seouljah

whats the difference between z-rated tires and h-rated tires? and are there any other rated tires?

Sonic

From Tirerack.com:

Speed ratings signify the top speed of a tire under perfect conditions. Common speed ratings are:

N=87 MPH, 140km/h U=124 MPH, 200km/h
P=93 MPH, 150km/h H=130 MPH, 210km/h
Q=99 MPH, 160km/h V=149 MPH, 240km/h
R=106 MPH, 170km/h W=168 MPH, 270km/h
S=112 MPH, 180km/h Y=186 MPH, 300km/h
T=118 MPH, 190km/h Z=149 MPH, 240km/h and over

For all intents and purposes, an H rated tire should be fine for your car, but I have heard it argued that higher rated tires are 'better'. Better at what I don't know.

greenmax

iTrader: (1)

You need "H"rated tires for a maxima all other apply for faster cars like mustang and viper.....ect.

Sonic

Some performance tires that Maxima owners put on their cars only come a Z rated tires.

xHypex

iTrader: (1)

Also keep in mind that better compounds are more expensive. Tires in my size (235/40/18) only come in Z, but I also paid for it when I got my tires a few weeks ago. $741.50 for tires WITH a discount from a friend! Having bigger wheels usually hurts the pocketbook.
-hype

bullseye

I am informed that the higher the speed rating, the stiffer the sidewalls are. If you have a flat, your sidewalls will support the weight of your car better until you can bleed off speed and come to a stop. Stiffer sidewalls allow you to corner better, too. The downside? The stiffer sidewalls transmit road bumps more.

greenmax

iTrader: (1)

Those sidewall tires that you are talking about are runflat tires like goodyear eagle f1 but there also more expensive but at a bigger wheel and smaller profile tire chances are your going to get a flat.

greenmax

iTrader: (1)

Those sidewall tires that you are talking about are runflat tires like goodyear eagle f1 but there also more expensive but at a bigger wheel and smaller profile tire chances are your going to get a flat.