I know this is a Newbie-style question, but I'm asking anyway:

My 98 EX 5sp coupe has the recommended tires on the car -- P185/65SR14's.

The car's top speed is closer to 120MPH, however, above the S speed rating of 112MPH. In fact, even the owners manual asks that you not exceed 113MPH in 4th gear (redline).

I was under the impression manufacturers made sure their recommended (and OEM) tire speed rating either met or exceeded the car's actual top speed, if for anything else liability reasons.

I know, I know, I can buy H-rated tires tomorrow and not worry about it, but it's still a curiosity.

Comments? Or all you all running V rated tires on 18" rims???

 

u can run any speed rating as long as it is the same speed rating or higher.

 

just because it says 112mph max does not mean it is safe to go that fast. u can go 60 on the freeway and take a sharp turn and could spin out with s rated.. besides some h's are equilivent to v's.. take the v rated azenis.. better than most z rated..

 

the stock tires are not meant to handle that kind of speed, meaning that if you go that fast it wont handle well. secondly, when going that fast on stocks, the tires wear out a lot faster. the 14's feel all mushy when going that fast, ill stick to my 18s.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by tangb2023 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">u can go 60 on the freeway and take a sharp turn and could spin out with s rated..</TD></TR></TABLE>

that is with any tire. the letter tells you the SPEED rating. means its rated for certain
speed before it explodes. you know cause of centrifugal (sp?) force. a tire rated at "S"
was rated at top speed of 112mph like you said, and shouldnt go past that speed. tire
manufactures rate it a little lower than its limits but its not safe to go past its limits.
not
saying you cant do it but you shouldnt for your safety and others. when i had S rated
tires i didnt even like speeding past 100 mph, but thats jus me.

note: the speed rating of a tire does not determine the grip of tires.

 

I thought that generation of EX had H-rated stock. At least my sister's '99 EX sedan has 185/65HR14s on it.

Anyway, I think you have a speed limiter from what I have heard.

My car has 185/60HR14s stock and no limiter