Choosing the right tires for your vehicle isn’t just about size or season. Other markings also play a key role, among which the tire load index is extremely important. Thanks to this indicator, we will find out what load a particular tire can safely withstand. But how do I read it, and why is it so important? We invite you to read!
Loading index: what does it mean?
The technical parameter The load index is a number that determines the maximum load that the tire can carry at the maximum permitted speed. Simply put, it’s information about how much weight the tire can safely support. For tires intended for different types of vehicles, from cars to trucks, the load ratings will vary. This is especially important for people carrying heavy loads such as camping equipment, trailers, or large amounts of luggage. In such cases, by using tires with an appropriate load index, we can ensure greater road safety and a longer tire life. Therefore, choosing the right load rating is key to satisfying tire performance and protecting your new tire investment. It is worth paying attention to this parameter, especially if our vehicle is often loaded to its limits or we drive at high speed. The tire manufacturer’s table will help you read and understand the value of this parameter.
Where is the load indicator on a tire?
Each tire has a series of markings on its sidewall. The letters and numbers also include a value that determines the load index of the tire . It is usually a two or three digit number that appears just before the speed symbol, i.e. a letter (eg 91V). If you’re having trouble locating this information on the tyre, it’s worth checking what the symbols on car tires mean by visiting a specialist website or asking a friendly car mechanic about the markings.
How do I read the load index?
Reading and understanding tire markings on your own can seem a bit complicated at first, but it’s definitely worth figuring out how to do. The load index is a two- or three-digit number located on the sidewall of the tire, immediately after the size designations. For example, on a tire marked “205/55R16 91V”, the number “91” represents the load index.
This particular number represents the maximum load that the tire can safely carry at maximum speed. However, it is worth remembering that the number itself does not indicate the exact weight. To determine exactly how many kilograms a given tire load rating corresponds to, it is worth checking the load rating table, available from tire manufacturers or specialist industry sources. If the tire markings show an index of 91, it means that the tires can support a load of up to 615 kg. A specialized table shows the load capacity for all load indicators.
Don’t assume that a higher load rating automatically means a better tire. The selection of a tire with the appropriate load index should be based on the specifications of a particular vehicle and the typical loads encountered in daily driving. A too low index can lead to premature tire wear and safety issues , while a too high index may not provide additional benefits and may even affect driving comfort.
Why is the load factor important to safety?
- Puncture protection. Tires with the appropriate load index are less prone to punctures. When a tire is overloaded, the thinner parts of the tire can wear faster and become more susceptible to punctures.
- Driving stability. Using tires with the appropriate load index guarantees better vehicle stability, especially during high-speed maneuvers or when the car is heavily loaded.
- Predicted tire behavior. Tires that are not overloaded and meet vehicle specifications behave more predictably in various driving conditions.
- Longer tire life. An incorrect load index can reduce the life of the tire. Tires that have been loaded beyond their capacity may experience excessive wear, requiring earlier tire replacement.
- Fuel economy. Tires that are properly matched to the vehicle’s load can help optimize fuel economy. Overloaded tires can increase rolling resistance, which leads to higher fuel consumption.
Understanding and following tire load index markings is an important step in ensuring road safety. This not only helps protect the tire itself from premature wear but also plays a key role in ensuring driving stability and safety. By choosing tires with the right load rating for your vehicle and driving style, you can drive with more confidence and peace of mind, knowing your car is properly equipped.
Proper tire marking and awareness of their importance are keys to safe driving. The load indicator is one of the most important indicators that every driver should know and understand. Let’s remember that the right tires are not only about driving comfort but, above all, about our safety on the road.
Use of tires with different load indices. How to choose? Effects on safety and comfort.
The load capacity of the tires must be the same on all wheels . Why; Rubber, e.g. with a higher index, it has a slightly different structure or additional layers, which makes it more rigid, and the driving characteristics of the car will be different. Tires on the front axle will behave differently than on the rear axle, which can lead to unpredictability of the vehicle’s behavior on the road in exceptional circumstances. This has a direct impact on our safety and that of other road users as well as on the comfort of the journey . The case is slightly different in cars where different tire widths are used. Here, the load indicators will have different values between the axles, as the tires differ in width and profile.
It’s important to keep in mind that the law forbids using an index that is lower than the one the car manufacturer has designated, but interestingly, it does not forbid using an index that is higher. It is easy to make a mistake when buying if we only follow the determining factor of price. For example, the same dimensions, the same manufacturer, and the same tire model may have different values depending on the load capacity parameter. A lower load and speed index will result in a lower price. At first glance, it looks like we have a great opportunity. After a while, it turns out to be quite the opposite. Tires with the wrong index—we are talking about low prices—will have to deal with overloads much greater than recommended, which will result in faster wear and the safety issue mentioned earlier. The main risks are excessive tire wear, the risk of the tire exploding while driving, reduced ride comfort (floating effect), loss of tire and vehicle warranty, and even denial of compensation when involved in a collision or accident.
What if you want to fit tires with a higher load index?
Here, the law does not prohibit the installation of such tires; the choice is up to the user. The pros and cons of such a solution should be considered.
Disadvantage
- more expensive to buy
- less comfort
- less damping of all surface imperfections
- greater mass
- higher fuel consumption (minimal, but still)
- more wear on suspension components
Advantages
- greater vehicle stability
- better twist
- better vehicle predictability at higher speeds
Most of us have also come across additional markings related to load capacity, such as the letter C (Commercial) or XL or other, depending on the manufacturer, EXL (extra load), RFD, RF, REF, REINF. This applies to cars with a slightly higher weight, e.g. trucks, SUVs or large passenger limousines. Such tires are adapted to a higher pressure and load due to the approval of use for this type of vehicle described above. It is important to remember the same situation presented earlier, when it is recommended to use XL tires, you should adhere to this, but you can use reinforced tires where no approval is required. The question is: is it necessary and worth paying more?