Originally Posted by
paul huryk
The point of higher rated tires having more stiff sidewalls. S & T rated tires are low performance pedestrian tires with lower traction and higher wear ratings, of course they won`t handle as well in the same size as a W or Y tire - then again, try to find these all in the same size...
I was referring to comparing a W to a Y tire, which are going to be close in most respects - temp and traction rating may be identical. The difference can be as little as a slightly lighter tire that allows heat to dissipate quicker and thus allowing a higher rated speed, or it could be a stronger material for the belts inside that can keep together at higher speeds and temps. Neither will necessarily add to sidewall stiffness.
I have two sets of tires on identical wheels here in my shop. One has a set of falken 615Ks, the other Continental Extreme contacts in the same 275-40-17 size. Both are the same speed rating, same temp and traction ratings. But the Falkens are 3lbs heavier each and have a much less wide tread (even with the same 275mm section width). The Continentals have less stiff sidewalls and ride noticeably better, but can`t match the Falkens for grip. Always a tradeoff...
Let`s not forget the load rating, which is very important for identifying a tire to be able to keep together at speed. A 94 rating in the same size is not the same as a 102 or 105 when it comes to high speeds. In max speed cars, you want to be around 50% of the max load rating (or less) to assure the tires won`t come apart.
Bookmarks