What Does Tire Load Mean?
When shopping for tires, most people look at the tire size, brand, tread design, or price. But one of the most important numbers on a tire is often overlooked: the tire load rating.
Tire load tells you how much weight each tire can safely carry when properly inflated. Choosing the wrong load rating can affect safety, tire life, ride quality, handling, and overall vehicle performance.
What Is Tire Load?
Tire load is the maximum amount of weight a tire is designed to support. On most passenger vehicle tires, this is shown as a load index number on the tire sidewall.
For example, a tire may be marked:
245/45R20 103V
In this example:
103 = load index
V = speed rating
The load index does not show the actual weight directly. Instead, it is a number that matches a specific weight capacity. A higher load index means the tire can carry more weight.
Where Do I Find the Tire Load Rating?
You can find the tire load rating on the sidewall of the tire, usually right after the tire size.
Example:
225/60R18 100H
Here is what it means:
225 = tire width
60 = sidewall height ratio
R = radial tire
18 = wheel diameter
100 = load index
H = speed rating
The load index is usually the two- or three-digit number before the final speed rating letter.
Why Tire Load Rating Matters
Your vehicle was designed to use tires that can safely support the weight of the vehicle, passengers, cargo, and normal driving conditions.
If the tire load rating is too low, the tire may not be strong enough for the vehicle. This can cause excessive heat, faster tire wear, poor handling, and a higher risk of tire failure.
Replacement tires should always meet or exceed the load rating recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.
Tire Load Index Chart
The chart below shows common tire load index numbers and the maximum weight each tire can carry when properly inflated.
|
Load Index |
Lbs Per Tire |
Load Index |
Lbs Per Tire |
Load Index |
Lbs Per Tire |
|
70 |
739 |
89 |
1,279 |
108 |
2,205 |
|
71 |
761 |
90 |
1,323 |
109 |
2,271 |
|
72 |
783 |
91 |
1,356 |
110 |
2,337 |
|
73 |
805 |
92 |
1,389 |
111 |
2,403 |
|
74 |
827 |
93 |
1,433 |
112 |
2,469 |
|
75 |
853 |
94 |
1,477 |
113 |
2,535 |
|
76 |
882 |
95 |
1,521 |
114 |
2,601 |
|
77 |
908 |
96 |
1,565 |
115 |
2,679 |
|
78 |
937 |
97 |
1,609 |
116 |
2,756 |
|
79 |
963 |
98 |
1,653 |
117 |
2,833 |
|
80 |
992 |
99 |
1,709 |
118 |
2,910 |
|
81 |
1,019 |
100 |
1,764 |
119 |
2,998 |
|
82 |
1,047 |
101 |
1,819 |
120 |
3,086 |
|
83 |
1,074 |
102 |
1,874 |
121 |
3,197 |
|
84 |
1,102 |
103 |
1,929 |
122 |
3,307 |
|
85 |
1,135 |
104 |
1,984 |
123 |
3,417 |
|
86 |
1,168 |
105 |
2,039 |
124 |
3,527 |
|
87 |
1,201 |
106 |
2,094 |
125 |
3,638 |
|
88 |
1,235 |
107 |
2,149 |
126 |
3,748 |
Example of Tire Load Capacity
If your tire has a load index of 100, that means each tire can carry up to 1,764 pounds when properly inflated.
Four tires with a load index of 100 would have a combined tire capacity of 7,056 pounds.
However, this does not mean your vehicle can carry 7,056 pounds of passengers and cargo. Your vehicle’s suspension, brakes, axle ratings, and manufacturer weight limits also matter.
The tire load rating is only one part of the vehicle’s total safe weight capacity.
Can I Use a Higher Load Rating?
In many cases, yes. A tire with a higher load rating can usually carry more weight than the original tire.
However, a higher load rating is not always necessary. Some higher-load tires may ride firmer, depending on the tire construction.
The safest option is to use the load rating recommended by the vehicle manufacturer or ask a tire professional before changing tire specifications.
Can I Use a Lower Load Rating?
You should not use a tire with a lower load rating than what the vehicle manufacturer recommends.
A lower load rating may not safely support the vehicle’s weight, especially when carrying passengers, cargo, or driving at highway speeds. Even if the tire fits the wheel, it may not be the correct tire for the vehicle.
Load Index vs. Load Range
Load index and load range sound similar, but they are different.
Load index is the number that tells you the tire’s specific weight capacity.
Load range is more common on light truck tires and refers to the tire’s strength category, such as Load Range C, D, or E.
Most passenger cars, SUVs, and crossovers use a load index number. Trucks, vans, and towing vehicles may also use a load range rating.
Do Wheels Also Have Load Ratings?
Yes. Wheels also have weight ratings.
Even if the tire has the correct load rating, the wheel must also be strong enough for the vehicle. This is one reason it is important to use the correct wheel size, offset, and specifications.
At Detroit Wheel and Tire, we work with OEM factory wheels every day. Factory wheels are designed to match the vehicle’s proper fitment, load requirements, and performance needs.
How Do I Know the Correct Tire Load for My Vehicle?
The best place to check is the sticker inside the driver’s door jamb. This label usually lists the correct tire size, recommended tire pressure, and tire load information.
You can also check:
Owner’s manual
Original tire sidewall
Vehicle tire placard
A professional tire or wheel specialist
Final Thoughts
Tire load is one of the most important tire safety ratings. It tells you how much weight each tire can safely support when properly inflated.
When replacing tires, always make sure the load rating matches or exceeds the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendation.
Choosing the correct tire load rating helps protect your tires, your wheels, your vehicle, and your passengers.
For help with OEM wheels, factory replacement rims, tire and wheel packages, or wheel refinishing, contact Detroit Wheel and Tire.
Detroit Wheel and Tire
Website: www.detroitwheelandtire.com
Phone: 248-545-8862
Email: sales@detroitwheelandtire.com
