Re: Speed ratings

["Michael & Carmen Keith" <mikeandcarmen@pdq.net>]

In theory, everything we've been discussing regarding a tire's speed rating
is correct.  However, we're overlooking how speed ratings are really set.
Engineers conduct testing to determine a tire's actual limits.  However, in
today's lawsuit happy society, it is the beloved product liability lawyer
that helps
determine the speed rating that a tire is to be marketed with.  As is common
practice in any aspect of product liability prevention, the speed rating is
set well below the tire's actual capabilities.

My point is that because of the product liability factor, there is room to
fudge on a tire's speed rating assuming that your tire is in good shape & is
correctly inflated.  That said, however, I still like Gary Lin's argument
because it gives me an excuse to go buy the Pirelli P-zeros that I want.

Michael Keith
Pasadena, TX
'98 Jetta GLX
'85 Golf SCCA ITB/DSP
-----Original Message-----
From: Netspeed@aol.com <Netspeed@aol.com>
To: jettaglx@igtc.com <jettaglx@igtc.com>
Date: Friday, September 04, 1998 11:45 PM
Subject: Re: Speed ratings


>For a tire to achieve it's designated speed rating, it has to be able to
hold
>the speed for a continuous 1 hour. True a tire generates more heat during
>cornering, but it affects the tread more than the overall makeup of the
tire.
>Take a look at a street tire that has been autocrossed or tracked hard. The
>tread blocks will chunk off due to excessive heat. That's why they shave
tires
>for racing. That's my .02 worth.
>
>Keith