H vs. V rated tires?

[genes]

I've tried to find an answer through the search but, to no avail. I'm looking for replacement tires for my 2011 M37X. I've chosen Michelin Primacy MXM4. There are two types of this tire available. One is labeled "Green X". The other is not. The pricing is substantially different between the two ($280 per set of four). I suspect it has to do with speed rating. My question is, would I be compromising anything by using an "H" rated tire vs. a "V" rated tire? I'm not what I would call a "spirited driver" anymore. What about overall handling? Our Ms OEM is "V" rated.

[Ilya]

No, you won't. But there could also be a difference in weight of the tire and it's load weight (1500lbs vs 1700lb, etc.), etc. (slightly different construction).

Check out both versions of the tire on tirerack if you haven't already.

[genes]

Thanks for the quick reply! I've checked out the specs at TireRack and both tires carry the same tire weight and load weight rating. -Go figure on the substantial price difference.

[kmiles]

I agree that you won't compromise anything, but there is typically a big difference in feel between H and V rated tires. I had been driving on V rated for about 8 years and a tire shop recommended switching to H rated, as that was the minimum my car required. I didn't like the change in feel - the tires felt much "spongier" and the turn control felt much softer. I switched to V rated for the same tire and immediately felt an improvement in ride and control. For me it was worth the extra money.

[genes]

Thanks! The dealer had stuck the cheapest Kumho tires available on the car - kind of like wearing flip- flops to a track meet.

[EniGmA1987]

One of the most important ratings for tires is the load rating. Our M's are heavy so you really dont want to go under a 94 rating

[genes]

The "H" is actually rated higher than the "V." Go figure.

[Larz]

The numbers and letters indicate the tire's speed / load index.

A tire rated "96H" can carry a weight of 1521 lbs at 130 mph.
A tire rated "100Y" can carry a weight of 1764 lbs at 186 mph.

The numbers in front of those letters indicate the 'load index' or maximum load each tire can carry:
96 = 1521 lbs
97 = 1609 lbs
98 = 1653 lbs
99 = 1709 lbs
100 = 1764 lbs

Those letters indicate the 'speed index'. The maximum speed at which each tire can carry it's load index.
H = 130 mph
V = 149 mph
W = 168 mph
Y = 186 mph

Hope this explains it for you.

[Rogue One]

Thanks for the quick reply! I've checked out the specs at TireRack and both tires carry the same tire weight and load weight rating. -Go figure on the substantial price difference.

Your answer lies within your first post...

There are two types of this tire available. One is labeled "Green X". The other is not.

Many of Michelin's most fuel-efficient Original Equipment (O.E.) and replacement tires are branded with their Green X symbol to provide visual confirmation of the tire's positive contribution to vehicle fuel efficiency and the global environment.

Green X = Eco-Friendly

It's akin to the new Energizer® EcoAdvanced™ AA battery made with 4% recycled batteries. A 12 pack will set you back $11, while a 24 pack of their regular AA's costs $14. That's a 57% price increase for a mere 4% of recycled material, just to placate the greenies.