Tires: V Rated Tires, maximum speed capability, tirerack com

Question
My question:
What does the number on a V rated tire mean?
I.e, 111V.  Does this denote speed and if so how fast is the maximum?
Thank you

Answer
Starr,

This is called the service description and it consists of 2 entries - the load index (the number) and the speed rating (the letter)

A 111V means the tire has a maximum load carrying capacity of 2403 # with a maximum speed capability of 149 mph.

It is not only common practice, but also a very good idea, to specify tires (or any product) to be much more capable that is needed.  In the old days we would call this a "Safety factor" - and to some extent that was exactly what it was:  To keep things from failing, you over specify.

The same is true for vehicle manufacturers.  The more capability they specify in a tire, the safer it is.

You can read more about service description here:

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiretech/techpage.jsp?techid=35