Tires: H-Rated Tires on a V-Rated OEM, honda accord coupe, wet grip

Question
Hello,
My husband has a 2003 Honda Accord Coupe V6 with top speed at 160.  The manufacturer of course suggests V-rated tires, so that is all I have purchased for the vehicle.  His friend can get him a discount and warranty on H-rated, but can not get warranty on V-rated.  Of course the car doesn't get up over the 100's...because we don't want any speeding tickets.

I don't know what we stand to lose from going down on the rating.  The tires are Bridgestone Turanza EL-41s and I believe (believe...lol) the size is 205/60/16...

I just want to know what the advantages and disadvantage of buying the H-rating will be?  He will be buying them in a few hours so I hope you get this soon! :)


Answer
LaShonda,

There are so many variables here that I can only talk in generalities.

Going down in speed rating generally makes the vehicle handle less precisely, you lose a bit of grip (especially wet grip), but you generally gain tread wear, fuel economy, and ride harshness.

But there are 2 things you need to be of:  Some tire dealers will not sell a lower speed rating than what came on the vehicle - and - if you ever have a problem (like a warranty situation), the difference in speed rating may impact how the situation is viewed by others.