Understanding Tyre Load Rating

Knowledge-Page-Headers_Load_Rating.jpg

The tyre load index, also known as the load capacity index or tyre load rating, indicates the maximum weight that a tyre can safely carry. It is represented by a numerical value found on the sidewall of the tyre. The higher the load index, the greater the weight the tyre can support. Understanding the load index is essential for selecting tyres that can adequately handle the weight requirements of your vehicle. By adhering to the load index specifications, you ensure optimal safety and performance.

The load rating, load index or load carrying capacity is represented by a numerical code and is associated with the maximum load that the tyre can carry when operating at its maximum speed rating up to but not exceeding 210kph.

When replacing tyres please note that it is illegal to install tyres on a vehicle having a lower load index than the vehicle manufacturer's original tyre fitment.

Tyre Load Index Table

Load Index Table:
LI KG LI KG LI KG LI KG LI KG LI KG
 0 45 10 60 20 80 30 106 40 140 50 190
46.2  11  61.5  21  82.5  31  109  41  145  51  195 
47.5  12  63  22  85  32  112  42  150  52  200 
48.7  13  65  23  87.5  33  115  43  155  53  206 
50  14  67  24  90  34  118  44  160  54  212 
51.5  15  69  25  92.5  35  121  45  165  55  218 
53  16  71  26  95  36  124  46  170  56   224
54.5  17  73  27  97.5  37  127  47  175  57  230 
56  18  75  28  100  38  130  48  180  58  236 
58  19  77.5  29  103  39  133  49  185  59  243 
60  250  70  335  80  450  90  600  100  800  110  1060 
61  257  71  345  81  462  91  615  101  825  111  1090 
62  265  72  355  82  475  92  630  102  850  112  1120 
63  272  73  365  83  487  93  650  103  875  113  1150 
64  280  74  375  84  500  94  670  104  900  114  1180 
65  290  75  387  85  515  95  690  105  925  115  1215 
66  300  76  400  86  530  96  710  106  950  116  1250 
67  307  77  412  87  545  97  730  107  975  117  1285 
68  315  78  425  88  560  98  750  108  1000  118  1320 
69  325  79  437  89  580  99  775  109  1030  119  1360 

For tyres operating above 210kph: With all V, W, Y and ZR rated tyres the load carrying capacity must be reduced in accordance to the table below.

Percentage of the Load Capacity of Tyres operated at speeds in excess of 210kph
Speed Capability of the Vehicle (km/h) Speed Symbol (V) Speed Symbol (W) Speed Symbol (y) ZR Tyres
210 100 100 100 100
220 97  100  100  100 
230  94  100  100  100 
240  91  100  100  100 
250  95  100         See Note (2) below
260  90  100 
270  85  100 
280  95 
290  90 
300  85 
Over 300 
 
  1. For intermediate maximum speeds, linear interpolation of the tyre load capacity is permitted.
  2. For tyres with “ZR” in the size designation and no service description at speeds over 240km/h, the load capacities and relevant inflation pressures will be agreed between the vehicle and tyre manufactures taking into consideration the vehicle characteristics and the type of service.

Load Capacity

Tyre load capacity stamp diagram

Load capacity is the amount of weight a wheel will carry. The capacity will vary depending on the number of lugs, the PCD, the material used and the type of axle the wheel is used on.

A wheel used on a free rolling trailer axle will carry more weight than that same wheel used on the drive or steering axle of a vehicle.

Wheels should have the load capacity stamped on the back of the wheel. For safety reasons, it is imperative that the loading carrying capacity of the wheel is suitable for the vehicle to which it is being fitted.

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What is tyre load rating?

The tyre load rating is the maximum load of a tyre when operating at the maximum speed capabilities applied to a properly inflated tyre. A tyre's load rating and speed rating go hand in hand. This means if you are looking to replace your tyres, you’ll need to look at both together.

The load rating is indicated by a two or three-digit number ranging from 0-279, which tells you the heaviest load that your vehicle can safely travel with. For example, if your load index is 80, your tyre has a maximum load of 450kg.

Your load index can be located on the tyre sidewall or found in the owner's manual.

Does tyre load rating matter?

The load capacity is extremely important for road safety. It prevents drivers from installing the wrong tyres and protects you and the people around you from accidents that happen from an overloaded tyre.

If a tyre carries too much weight, it will be running with a lower pressure than it is designed for. This will increase friction and internal heat, eventually leading to a blowout and a destroyed tyre.

You should always check your tyres parameters before transporting heavier loads or when selecting new tyres for your car. Your load index can be located on the tyre sidewall or your owner manual.

Is it ok to fit tyres with a higher load rating?

It is possible to choose a higher load rating. However, it can lead to a more uncomfortable driving experience.

Check with your friendly local Jax Tyres to see if it's possible to mount tyres with a higher load rating for your specific vehicle.

Do not install tyres with a lower load rating than recommended by the manufacturer. Using tyres with a load index is always dangerous. This is due to:

  • Faster tyre wear
  • Tyre may blowout and lead to an accident
  • Loss of driving stability
  • Rejected insurance claim
  • Will void tyre guarantee
  • Possible police fine if your tyres don’t meet the manufacturer requirements
Can I mix tyres with different load ratings?

It is not recommended that you mix and match tyres that have different load ratings. It is best to have the same tyres on all four wheels.

You can end up with several costly and dangerous problems:

  • Uneven tread wear
  • Poor handling
  • Limited performance

You can have mixed tyres with different load index and speed ratings as long as they are higher than the minimum threshold recommended by the manufacturer.

If you have tyres with different load ratings, the limit of the lowest-rated tyre is the maximum load capability.

How much load can a tyre take?

By knowing the maximum weight the tyre can carry, you can easily calculate the maximum total weight of your vehicle. Your tyre sidewall contains all the information you’ll need.

If the tyre load rating is 91T, the maximum load of the tyre is 615kg. If you multiply the load of one tyre by the number of tyres on your vehicle, you get a value slightly higher than the total maximum weight of the vehicle. So, 615 X 4 = 2,460kg


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