If you’ve ever looked at a tire size before, you’ve probably seen a letter at the end that has nothing to do with the tire’s actual size. That letter corresponds to the tire’s “speed rating,” which is the maximum speed that a tire can safely reach and maintain without falling apart.
These speed ratings are required on road tires in the United States, as they give consumers a clear idea of just how fast they can travel while maintaining trust in the tires not to suddenly give out at triple-digit speeds. Each letter represents the maximum speed the tire is good for. For example, if a tire has a “J” speed rating, it can go up to 62 mph safely. A “P” rating means the tire can go up to 93 mph.
For the most part, as you go down the alphabet, the speed rating gets greater. There are some exceptions, though. Here’s the full chart, courtesy of Discount Tire:
Note how the “H” rating is way farther down than it should be, and V, W, and Y are all higher than Z. These changes were made to accommodate the evolving performance arena, catering to vehicles with higher capabilities. From Discount Tire:
While most tire speed ratings increase in max speed the further along the alphabet they are, there are a few notable exceptions to this rule. In this system, tires with a Z rating would be the fastest rated tires out there. At one time, Z-rated tires were thought to be the highest rated tires a vehicle would need.
But the development of faster vehicles brought us two new speed ratings: W and Y-rated tires, both of which are rated for higher speeds than the Z despite their earlier place in the alphabet. These speed ratings provide a more precise indicator of a high-performance tire’s speed over 149MPH.
H is the only other speed rating that doesn’t appear in alphabetical order. A holdover from the early European speed rating system, the tire experts of the time chose not to change the original rating indicated by H.
From the factory, passenger vehicles must have tires that can handle their top speeds. Otherwise, manufacturers would be putting customers in a dangerous situation right off the bat. Ram is recalling a bunch of 2500 models built between 2022 and 2026 over “speed calibrations” that can exceed the factory tire speed rating.
According to Ram, the 2500 has a top speed of 105 mph. The 2500 gets a tire with an “R” speed rating, which means the rubber is good for 106 mph. From the sounds of it, Ram seems to have inadvertently set the top speed for the affected trucks higher than 106 mph, which is where the problem arises.
Thankfully, the issue didn’t rear its head due to a crash or injury—it came up during an internal Stellantis review back in March, which flagged the potential dilemma. A total of 12,736 trucks built between June 2022 and April 2026 are affected.
Instead of replacing the tires with higher-rated rubber, Ram is going to reflash affected trucks’ ECUs to lower the top speed to be within acceptable levels for the existing tires. For the vast majority of 2500 owners, they won’t notice any difference. But if you’re one of the few truckers maxing out their 3/4-ton pickup on country back roads, then you might run into a speed limiter where there wasn’t one before.
This is one of those cases where you might not want the recall done. Who wants a lower top speed put on their truck? If I had one of these 2500s, I’d equip a tire with a higher speed rating instead. This solves the problem and allows me to keep my higher top speed. I can already see the Facebook Marketplace listings. “For Sale: 2024 Ram 2500 In Good Condition—NO RECALL DONE, HIGHER TOP SPEED!!!”
Sadly, some states, like my home state of New York, won’t renew registrations if your car has an open recall. So I’d be out of luck. But if you’re in a part of the country that doesn’t really care whether you have recalls done or not, congrats! Your truck has a higher top speed than advertised. And so long as you keep it away from a Ram dealer, no one should be able to take that away from you.
Top graphic image: Ram; DepositPhotos.com
It still amazes me when I (often-enough) get passed on the highway by dually pickups going 85mph. I thought they were mechanically restricted to 55-60 at some point, but evidently that is no longer true.
That RAM, loaded down with quads, pulling a travel trailer in the fast lane, flying past your car, might even be on the proper rated tires while doing 110. What a great comfort that is.
I was driving along at 120km/hr when one passed me towing a fifth wheel and a boat trailer like I was standing still. I’m sure his brakes are up to stopping and if he has to swerve to avoid a deer, no problem
Do RAM owners even wear rubbers?
Ha ha
So the bean counters fixed the problem instead of the enthusiasts. Got it.
I’m trying to wrap my head around a 3/4 ton pickup doing over 100mph. I associate that with specialized race trucks, not a trailer and lumber hauler.
In this case do the recall, I suspect higher speed ratings might be too low of a load rating
Won’t they? I was unaware Rams were driven under the top speed limiter, tow mirrors out.
Was gonna say go to a Texas interstate and try to find a Ram doing under triple digits. Spoiler: only the ones towing horse trailers.
…and NASCAR style drafting so your rear view mirror just says “RAM”
I always thought these were fake but I cant believe it happened to me so I have to write this here. I was minding my own business when she stopped next to me and I couldn’t help but notice her X tires they were full and nicely plump, the outline reminded me … ok nvr mind kkkkk
How about just plain ol’ know your tires? You should’ve seen the expression on this girl’s face, doing maybe 40mph, smooth pavement was wet, she went to brake and just slid right through… on her boyfriend’s lifted truck wrapped in gnarly MTs…
FAIL
Might as well get the recall done. If you take your truck in for any warranty service they’re going to check it.
What are the chances of a Ram needing warranty service?