Tire Speed Ratings vs. Wheel Bolt Patterns
Comparing 2 standards across 14 specifications. 14 key differences identified.
Tire Speed Ratings (standardized under ISO 4000-1 and ECE Regulation 30) are alphabetical index symbols indicating the maximum sustained velocity a tire can safely maintain under its rated load capacity. Ranging from Q (160 km/h / 99 mph) for dedicated winter tires to V (240 km/h), W (270 km/h), Y (300 km/h), and (Y) (>300 km/h / >186 mph) for hypercars.
Wheel Bolt Patterns (defined by the number of wheel lugs and their Pitch Circle Diameter / PCD in millimeters or inches, e.g. 5×114.3 mm or 5×4.5") establish the mechanical bolt hole circle on the wheel hub. Standardizing automotive fitments across Japanese (5×114.3), German VAG/Mercedes (5×112), BMW (5×120 / 5×112), Ford/PSA (4×108), and pickup trucks (6×139.7 / 6×5.5").
Specification Comparison Table
14 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Standardization
|
ISO 4000-1 / UN ECE R30 / SAE J1561 | — |
|
Q Rating
|
160 km/h (99 mph) — Studded and studless Nordic winter tires | — |
|
S & T Ratings
|
S: 180 km/h (112 mph) | T: 190 km/h (118 mph) — Standard family sedans, minivans, and all-season tires | — |
|
H Rating (High Speed)
|
210 km/h (130 mph) — Touring sedans and premium crossovers | — |
|
V Rating
|
240 km/h (149 mph) — Sport compacts and performance GT cars | — |
|
W & Y Ratings
|
W: 270 km/h (168 mph) | Y: 300 km/h (186 mph) — Exotic sports cars and track-focused performance vehicles | — |
|
(Y) In Parentheses
|
Speeds in excess of 300 km/h (>186 mph) — Certified individually with vehicle manufacturer for hypercars (Bugatti, Koenigsegg, Porsche GT3 RS) | — |
|
Definition of PCD
|
— | The diameter of the notional circle passing through the center of all wheel lug stud holes |
|
5×114.3 mm (5×4.5 in)
|
— | The most widely used Japanese/American pattern: Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Mazda, Hyundai, Kia, Ford Mustang, Tesla Model 3/Y |
|
5×112 mm
|
— | The German automotive benchmark: Volkswagen, Audi, Porsche Macan, Mercedes-Benz, modern BMW (G-chassis), MINI |
|
5×120 mm (5×4.72 in)
|
— | Classic BMW (E & F chassis), Honda Civic Type R (FK8/FL5), Tesla Model S/X, Chevrolet Corvette |
|
5×100 mm & 4×100 mm
|
— | 5×100: Subaru WRX/BRZ, Toyota GT86, older VW Golf | 4×100: Mazda Miata NA/NB, classic Honda Civic, BMW E30 |
|
6×139.7 mm (6×5.5 in)
|
— | The universal body-on-frame truck/SUV standard: Toyota Tacoma/4Runner/Land Cruiser, Ford Ranger, Chevy Silverado |
|
5-Lug Measurement Rule
|
— | Measure from the center of one hole to the outer edge of the second opposite hole (not center-to-center) |