Can Snow Tires Run at 120 km/h on Highways?
3 Answers
Snow tires can run at 120 km/h on highways. Snow tires are designed for use in snowy conditions, featuring metal studs in the rubber tread to enhance grip. Compared to regular tires, snow tires utilize special compounds to increase friction on icy and snowy surfaces, offering improved traction and safety in winter conditions. The tread material of snow tires is softer, and their carefully formulated silica-blended rubber compound allows for tighter contact with smooth ice, generating greater friction than all-season tires. This significantly enhances vehicle control and safety on slippery ice. When temperatures drop below 10 degrees Celsius, the surface of snow tires becomes even softer, providing superior grip.
I've tried driving on highways with winter tires at 120km/h, and it's indeed possible, but the prerequisite is to check the tire's speed rating. Winter tires usually have markings, like H-rated supporting 210km/h or higher. As long as the temperature is appropriate, they provide strong grip below zero degrees. When driving on highways, I noticed the noise is slightly louder than regular tires, and fuel consumption is a bit higher. It's best to control speed and avoid frequent acceleration or deceleration to reduce wear. Remember to switch back to all-season tires when seasons change, as winter tires wear out faster in summer, affecting their lifespan. Safety-wise, braking distance is slightly longer on dry roads, so maintaining distance is crucial. I recommend buying reliable brand winter tires and regularly checking tire pressure to ensure stability.
Snow tires are fine for driving at 120km/h on highways, I often use them this way for long trips. The key is the tires must meet design specifications; many snow tires are marked with speed symbols like T-rated for 190km/h. Temperature affects performance: they work best below freezing, but handling weakens above zero degrees. I pay attention to road conditions—on dry highways, the tires can be noisy, so I recommend slowing down. Fast wear is an issue; I check tread depth every season and rotate them when necessary to extend lifespan. Don’t overlook safety details like checking tire pressure to avoid blowout risks. Avoid hard braking and drive smoothly for peace of mind.
