Loading

What is HR in tire size?


When it comes to understanding tire sizes, the various letters and numbers on the sidewall can seem confusing. One such designation you might encounter is "HR." This article will explain what HR means in tire size, its significance, and how it impacts your vehicle's performance.


Understanding Tire Size Designations


Tire sizes are typically represented by a combination of numbers and letters, such as 205/55HR16. Each part of this code provides specific information about the tire's dimensions, construction, and performance capabilities. The "HR" in this context is a speed rating and construction type indicator.


What Does the "H" in HR Represent?


The "H" in HR refers to the tire's speed rating. Speed ratings indicate the maximum speed a tire can safely sustain under optimal conditions. Here's a quick breakdown of common speed ratings:



  • H: Maximum speed of 130 mph (210 km/h).

  • T: Maximum speed of 118 mph (190 km/h).

  • V: Maximum speed of 149 mph (240 km/h).

  • W: Maximum speed of 168 mph (270 km/h).


In this case, an "H" rating means the tire is designed to handle speeds up to 130 mph. This is a common rating for passenger vehicles and some performance cars.


What Does the "R" in HR Represent?


The "R" in HR stands for "Radial," which refers to the tire's construction. Radial tires are the most common type of tire construction today. They feature layers of fabric with cords that run at a 90-degree angle to the direction of travel, providing better flexibility, durability, and performance compared to older bias-ply tires.


Why Is HR Important?


Understanding the HR designation is crucial for several reasons:



  • Safety: Using a tire with the correct speed rating ensures it can handle the speeds your vehicle is capable of without risking a blowout.

  • Performance: Tires with higher speed ratings often provide better handling and stability at higher speeds.

  • Compatibility: Ensuring the tire's construction matches your vehicle's requirements is essential for optimal performance and longevity.


Conclusion


The "HR" in tire size is a combination of the speed rating ("H") and the construction type ("R"). It indicates that the tire is a radial tire capable of handling speeds up to 130 mph. When selecting tires for your vehicle, always consult your owner's manual or a trusted auto service professional to ensure you're choosing the right tires for your needs.


At Kevin's Autos, we specialize in helping drivers make informed decisions about their vehicles. If you have questions about tire sizes or need assistance with tire replacement, don't hesitate to contact us!


Frequently Asked Questions

Which tire rating is better H or T?


H-Rated Tires: This is a perfect, average tire for most sedans and commuter vehicles. It might not seem to fit in our chart, but the tire speed rating “H” is rated for up to 130 mph. T-Rated Tires: This tire is often recommended for family sedans and vans. It's rated for up to 118 mph.



How much bigger is a 225 tire than a 215?


Converting these measurements to inches helps in visualizing the difference more clearly. A 215 tyre converts to approximately 8.46 inches, while a 225 tyre equates to around 8.86 inches. This means that the 225 tyre is slightly wider than the 215 tyre, albeit the difference may seem subtle on paper.



What does 225 60R17 99H mean?


The 225/60R17 99H tyre has the following features: the first three digits 225 refer to the width of the tyre in millimetres. The second two-digit number 60 refers to the ratio between the height of the sidewall and the width of the tyre.



What does HR mean on tires?


Eric, "HR" tires are simply "speed-rated" to a specific MPH. If you do not plan on sustained driving at these speeds, the ratings are not necessary. If memory serves, R-rating is 106MPH, S-rating is 112MPH, T-rating is 118MPH, and H-rating is 130MPH.



What is the HR wheel?


HR Wheel Strategy The HR Wheel is a tool used by HR professionals to assess and improve their HR practices. It consists of six components, namely, recruitment and selection, training and development, compensation and benefits, performance management, employee relations, and health and safety.



Which tire is taller, 60 or 70?


If a tire has an aspect ratio of 70, it means the tire's height is 70% of its width. Lower aspect ratio tires, such as a 60 series, generally offer vehicle handling performance advantages over higher aspect ratio tires, such as a 75 series.



Which tire is taller a 65 or 70?


The second number in a tire size refers to the height of the sidewall of a tire. A larger number means a taller sidewall.



Can I use 55 instead of 60 tires?


Similarly, we only recommend changing the aspect ratio by 5% either side of your cars preferred size. For example, a car designed to take a 60 aspect ratio tire could also fit a 55 or 65 aspect ratio. In winter it is very common to 'downsize' tires – this is making the width slightly smaller.



How much taller is a 70 tire than a 65?


Plus Sizes

265/65-17265/70-17
Width inches (mm)10.43 (265)10.43 (265)
Circum. inches (mm)96.02 (2438.82)99.29 (2522.07)
Sidewall Height inches (mm)6.78 (172.25)7.3 (185.5)
Revolutions per mile (km)659.89 (410.03)638.1 (396.5)



Which tire is taller, 205 or 225?


The 205 is 27.1 inches tall and the 225 is 28.4 inches tall. The 225 has higher capacities available for it as well. Generally people go to the bigger size when they need more capacity than what the 205 offers.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.