Why do winter tyres have lower speed ratings?

Why winter tyres carry lower speed ratings

Winter tyres use a softer rubber compound that stays flexible in cold temperatures. This is what gives them superior grip below 7°C, but the softer material also generates more heat at sustained high speeds, which limits the maximum speed rating.

Is this a problem?

Not in practice. UK law allows you to fit winter tyres with a speed rating lower than your vehicle manufacturer's standard recommendation, provided they are genuine winter tyres suitable for cold weather use. You simply need to drive within the tyre's rated speed limit at all times.

What to be aware of

• Check the speed rating on the sidewall and always respect it
• Some insurers may want to know if you have fitted winter tyres with a lower speed rating. It is worth checking your policy to be safe.
• Switch back to correctly rated summer or all-season tyres when temperatures rise above 7°C consistently