Tires: V rated tires, honda accord ex, single mom

Question
Single mom - 3 children.  Just so you know where I am coming from - purchased 2004 Honda Accord EX 4 cyl used certified.  Do I have to continue using the "V" rated tires like the ones that are on it.  I am asking this b/c I hate the way the car rides.  Feel every bump, every pothole out there.  NJ has some horrible roads with craters in them.  ANy info would helpful.  I was told that each new tire would be nearly $200 dollars - it is a michelin if that makes a difference.  Thanks

Answer
Cheryl,

There are a number of problems here.

First is that the higher the speed rating the more capable the tire is - and that also means the safer it is.

But if you were to drop one speed rating - down to H - then that is a fairly small step.  Dropping lower than that the risks become greater and it is not linear - it gets worser faster.

Hope this helps.