What Does 98H Mean on a Tire? [with Charts]

You bought a tire and you can see numbers on its sidewall. You can read 225/50 R17 98H.

Have you ever wondered what 98H means? Well, read on to be informed.

98H means the load index and the speed rating of the tire. 98 is the load index and H is the speed rating.

The load index is the loading capacity of the tire. The speed rating is how fast your tire can handle.

Want to understand better the numbers on the sidewall? You can watch the following video:

What Does 98H Mean?

We can provide you with two charts that can give you a better understanding of what 98H means on a tire.

Load Index

The load index identifies the loading abilities of a tire. If the load index is greater, the heavier load it can carry.

In a 98H tire, the loading capacity is 1,653 pounds. So, by having 4 tires, your vehicle can carry 6,612 pounds of load.

Three Categories of Tires

1. Numeric – suitable for weighty cargos.
2. Wide Base – can bear massive cargos with a rim of 16.5 inches in diameter.
3. Flotation – fuller tires that are good on uneven surfaces

Speed Rating

The speed rating is the maximum speed that your tire can take. This is the utmost speed which can make you drive safely.

In a 98H Tire, the maximum speed is 130 miles per hour.

Understanding Load Index and Speed Rating

● Off-roading

Off-road tires require a lower speed rating. But you need a better load index.

● High Performance

A sports car needs a great speed rating. The load index does not need to be high.

● Goods Transport

Couriers need to carry heavy products. A high load index is needed.

Want to learn more about load index and speed rating? You can watch the following video:

Vehicles Suited for a 98H Tire

• 2019 Kia Sportage
• 2011 Hyundai Tucson
• 2019 Subaru Forester
• 2014 Hyundai Tucson
• 2018 Subaru Crosstrek
• 2018 Jeep Compass
• 2019 Subaru Crosstrek
• 2013 Hyundai Tucson

FAQs

What Does the Number on the Tires Mean?

This is an example of how you can read the number on the tires:

1. 250 = section width or the tread in mm
2. 55 = aspect ratio
3. 18 = the diameter of the wheel
4. 98 = load index

How Can You Tell the Age of a Tire?

You can find it on the DOT code. The first two numbers are the week and the last two numbers are the year when the tire is manufactured.

So, if you can read 0404, it means that the tire was manufactured in the fourth week of the year 2004.

What is the Meaning of SL on a Tire?

SL on a tire means standard load.

How Can You Differentiate 98T and 98H Tires?

The T and H rating means the speed that the tire can handle. You can drive up to 118 mph using T-rated tires.

On the other hand, you can have a better limit with H-rated tires which is 130 mph.

Is the Size of the Sidewall Important?

With a bigger sidewall, your vehicle can have better traction. But if the size of the sidewall is improper for your car, it can cause some damage to it.

You can even have mistakes in speedometer reading.

Should I Use H Tires Rather Than V Tires?

You will be more comfortable driving on H tires on a normal day. But if you want to drive at a high speed, you should use V tires which have stronger sidewalls.

What is the Result of Driving Faster Than the Tire Speed Rating?

If you drive faster than the speed rating of your tire, the rubber will be damaged due to the intense heat. It can create a catastrophe for your vehicle.

What Does H Represent in Tire Size?

“H” denotes the speed rating of the tires. It is the maximum speed that it can handle with the load capacity.

Which Load Range is Better? G or H?

G and H are common load ratings on truck tires. You can have a 14-ply configuration with G.

On the other hand, you can have 16 plies on H tires. H tires have more bearing capacity.

But it is up to you to choose between the two.

How Much Weight Can an H Tire Bear?

An H-rated tire can bear 6,500 pounds. These tires are good for trucks.