Speed Symbol
The speed symbol (for example "V") behind the tire size specification (such as 185/65 R 14 86V)) indicates the maximum permitted speed (vmax 240 km/h (149.1 mph)) for the tire.
The vehicle tires must be selected so that their maximum permitted speed is over the speed that can be attained by the vehicle ("model-dependent").
Vehicles with national type approval within Germany
If the vehicle has a national type approval, the maximum vehicle speed is calculated as follows:
Formula for vehicles with speed "v" up to 150 km/h (93.2 mph)
vmax = 1.03 x v + 3.5 km/h (2.2 mph)
Example: specified maximum speed v = 145 km/h (90.1 mph)
vmax = 1.03 x 145 km/h (90.1 mph) + 3.5 km/h (2.2 mph) = 152.85 km/h (95 mph)
In this example, a "Q" tire or a tire with a higher valued speed symbol must be used.
Formula for vehicles with speed "v" from 151 km/h (93.8 mph)
vmax = 1.01 x v + 6.5 km/h (4 mph)
Example: specified maximum speed v = 163 km/h (101.3 mph)
vmax = 1.01 x 163 km/h (101.3 mph) + 6.5 km/h (4 mph) = 171.13 km/h (106.3 mph)
In this example, a "S" tire or a tire with a higher valued speed symbol must be used.
Vehicles with EC type approval
If the vehicle has an EC type approval, the permitted speed for the tires is calculated according to the following formula for all vehicles:
vmax = 1.05 x v
Example: specified maximum speed v = 172 km/h (106.9 mph)
vmax = 1.05 x 172 km/h (106.9 mph) = 180.60 km/h (112.2 mph)
In this example, a "T" tire or a tire with a higher valued speed symbol must be used.
Using tires with a higher valued speed symbol is permitted. The same also applies to tires with a higher valued load index.
The specified maximum speed is to be inserted for the letter "v" in section I or II in the certificate of registration under field "T", or in the vehicle title under item 6. This conversion is required because, for technical reasons, all vehicles attain different maximum speeds within a legally permitted tolerance.