The main difference between 98H and 98V tyres is the speed rating: 98H is rated for a maximum speed of 210 km/h, while 98V is rated for 240 km/h, with both sharing the same 750 kg load capacity per tyre (the '98' index). For the vast majority of drivers in the UAE, even on highways like Sheikh Zayed Road or the Dubai-Abu Dhabi highway, the 98H rating is more than sufficient. Popular GCC-spec models such as the Toyota Camry, Nissan Sunny, Hyundai Tucson, and even the Toyota Land Cruiser in normal highway use, rarely operate at speeds where the V rating becomes a necessity. RTA Dubai's traffic regulations and MOI UAE's emphasis on safe speeds further reinforce that tyre selection should prioritize quality and condition over chasing the highest speed rating. The key is to match the tyre to your vehicle's original specifications and your actual driving habits.
| Parameter | 98H Tyre | 98V Tyre |
|---|
| Max Speed Rating | 210 km/h | 240 km/h |
| Load Index (98) | 750 kg per tyre | 750 kg per tyre |
When choosing in the UAE market, consider the following for total cost of ownership (TCO):
- Vehicle Compatibility: Check your car's placard (usually on the driver's door jamb) for the manufacturer's recommended tyre specification. Fitting tyres with a lower speed rating than specified can be flagged during vehicle testing at authorized centers.
- Driving Profile: If you primarily face Dubai-Sharjah rush-hour traffic, the performance advantage of a V-rated tyre is negligible. The higher cost, often 10-15% more for the same brand and model line, is hard to justify.
- Heat & Durability: While both ratings undergo testing, in sustained UAE summer temperatures above 40°C with prolonged high-speed runs, a premium-brand 98H tyre from manufacturers like Michelin, Bridgestone, or Continental is engineered to handle the heat stress reliably. MOI UAE's periodic awareness campaigns highlight proper inflation as more critical for safety and preventing blowouts than the extra speed margin.
- Annual Cost: For a common sedan like a 2023 Toyota Corolla, a set of four premium 98H tyres may cost around 1,600 AED, whereas their 98V equivalents could be 1,850 AED. This upfront difference, combined with similar tread life, makes the 98H the more economical choice per kilometer without compromising safety for legal driving.
