Light truck tyres vs commercial tyres
What's the difference and do you need them?
If you have a truck, ute, or van that is used for carrying or towing heavy loads, you have probably wondered which is the best tire to fit to your vehicle.
When it comes to industrial or working vehicles, the right tires are crucial to your day-to-day operations. That's where light truck tires or commercial tires can provide the stability and reliability that you need for big days on the road.
Not sure which type of tire is right for you?
No problem, in this article, we're exploring the ins and outs of LT tires and commercial tires, so you'll discover exactly what they do and who they suit best.
What are light truck (LT) tires?
Light truck tires are made for light duty and heavy-duty trucks and vans.
Designed for traction and strength on and off the road with a load capacity ranging between ½ ton and 1 ton.
They're built with a robust internal construction and the ability to withstand on-road obstacles such as bumps and potholes. This is great, particularly for working vehicles that frequently travel in industrial areas where roads aren't as smooth.
Light truck tires feature a meatier tread pattern than highway terrain tires and strong sidewalls that provide enhanced protection from exterior damage. They are also capable of carrying heavy loads which makes them great for industrial work and towing.
What does LT on a tire mean?
You can quickly and easily check to see whether your vehicle is fitted with Light truck tires by looking at the tire itself. Simply, look for 'LT' marked on the outside of the wheel.
Do I need light truck tires?
When considering light truck tires for your truck or ute, it's best to think about how you plan to use your vehicle each day.
Is it regularly going to be carrying heavy loads?
Do you need tires equipped for towing increased weight such as that of a caravan?
Are you looking for a more robust and resilient tire with the ability to handle uneven on-road surfaces and some off-road terrain?
If you answered yes to the above, light truck tires may be a great option for you.
What are commercial tires?
Commercial tires are made to endure the challenges of working vehicles. With performance and durability in front of mind they are tough tires that are suited best to trucks, buses, mining vehicles, tractors, and agricultural vehicles.
Are van tires different from car tires?
Although van tires may look similar to your car tires, they're actually quite different. They run at much higher inflation pressures and are specifically made for heavy load vehicles. Before you choose which tire to put on your car, check the vehicle manufacturer's recommendations.
Can I put passenger car tires on a light truck?
It's not recommended that you put passenger car tires on a light truck. When you think about the usage for a light truck, it is usually for carrying heavy loads, towing, and taking on some harsher terrain. Using passenger car tires on a working vehicle will probably only end one way: with your truck in the repair shop. It's not an ideal situation, particularly if you rely on your vehicle to make a living. So, best to stick to the right tires for your light truck.
Unsure which tires are best for you?
If you're still not 100% sure which tires are right for you, it's always best to chat to a professional. After all, if your commercial van or light truck is racking up the kilometers day after day, you want to make sure you've got the best tires for the job.
At JAX, we stock tires suitable for vans and light trucks, with a focus on durability, economy, and performance. With leading brands including Bridgestone, Dunlop, Goodyear, and more, you'll find the right set of tires for your commercial vehicle or light truck. And, we're making it even easier to find the right fit with our online tire finder.
Your light truck or commercial tires are just a few clicks away.
Shop for Online Tyres at JAX Tires & Auto!
You can see if your tyre is a Light Truck by simply looking for ‘LT’or ‘C’ on the
outside of your wheel. Light truck tyres are commonly fitted for commercial vans and larger utility vehicles.
LT Tyres have a tougher internal construction which offers greater strength and puncture resistance than a standard tyre. They have been engineered to have a high load rating. Made for loads between ½-1 ton, LT tyres support the weight of larger trucks, SUVs, vans and also heavier loads, towing and hauling needs. This is perfect for vehicles that aren’t travelling on smooth surfaces.
When considering if you should have light truck tyres, you need to consider the
intended purpose of your vehicle. If you do a lot of highway driving, these heavy-duty tyres will increase fuel costs with their rolling resistance and tough construction.
Light truck tyres support vehicles between ½-1-ton. So, if you have a 3/4 ton or 1-ton ute, you need LT tyres as they offer the correct load-carrying capacity.
Light Trucks are built for heavy vehicles with thicker, reinforced sidewalls and tough internal construction to accommodate the weight. If you have a small SUV, this can give your drive a harsher ride.
Some questions to ask are:
- Is your vehicle heavy such as a commercial van or 4WD?
- Is it going to be regularly towing, hauling or carrying heavier loads
- Are you going to be driving on rough uneven surfaces like off-road terrains regularly?
If you have any questions, you can always contact your friendly local Jax Tyres professional to find the perfect tyres for all your driving and vehicle needs
Light Trucks are some of the most popular vehicles in Australia. While tough and
versatile, you want to make sure that you have the best tyres for the job. At Jax we stock tyres suitable for vans and light trucks, finding the perfect balance between durability, economy and performance for you.
Here are a few examples of great tyres for Light Trucks
Goodyear Cargo G26: A proven light truck tyre built to perform. This tyre helps spread load evenly which provides better grip and enhanced mileage. It also quickly disperses water and reduces the risk of aquaplaning. With minimal noise levels and increased traction this is a popular LT tyre.
Tracmax, Transporter F09: This is a long-life commercial tyre. With an innovative shoulder design, it is designed for responsive steering. Combined with its special tread compound, which offers longer mileage, this tyre is great for long-haul caravan journeys around Australia.
For more of the best tyres for light trucks, see Jax tyres Light Truck Tyres page.
While an LT tyre is heavier duty than a passenger vehicle tyre, it is not for major loads. Commercial tyres are made to stand up to incredible pressure while travelling for extended periods without needing to be replaced.
They are tough tyres suited for trucks, buses, mining vehicles, tractors and agricultural vehicles.
A van can have either commercial tyres (C-Type) or Light truck (LT) tyres depending on the load capacity needed. Both C-type tyres and LT tyres rate for higher weight capacity than a standard passenger tyre.
LT and C-Type tyres are reinforced to carry heavier loads than a typical car tyre. C-Type tyres handle heavier loads than LT at equivalent tyre size but at a slower speed.
LT tyres usually have a load range rating of C, D or E which means they generally have a load capacity between 1/2 -1-ton. A commercial van is registered to carry 1-ton, which a passenger tyre is not capable of doing.
Choosing the wrong tyre for your vehicle application is unsafe due to the possibility of an overloaded tyre.
A van’s tyre runs at much higher inflation pressure than standard vehicles and is specifically made for heavy load vehicles. Before you choose which tyre to put on your car, check the vehicle manufacturer's recommendation or call Jax Tyres for a personalised recommendation.
