Car Tire: V-Rated vs H-Rated

[Bob E.]

My first (and only) car tire was/is a General Altimax 205-60-16 H-rated tire.  It's time for a new one and they are available in V-rated or H-rated.  While I'm sure the H-rated is adequate, would there be any advantage or disadvantage to getting the V-rated for about $7 more?  Does anyone actually know the difference in tire construction between the two?  They both have the same treadwear/traction ratings, etc.  I just don't want to get the V-rated tire and have it feel more "squarish" because it is stiffer or something.

[X Ring]

Both V and H rated tires have heavier construction to withstand the heat buildup of higher speeds.  I run an H rated tire and I know guys that run Z rated.  We're both served well.  All depends on what you want.

Marty

[Bob E.]

Both V and H rated tires have heavier construction to withstand the heat buildup of higher speeds.  I run an H rated tire and I know guys that run Z rated.  We're both served well.  All depends on what you want.

Marty

I know what I want to feel...sort of...I guess my question is about whether I'd get that best from the V-rated or from the H-rated.  I'm thinking the H-rated would be better because if it is more flexy, it would feel more like a mc tire and less "square".  But my problem that I've experienced is that, at least for the Altimax, it is almost too flexy because if I run the air pressure below about 40psi, it tends to get wiggly in long sweeping turns.  The higher pressure has pretty much eliminated that, but has also caused the center to wear out faster, plus increased the "square" feel.  So I was thinking that maybe the V-rated tire would allow lower pressure for a less "square" feel while having less of the wigglies...and maybe last longer as well.  On the other hand, if the V-rated tire is too stiff, I don't want to increase the "square" feel over what I have now.

[2qmedic]

I have th GYTT in the H rating, next time I will get the V rating for the stigger side walls.
There was a short dicussion on this about about month ago.

[FryeVRCCDS0067]

I've got around 1000 miles on my V rated altimax. I seem to have settled on 39 to 40 PSI with it. I've worn out two GYTT that I ran 38 PSI in. The altimax pushes me around less that the TT did which is what I was hoping for. I was told years ago that higher speed rated tires will have less tread depth for less weight at the outside edge of the tire trying to pull it apart vie centrifugal force. I can't speak for the accuracy of that, it's just what I have been told in the past. It might not apply to radial tires since I think they are made to control speed induced expansion.

[gordonv]

I can only answer based upon tires on cars. Since I run a high performance tire (forget the rating), when I change to a winter tire, which is usually an H rated tire, they always feel ver soft and spungy. I would then say that the V rated tire would have stiffer sidewalls, which you wouldn't want on a square sided car tire.

However, if your car tire is well rounded, then the rating shouldn't matter. I would think a stiffer higher rated tire would be wanted then.

This is the logic I'll apply to my ACE Tourer when I go out looking for a car tire to mount on it, since no one on the other forum seems to have mounted a CT yet.

[Brad]

The V rated tire has a reinforcement that goes from the bead area of the tire up into the sidewall further than the H rated tire, increasing the steering response and allowing less sidewall flex.  Also most V rated tires will have a wider belt edge strip (strip of rubber that goes around the tire at the edges of the steel belts) that gives more support to prevent belt edge lift.  Also the V rated tire has a heaver nylon cap ply or plies (nylon belts that cover the steel belts).  Nylon contracts as it heats up thus providing more resistance to belt lift and keeps the tread from distorting when the tire gets hot.

That being said according to General's web site the AltiMAX is no longer made in 205/55R16 with a V rating

http://www.generaltire.com/tires/AltiMAX-HP
at bottom of page click on size/spec button

Also General AltiMAX preformed poorly when tested on police cars (no test results were available for motorcycles)

http://www.batogovtires.com/uploads/police%20tire%20tests%20with%20Tire%20Rack.pdf

[98valk]

My first (and only) car tire was/is a General Altimax 205-60-16 H-rated tire.  It's time for a new one and they are available in V-rated or H-rated.  While I'm sure the H-rated is adequate, would there be any advantage or disadvantage to getting the V-rated for about $7 more?  Does anyone actually know the difference in tire construction between the two?  They both have the same treadwear/traction ratings, etc.  I just don't want to get the V-rated tire and have it feel more "squarish" because it is stiffer or something.

if they are the exact tire, same tread pattern etc, then the only difference will be the tread depth. the V-rated gets its rating by having a thinner tread thereby reducing heat buildup to meet the v-rated testing. this is what some manufacturers do for some tires.
just went through this with my rear conti-go tire for the front. they offer it in H and V rated tires. only difference is the tread depth. Only the V-rated is avail in the states.

[Bob E.]

Comparing the tires on tirerack.com, I can't tell the difference.  It doesn't say anything about the tread depth.  The only thing I can see is that the V-rated tire is 1lb heavier than the H-rated.  I've been running the H-rated with success once I got the pressure dialed up, so I just ordered another H-rated tire.

Thanks for all the info guys! 

[X Ring]

Comparing the tires on tirerack.com, I can't tell the difference.  It doesn't say anything about the tread depth.  The only thing I can see is that the V-rated tire is 1lb heavier than the H-rated.  I've been running the H-rated with success once I got the pressure dialed up, so I just ordered another H-rated tire.

Thanks for all the info guys! 

Just checked General"s website and both have 10/32nds tread depth.  Only difference I could find is the V Rated tire is .2 lbs heavier. http://www.generaltire.com/tires/AltiMAX-HP

Marty

[Walküre]

Also General AltiMAX preformed poorly when tested on police cars (no test results were available for motorcycles)

http://www.batogovtires.com/uploads/police%20tire%20tests%20with%20Tire%20Rack.pdf

From that same article:

The aftermarket General AltiMAX HP is a lowcost,
touring-grade, all-season tire. It was
selected to put the OE high performance all-season
tires in perspective. The General AltiMAX HP
tire did not “fail” in any objective way, but it did
draw some sharp criticisms by all three drivers.

And no wonder - it was pitted up against full-fledged performance tires specifically chosen for high-speed radical conditions. Of course, it came in last! Just like I'm sure if you tested a slingshot, against the officer's 9mm pistol, the pistol would probably win. Unless, it was a "noise test", then the slingshot would win, hands down.

Not that the General is the BEST tire in the world. Not by a long shot. Nor am I knocking the test. I'm just saying in that test, it was apples and oranges. If they had just grabbed any 5 makes and models off the shelf, how would it have compared? How it compares to other tires, that cyclists are using, might be an entirely different story. I use one, I'm happy with it, I'll probably go with a different tire next change, just to compare, but I'm certainly not going to let that police tire test, influence my choices. Unless, of course, I trade my Valk for a Police Car...just call me "Barney"!!!  

[cutter]

I just ordered my 2nd 205/60R-16 V rated Yokohama AVID ENViger. I have near 25000 on the first one. I ran 45psi and ran the center down. Dropped to 35 psi and is helping the wear and the ride is still great. I did order from tire rack last friday and had at the house yesterday. This tire is working for me. 99' I/S

I am using dyna beads and no complaints, its been a smooth ride.

[Warlock]

Comparing the tires on tirerack.com, I can't tell the difference.  It doesn't say anything about the tread depth.  The only thing I can see is that the V-rated tire is 1lb heavier than the H-rated.  I've been running the H-rated with success once I got the pressure dialed up, so I just ordered another H-rated tire.

Thanks for all the info guys! 

Just checked General"s website and both have 10/32nds tread depth.  Only difference I could find is the V Rated tire is .2 lbs heavier. http://www.generaltire.com/tires/AltiMAX-HP

Marty

The only thing I think is different is the sidewall re-enforcement. The v rating being able to keep stable at higher rpm's.
David

[sugerbear]

I just ordered my 2nd 205/60R-16 V rated Yokohama AVID ENViger. I have near 25000 on the first one. I ran 45psi and ran the center down. Dropped to 35 psi and is helping the wear and the ride is still great. I did order from tire rack last friday and had at the house yesterday. This tire is working for me. 99' I/S

I am using dyna beads and no complaints, its been a smooth ride.

just mounted one yesterday. ruined my michelin hydroedge. think i'll start at 35 lbs. thanks.

[Brad]

Also General AltiMAX preformed poorly when tested on police cars (no test results were available for motorcycles)

http://www.batogovtires.com/uploads/police%20tire%20tests%20with%20Tire%20Rack.pdf

From that same article:

The aftermarket General AltiMAX HP is a lowcost,
touring-grade, all-season tire. It was
selected to put the OE high performance all-season
tires in perspective. The General AltiMAX HP
tire did not “fail” in any objective way, but it did
draw some sharp criticisms by all three drivers.

And no wonder - it was pitted up against full-fledged performance tires specifically chosen for high-speed radical conditions. Of course, it came in last! Just like I'm sure if you tested a slingshot, against the officer's 9mm pistol, the pistol would probably win. Unless, it was a "noise test", then the slingshot would win, hands down.

Not that the General is the BEST tire in the world. Not by a long shot. Nor am I knocking the test. I'm just saying in that test, it was apples and oranges. If they had just grabbed any 5 makes and models off the shelf, how would it have compared? How it compares to other tires, that cyclists are using, might be an entirely different story. I use one, I'm happy with it, I'll probably go with a different tire next change, just to compare, but I'm certainly not going to let that police tire test, influence my choices. Unless, of course, I trade my Valk for a Police Car...just call me "Barney"!!!  

Yes the article is a good read.  Many people just look at the size and performance rating of a tire and think that they are all the same so the lowest cost tire must be just as good.  "It is V rated so it must be just as good of a performance tire as the other V rated tires".  You do have to know what you want the tire to do and choose accordingly.  There are differences in construction from tire to tire and those differences effect performance regardless of the ratings.

[Ricky-D]

Ok, so am I hearing this correctly?

An identical tire (manufacture-model) with the only difference being the rating (V/H) will have a different carcas with a different sidewall rating?

I don't believe that at all.

CA's opinion about the difference seems to me, to be a better conclusion!

You can look at all the info on a particular tire and also on the sidewall and find no reference to stronger/stiffer sidewalls.

But, you sure can find a lot of far out assumptions!  On this particular subject that is!

I think a lot of folks are mixing and confusing bias with radial and the resulting fog developing into fact!

***

[X Ring]

Ok, so am I hearing this correctly?

An identical tire (manufacture-model) with the only difference being the rating (V/H) will have a different carcas with a different sidewall rating?

I don't believe that at all.

CA's opinion about the difference seems to me, to be a better conclusion!

You can look at all the info on a particular tire and also on the sidewall and find no reference to stronger/stiffer sidewalls.

But, you sure can find a lot of far out assumptions!  On this particular subject that is!

I think a lot of folks are mixing and confusing bias with radial and the resulting fog developing into fact!

***

Really Ricky?  After I went to the manufacturer's website, found they listed the tread depth at 10/32nds for H AND V rated tires and posted it?  The speed rating actually indicates the tire's ability to handle the increased heat of high speed running and heavier construction would allow it to do that.  How else do you explain the almost 1/4 lb difference in weight?  If it was only a shorter tread depth then it wouldn't weigh as much, would it?

Marty

[98valk]

take it easy X. we all ride valkyries 

there are different ways a manufacturer can make a H rated tire into a V rated. I listed one already, another could be a denser or different rubber compound affecting the weight or actually tire construction even shorter sidewall  resulting in a slighly smaller tire dia.
their choice we pay.

some good reading or just google plenty of great discussions out there. enjoy!

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=476149

[Warlock]

Ok, so am I hearing this correctly?

An identical tire (manufacture-model) with the only difference being the rating (V/H) will have a different carcas with a different sidewall rating?

I don't believe that at all.

CA's opinion about the difference seems to me, to be a better conclusion!

You can look at all the info on a particular tire and also on the sidewall and find no reference to stronger/stiffer sidewalls.

But, you sure can find a lot of far out assumptions!  On this particular subject that is!

I think a lot of folks are mixing and confusing bias with radial and the resulting fog developing into fact!

***

Difference Between H-Rated & V-Rated Tires
X
Jonathan Langsdorf
Jonathan Langsdorf has been writing financial, investment and trading articles and blogs since 2007. His work has appeared online at Seeking Alpha, Marketwatch.com and various other websites. Langsdorf has a bachelor's degree in mathematics from the U.S. Air Force Academy.
By Jonathan Langsdorf, eHow Contributor
?
Difference Between H-Rated & V-Rated Tiresthumbnail Select the right tire for your car.

Selecting properly rated tires is important for the safe driving and proper handling of your car. The tire rating system makes it easier to compare different tires and pick the right ones.

   1.
      Function
          *

            The letter designation on a tire rating is the maximum speed for which the tire is rated. The tire size and rating will look like 225/50R16 89H, where the H designates the speed rating.
      Identification
          *

            H-rated tires are rated for a maximum speed of 130 mph. The V rating is the next rating faster, and V-rated tires are good to 149 mph. Both H- and V-rated tires are considered to be performance-touring tires.
      Considerations
          *

            To support running at higher speeds, V-rated tires will have a stiffer sidewall and slightly firmer ride than H-rated tires. For normal driving conditions the H-rated tire will provide a more comfortable ride and the V-rated should give slightly better handling.
      History
          *

            Tire speed ratings were first established in Germany in the 1980s to help drivers pick the correct tires for the high speed autobahns. The speed ratings were initially in kilometers per hour, making the conversion to miles per hour somewhat odd for certain speed ratings like 149 mph for the V rating.
      Warning
          *

            Tire manufacturers often offer identical tires in the same size with different speed ratings. For example, the BFGoodrich Advantage T/A in size 225/60R16 is available with either an H or a V rating. The V-rated tire will be the more expensive option.


Read more: Difference Between H-Rated & V-Rated Tires | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/facts_6003707_difference-between-h_rated-v_rated-tires.html#ixzz1NWIQmsn1

[Brad]

If you would like to see the difference between the V, H and S rated tires call around to some of your local tire shops and ask them if they have any cut-aways of the tires.  When I was in the business (retired 3 years ago) we used to buy cut-aways to show our customers.  We had cut-aways of every tire we sold.  Our suppliers would actually pay someone to cut brand new tires into about 3" sections.  You can see the nylon cap plies, the width of the steel belts, the sidewall chipper, the belt edge strips and the number and size of the wires in the bead bundle.  It was really easy to explain the difference in price when you can show someone that one version of a tire has 2 full width steel belts and another version has 1 full width belt and the second one is a quarter inch narrower on each side.  Make sure you check with a real tire store not one that tells you the difference between tires is "this one is 40,000 mile guarantee and that one is 60,000 mile guarantee".

[X Ring]

take it easy X. we all ride valkyries  

there are different ways a manufacturer can make a H rated tire into a V rated. I listed one already, another could be a denser or different rubber compound affecting the weight or actually tire construction even shorter sidewall  resulting in a slighly smaller tire dia.
their choice we pay.

some good reading or just google plenty of great discussions out there. enjoy!

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=476149

Who said I was upset? 

Marty

[bigfish_Oh]

after reading this I still have not deciphered the opinions I was looking for. I am going to the darkside with a General Altimax 205-60-16, I will ride 2 up at max load cap. most of the time. When I have done all my own maint.(new owner) I will no problem running to the limit(alone).

Do I want "H"  or "V"  ?     My natural choice is "V", but will "H" handle cornering 2 up better ???

thanks,Larry

[X Ring]

Larry, the V rated tire has a stiffer sidewall than a H rated tire does.  If you want to know which is better for carrying a load, then you need to check the load rating, the max weight the tire is designed to handle.  You can find this on many tire sellers websites.  As both H and V rated tires have a higher load limit than a M/C tire you could raise your load limit.

Marty