09 Wheels and tyres
09
Tyres - load index
Load index indicates a tyre's ability to carry a
certain load.
Tyres - speed ratings
W
Y
270 km/h (168 mph)
300 km/h (186 mph)
Each tyre can withstand a certain maximum
speed and therefore belongs to a particular
speed rating (SS - Speed Symbol).
Each tyre has a certain capacity to carry a
load, a load index (LI). The car's weight deter-
mines the load capacity required of the tyres.
Lowest permissible index is specified in the
tyre load index table, see section "Specifica-
tions" in the printed owner's manual.
WARNING
Tyre speed class must at least correspond
with the car's top speed. The table below
indicates the maximum permitted speed that
applies for each speed rating (SS). The only
exception to these regulations is the winter
tyre (p. 329)2, where a lower speed rating
may be used. If such a tyre is chosen, the car
must not be driven faster than the speed rat-
ing of the tyre (for example, class Q can be
driven at a maximum of 160 km/h (100 mph)).
Traffic regulations determine how fast a car
can be driven, not the speed rating of the
tyres.
The car must be fitted with tyres which
have the same or a higher load index
(p. 328) (LI) and speed rating (SS) than
specified. If a tyre with too low a load
index or speed rating is used, it may over-
heat.
Related information
Tyres - dimensions (p. 327)
•
Related information
Tyres - dimensions (p. 327)
Tyres - approved tyre pressures (p. 420)
•
•
•
•
Tyres - speed ratings (p. 328)
•
Tyres - load index (p. 328)
Tyres - maintenance (p. 323)
•
Tyres - direction of rotation (p. 324)
NOTE
The maximum permitted speed is speci-
fied in the table.
Q
160 km/h (100 mph) (only used on
winter tyres)
T
H
V
190 km/h (118 mph)
210 km/h (130 mph)
240 km/h (149 mph)
2
Both those with metal studs and those without.
328
English 
