S Vs. T rated

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daves87rs

daves87rs

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Okay, as I get closer to new tires this summer, I've been thinking about the two ratings.


I've been considering 2- the X-radial(S) and the BFG traction Touring/TAs (both Ts).


I'm not really that interested in treadwear (since the car has yet to hit 20k in six years). I'm more interested in handling.


On a 14incher (195/70), would one really notice a difference?


When I added the T rated Sumi HTR 4s on my Cobalt, the handling (per say) is much better with better grip with the tires.


My thinking at the moment would be to go with the TAs....



(and yes, I realize the ratings have to do with speeds)
 
While the ratings refer to speeds, they really pertain to sidewall stiffness, and its ability to take the forces of higher rotational speed.

That sidewall stiffness DEFINITELY effects handling, which is why you will see H rated tires on minivans and V rated tires on family sedans.

I put H rated tires on my MB diesels, I like the way they feel better. That said, the practical difference compared to, say, a good T rated tire is not much, since often the suspension is limiting on older cars that show 14" wheels.

The sumi and the yokohana TRZ are both very quiet and nice tires with decent characteristics, IMO.
 
You will find very little difference between S and T rated tires, Buy an H rated tire and the hancling improvement will put a smile on your face.
 
IMO, JHZR2 covered it well. I've used S rated on a Civic that OE's with H. Didn't notice any diffference. More spirited drivers might.
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Went back to H rated HP's because of value. Don't notice much difference in ride from the S rated Avids.

Running new T rated BFG's T/A's on an Altima, rides nice.

Running OE Michelin V rated on Honda Accord 3.0L. I'd describe it as a stiff sporty, ride. Low profile 215/50/17's could have something to do with that. BTW, I will not use this Michelin (Pilot HX MXM4) again, treadwear is poor.
 
I agree with the Yokohama Avid TRZ for good handling. I have them on my Corolla and they're definitely much firmer than the typical S/T tires I've owned in the past. Handle excellent as well.

For my next tire, I'm actually going to go with the Michelin X Radial for a softer ride. Both tires work good (I've had a number of the X Radials on other vehicles), but the Michelin would get the nod for ride and the Yokohama for handling.
 
Originally Posted By: daves87rs
Okay, as I get closer to new tires this summer, I've been thinking about the two ratings.


I've been considering 2- the X-radial(S) and the BFG traction Touring/TAs (both Ts).


I'm not really that interested in treadwear (since the car has yet to hit 20k in six years). I'm more interested in handling.


On a 14incher (195/70), would one really notice a difference?


When I added the T rated Sumi HTR 4s on my Cobalt, the handling (per say) is much better with better grip with the tires.


My thinking at the moment would be to go with the TAs....



(and yes, I realize the ratings have to do with speeds)


You didn't say what car. Rule of thumb, use at least the load and speed rating (or higher) of the OEM tire.

I researched tires a lot lately and here is a summary of your choices:

BFG T/A will give you the best traction at the expense of poor rolling resistance and moderate treadwear.
Mich X radial will give you good rolling resistance and long life at the expense of price and moderate traction.
Since you mentioned Sumi HTR (a family of tires inclusing T4, H4 and 200), fine tires with both good traction and good rolling resistance. Also cheap. Limited treadwear life though.
 
One benefit of going with H rated tires is the presence of extra ply, usually nylon, on top of steel belts that minimizes chances of tire blowup (firestone style).
 
Originally Posted By: JHZR2
the yokohana TRZ are both very quiet and nice tires with decent characteristics, IMO.


From my experience, TRZs are quiet initially then start to get very noisy (60% tread left)as they wear down! X-ice is much quieter even with 50% tread...
 
Originally Posted By: friendly_jacek
Originally Posted By: daves87rs
Okay, as I get closer to new tires this summer, I've been thinking about the two ratings.


I've been considering 2- the X-radial(S) and the BFG traction Touring/TAs (both Ts).


I'm not really that interested in treadwear (since the car has yet to hit 20k in six years). I'm more interested in handling.


On a 14incher (195/70), would one really notice a difference?


When I added the T rated Sumi HTR 4s on my Cobalt, the handling (per say) is much better with better grip with the tires.


My thinking at the moment would be to go with the TAs....



(and yes, I realize the ratings have to do with speeds)


You didn't say what car. Rule of thumb, use at least the load and speed rating (or higher) of the OEM tire.

I researched tires a lot lately and here is a summary of your choices:

BFG T/A will give you the best traction at the expense of poor rolling resistance and moderate treadwear.
Mich X radial will give you good rolling resistance and long life at the expense of price and moderate traction.
Since you mentioned Sumi HTR (a family of tires inclusing T4, H4 and 200), fine tires with both good traction and good rolling resistance. Also cheap. Limited treadwear life though.




Cavalier (04)



Something better and more grip than the GYs I have now....
 
My experience is that there is a huge difference between S and T, but not as much between T and H in vehicle stability especially in the rain.
 
Originally Posted By: PandaBear
My experience is that there is a huge difference between S and T, but not as much between T and H in vehicle stability especially in the rain.



That's what has me wondering too..
 
Originally Posted By: daves87rs
Okay, as I get closer to new tires this summer, I've been thinking about the two ratings.


I've been considering 2- the X-radial(S) and the BFG traction Touring/TAs (both Ts).


I'm not really that interested in treadwear (since the car has yet to hit 20k in six years). I'm more interested in handling.


On a 14incher (195/70), would one really notice a difference?


When I added the T rated Sumi HTR 4s on my Cobalt, the handling (per say) is much better with better grip with the tires.


My thinking at the moment would be to go with the TAs....



(and yes, I realize the ratings have to do with speeds)


Of the two you are looking at I would say the BF Goodrich Traction T/As. I have them and the handling and traction have been good in all weather and road conditions.
 
Originally Posted By: daves87rs
Originally Posted By: PandaBear
My experience is that there is a huge difference between S and T, but not as much between T and H in vehicle stability especially in the rain.



That's what has me wondering too..


This is so highly variable, it's almost impossible for the average guy to sort this out just by sampling tires.

I go into it a bit more deeply here:

http://www.barrystiretech.com/speedratings.html

Bottomline: H rated tires are generally better grouped with higher speed ratings, while S and T rated are better grouped toegther. But, you'll find plenty of exceptions.
 
Last edited:
Originally Posted By: CapriRacer


I go into it a bit more deeply here:

http://www.barrystiretech.com/speedratings.html

Bottomline: H rated tires are generally better grouped with higher speed ratings, while S and T rated are better grouped toegther. But, you'll find plenty of exceptions.


Good writeup, consistent with what I know about H rated tires.

So, you are Berry?

This shows how tire testing is not that stringent as most people assume. I also like that fact how U and up are tested at 41 psi. This validates my believes that the car maker specified pressure is the minimum pressure for the load and most people will find optimal pressure somewhere between the car maker recommended and the maximum cold tire pressure.

BTW, did S, H, and V initially stand for standard, high, and very high speed?
 
Yes, I am Barry. I started that website so I didn't have to constantly repeat myself. It's so much easier to write it once, then refer to the appropriate pages.

Not to mention there are topics that take quite a lot of words to fully explore. The Ford / Firestone controversy is one of them.

I don't know WHAT the letters S, H, and V in the speed ratings stand for, but my best guess would be the same as yours.
 
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