Speed Ratings
Critical for South African Conditions
With our long distances and high-speed highways, understanding speed ratings is crucial for safety. Never exceed your tyre's speed rating!
Speed Rating Chart
| Rating | Max Speed | Common Use |
|---|---|---|
| S | 180 km/h | Family sedans |
| T | 190 km/h | Family sedans |
| U | 200 km/h | Sport sedans |
| H | 210 km/h | Sport sedans |
| V | 240 km/h | Performance cars |
| W | 270 km/h | High performance |
| Y | 300 km/h | Ultra high performance |
South African Recommendations
Highway Driving (N1, N3, N4)
Minimum H-rating (210 km/h) recommended for sustained high-speed driving on our major highways.
Urban Driving
T-rating (190 km/h) sufficient for city and suburban driving.
Heat Considerations
Higher speed ratings often have better heat dissipation - crucial for SA's hot climate.
Heat Ratings for South Africa
Why Heat Ratings Matter in SA
South Africa's extreme temperatures (up to 50°C in some regions) combined with high-speed highway driving creates intense heat buildup in tyres. Poor heat resistance leads to blowouts and tread separation.
Temperature Rating A
BEST
Highest heat resistance. Recommended for:
- Long-distance highway driving
- Northern provinces (Limpopo, North West)
- Heavy-duty applications
Temperature Rating B
GOOD
Moderate heat resistance. Suitable for:
- City and suburban driving
- Coastal areas
- Regular highway use
Temperature Rating C
MINIMUM
Basic heat resistance. Limited to:
- Light urban use only
- Short distances
- Avoid for highway driving
Regional Recommendations
🔥 Hot Regions (Rating A Recommended)
- Northern Cape
- Limpopo
- North West
- Free State
🌊 Moderate Regions (Rating B Acceptable)
- Western Cape
- Eastern Cape
- KwaZulu-Natal
Tread Depth & Patterns
Legal Requirements
South African Law
Minimum tread depth: 1.6mm
However, safety experts recommend replacement at 3mm for optimal performance.
Measurement Methods
🪙 Coin Test (R5 Coin)
Insert R5 coin into tread groove. If you can see the top of the coin, replace tyres immediately.
📏 Tread Depth Gauge
Most accurate method. Available at tyre shops and auto stores.
Safety Impact
| Tread Depth | Wet Braking | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 8mm (New) | Optimal | Excellent |
| 4-6mm | Good | Safe |
| 3mm | Reduced | Replace Soon |
| 1.6mm | Dangerous | Replace Now |
Tread Pattern Types
Highway/Road Tyres
Best for: Paved roads, long distances, fuel efficiency
Pattern: Circumferential grooves, low rolling resistance
All-Terrain (AT)
Best for: Mixed on/off-road, versatile
Pattern: Aggressive lugs, sidewall protection
Mud-Terrain (MT)
Best for: Serious off-roading, mud, sand
Pattern: Large lugs, self-cleaning voids
Wet Weather
Best for: Rainy conditions, coastal areas
Pattern: Deep grooves, siping for grip
Load Index & Weight Ratings
Understanding Load Index
The load index indicates the maximum weight each tyre can safely carry. Critical for safety and legal compliance.
| Load Index | Max Load (kg) | Typical Application |
|---|---|---|
| 75 | 387 | Small cars |
| 82 | 475 | Compact cars |
| 91 | 615 | Mid-size cars |
| 94 | 670 | Large cars |
| 100 | 800 | Light SUVs |
| 106 | 950 | Heavy SUVs |
| 112 | 1120 | Light trucks |
| 116 | 1250 | Commercial vehicles |
Safety Guidelines
Never Overload
Exceeding load rating causes heat buildup, blowouts, and handling problems.
Check Your Load Rating
- Vehicle door placard
- Owner's manual
- Current tyre sidewall
High Load Considerations
- Increase tyre pressure
- Reduce speed
- Check tyres more frequently
Vehicle-Specific Guidance
Emergency Situations
Blowout
- Hold steering wheel firmly
- Do NOT brake hard
- Gradually reduce speed
- Pull over safely
Flat Tyre
- Find safe location
- Turn on hazard lights
- Use spare or call assistance
- Check other tyres
Get Help
- Roadside assistance: 0861 007 911
- Emergency services: 10111
- AA Emergency: 0861 000 234
- Local tyre fitment centers