Looking at new tires for the F Pace (255/55/R19) and wonder how important it is to get a tire with a lessor speed rating?

Original Continentals are rated W (168mph) and I'm looking at the same tires with a tire rated H (130mph).

I mean I'm never going to hit anywhere 100 with these period.

Thanks

 

I will give the unequivocal answer for those members who have EUROPEAN Type Approval on their Jaguar. The required speed rating of the tyres fitted by the vehicle manufacturer forms part of the conditions of this approval. They must be replaced with tyres of the same (or higher if applicable) speed rating if the vehicle is used on public roads. It is NOT a matter of owner choice.

NORTH AMERICAN Type Approval requirements may be different.

Graham

 

It's pretty much the same in the US, however you'll likely never get dinged for it. A scrupulous insurance company could potentially deny a claim if it's related to tire failure though. It's always recommended to replace tires with the minimum speed rating that it came with from the manufacturer.

 

I would agree with this if I was in an accident doing 175 and my tires failed, but seriously why even have tires rated fro 168 (W) if there's no way anyone's going to do that in an F Pace? The tires I'm looking at are Continental's that came with the car, except they have 2 series of the same exact tire, one is rated W and one is rated H.

 

Tire speed ratings are not just for the top speed a tire can handle. They are specifically designed for ride, comfort and performance at all speeds formulated for the characteristics of your vehicle. How much it weighs, weight balance, suspension, ride height, etc. The tires that came OEM with your car handle better at lower speeds as well, and that is why the manufacturer chose that rating. Typically I would trust that the engineers that design, build, and choose specific components for cars are probably better qualified to make those decisions than the average guy. But hey man, it's your car. Do as you wish.
https://www.tireamerica.com/resource/tire-speed-ratings