H or V rated for Lexus LS400
12-23-2001, 05:02 PM
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H or V rated for Lexus LS400
I need some help!! My LS400 needs a new set of tires. I plan to use Michelin MXV4 Energy Plus tires, but I don't know about the speed rating. The owners manual calls for V rated. I can't figure out why a LS400 needs V rated tires. What makes one tire a V and the other a H? The price is about $120 higher for the set of V's. Is it worth it? Am I paying for something I'll never need?
12-24-2001, 12:49 PM
#2
As a rule of thumb, do not go under the OEM tire's speed rating. The reason the manufacturer gave the car V rated tires is because the the car can sustain speeds above the rating of a H rated tires (130 mph). Sure, you probably will never sustain speeds in excess of 130 mph, but even at lower speeds, V rated tires generally perform better.
12-24-2001, 01:24 PM
#3
Every rotation of a wheel flexes the tire building heat. The faster you drive the more heat is generated, and tires can only stand so much before they fail.
Think of the speed rating as a heat rating. If you sustain speeds of 130 MPH you must have an H rated tire or you run the risk of failure. If you do not drive over 130 there is no reason to have a higher speed rating, although higher rated tires may have other traits you want (tread pattern, compound, etc.).
The owners manual matches the capabilities of the car to the recommended tire, but you can choose a tire to match your driving style without concern.
Think of the speed rating as a heat rating. If you sustain speeds of 130 MPH you must have an H rated tire or you run the risk of failure. If you do not drive over 130 there is no reason to have a higher speed rating, although higher rated tires may have other traits you want (tread pattern, compound, etc.).
The owners manual matches the capabilities of the car to the recommended tire, but you can choose a tire to match your driving style without concern.
12-31-2001, 11:47 PM
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you can use h or v rated depending on your driving style. my suggestion is not to use the michelin MXV4 energy plus. those are the same tires on my previous car and they suck big time. they are quiet, but they provide so little wet/dry traction they are a joke. besides those micheline tires are over priced anyway. do a search on tirerack.com and you will see many manufacturers make better tires at better prices, perelli, dunlop and yokohama all make some nice all seasons.
01-02-2002, 02:10 PM
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OK, I went w/ the V rated Michelins. The ride is much improved and the noise level is significantly lower than w/ the Goodyears I replaced. And for only $670.00 /set 
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