Speed Letters

[CWtheMan]

I recently took some pictures of various ST tires with speed letters. Here are two different ways the speed letters are being displayed on ST tires.

I think these are both Westlake tires but it's not on my notes.

It's important to verify the actual letter on the tires. Retailers are eager to provide higher speed rated ST tires and might not provide the correct information in their advertisements.

http://www.irv2.com/photopost/showfull.php?photo=30877
http://www.irv2.com/photopost/showfull.php?photo=29711

[bobbecky]

The second photo shows the same numbers as the Sailun S637, in both the 16" sizes that they now sell. It could be that the G range ST tires now being made and imported are coming with those specs. I don't like the increased weight ratings they are showing, seemed to be better when they were at 3750 lbs and were listed as an LT tire. I doubt the tires are being built any stronger than the previous G range S637.

[CWtheMan]

Originally Posted by bobbecky

The second photo shows the same numbers as the Sailun S637, in both the 16" sizes that they now sell. It could be that the G range ST tires now being made and imported are coming with those specs. I don't like the increased weight ratings they are showing, seemed to be better when they were at 3750 lbs and were listed as an LT tire. I doubt the tires are being built any stronger than the previous G range S637.

Unfortunately the building materials that increases a tires strength via inflation are only required to be identified on the tires sidewall by quantity not quality. Quality is most often confidential for each tire manufacturer. They certify their tires by testing them in accordance with NHTSA regulations and then, and only then, are they allowed to put the "DOT" seal of approval on them.