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What's the difference between 97V and 97H tyres in the UK?

DateDecember 30, 2025

1 Answer

SG
Sara Gilbert
January 2, 2026
Not liked46

The main difference between 97V and 97H tyres is their speed rating - V-rated tyres can handle speeds up to 240km/h (149mph) while H-rated tyres are certified for 210km/h (130mph). Both have the same 730kg load index (97). In the UK, popular EV models like the Tesla Model 3 typically use V or W-rated tyres for their performance capabilities, while standard family cars may use H-rated tyres. The key distinctions are: 1) Speed rating: V (240km/h) vs H (210km/h) 2) Performance: V-rated tyres often have stiffer sidewalls for better handling 3) Suitability: H-rated tyres are sufficient for most UK motorway driving (70mph limit) 4) Availability: Both are common for UK-spec vehicles from brands like BMW, Audi and Mercedes.