Tires: H and V speed ratings, tire speed ratings, speed capability

Question
Hi. I have a question about tire speed ratings I hope you can help me with. My car (03 Saab) has V-rated tires, but I want to replace 2 of them with highly recommended H-rated tires, all other dimensions identical to the originals. I understand replacements should be the same speed rating, but I will never even come close to exceeding the lower H-rated speed. Is there any compelling reason I couldn't do this?  Thanks in advance.  Rick

Answer
Rick,

I can understand why some one would think that they don't need V speed rated tires, but part of what makes a V rated tire - besides the speed capability - is grip and steering preciseness, which will be lower in lower speed ratings.  

This means that the cornering ability and the ability to predict would the vehicle is going to do in a maneuver - based on steering feedback - is not going to be a crisp.  Put another way, the steering will feel a bit sloppier and you won't be able to stop or corner as fast.

I consider this a safety issue, after all, the ability to maneuver around objects and stop quickly certain are safety concerns.  Under no circumstances would I recommend mixing speed ratings on a vehicle, as this can cause the vehicle to behave more erratically than with either type (the front and the back are doing different things), nor would I recommend using lower than an H rated tire.

So you kind of have a choice.  4 H rated tires or 2 V rated tires, similar to the ones you have now.

I should mention that many tire stores will not sell you anything less than what came originally.  They do this because there is always a risk of an accident and a sharp lawyer could easily make a case that the tires were at fault and the tire store didn't do what they were supposed to do.