Can I fit a higher or lower speed rating?

Modifying speed ratings on your tyres

Higher speed ratings

Yes, you can fit tyres with a higher speed rating than what is recommended by your vehicle manufacturer. Higher-rated tyres are simply capable of handling greater speeds than the specified rating.

Lower speed ratings

It is not advised to fit tyres with a lower speed rating than what your manufacturer suggests. This is due to the following reasons:

• Increased risk of compromised safety at higher speeds due to the possibility of the tyres overheating
• Your vehicle insurance could be made invalid
• It could lead to failing your MOT

Winter tyres

It is legal to fit winter tyres that have lower speed ratings than what the manufacturer suggests, as long as the tyres are bona fide cold weather winter tyres. You must always remain within the speed limit that the tyres are rated for when using low-rated winter tyres.