Winter Tires - Speed Rating

[libtech]

I am looking at replacing my old winter Kumhos (going on 5 seasons now). I think they were a KW17 if I am not mistaken in 195/55/R15 speed rated H. Lasted a long time and seemed to be a great tire.

When I was looking last time someone had told me you should only drop one speed rating down when selecting a winter tire. I drive a Protege 5, which apparantly required a V rating, so the KW17s are H rated.

Just curious at to what everyone here thinks? I have a small child so I want to make sure I am selecting the approriate thing here, but there are some good tire deals to be had on T and S rated tires as well.

I was also told its not just the speed rating, but the fact that that speed rated tire has stiffer side walls etc, which the cars suspension is designed around. If you drop the rating, the car could handle more dangerous at highway speeds, braking etc.

 

[njaremka]

get a rated "Snow" tire in the size you want, and just adjust your winter driving accordingly.

 

[libtech]

What do you mean rated tire? All tires have a rating, im asking if it matters that I go down to a T or S rated tire when the vehicle is apparantly supposed to utilize V tires. I don't drive crazy, I just want a tire that going to perform well in emergency situations such as braking for other vehicles, animals etc.

 

[njaremka]

by rated "Snow" tire, i mean a tire that has a "Snow" use rating - not an "All Season" tire.

if you never exceed 65mph, you dont need a z-rated tire. if you get a snow tire in the size you want, and drive within the limits of the tire that has been selected, whats the problem?

 

[libtech]

I see what your saying now. Yeah, my plan and what i did last time was a snow/winter tire. I dont use all season on my car. My concern was that I have been told its not just the speed that is a factor. I have been told that the higher rated tires have contributing factors to how the car handles as well. Which comes in to saftey concerns. As in, a cars suspension is designed around a specific type of speed rated tire, and by utilizing a lower rated tire, you may be putting yourself at risk during emergency driving situation as the car may not handle as it should.

 

[njaremka]

you are going to have to make a compromise somewhere. generally, you want your snow tires to be narrow and soft - doesnt matter what the speed rating is, they will be squishy. plus, you are going down to 15" size, which is already a compromise from the stock set-up. just get the best "Snow" tire you can afford, and call it a day. (or season?)