant for. P indicates a passenger vehicle.

Speed ratings make a difference in a vehicle’s cornering ability, comfort, wear, and braking distance. “Or more specifically, how well the tread stays stable under stress,” Sidorov explained.

That letter defines the speed rating of any given tire. Below is the breakdown of the most common ratings currently offered on most mass-produced tires.

While the colored lines found on new tires are optional, follow along to see what they mean, and why they are there.

Read this car news article from 2013-03-14. Tire Speed Ratings ...