Tyre load rating

Lower profile sizes tend to have lower load ratings compared to higher profile ones. If you are considering changing your tyre size either up sizing or down sizing the load rating should be the same or higher than the original fitment. What is load rating ? It is vital that you check with your vehicle handbook as to what capacity should be put on your car.

In some cases your insurance can become void if you select the incorrect tyres. If a tyre has only one load. The tyre load rating defines the maximum load of a tyre moving at the maximum permissible speed. The manufacturer sets the maximum load capacity of the tyre , taking into account the most loaded axle of a vehicle. It corresponds to the maximum load the tyre can handle You can compare the load index with the following table to find out the the maximum load in Kg the tyre can handle Each tyre must have a load capacity equal or superior to half the weight borne by the axle on which it is mounted.

A tyre ’s load index gives the maximum amount of weight that each individual tyre can carry. Usually considered in combination with a tyre ’s speed index, the rule of thumb is that tyres with a higher load index number are capable of carrying a heavier load capacity than those with a lower number. The load index can be found on the sidewall. It’s absolutely crucial to the safety of your driving experience that you select a tyre with an appropriate load rating for your vehicle’s needs. It’s important to fit a tyre that matches or exceeds your car’s top speed.

Tyre speed ratings. The speed rating is the maximum speed for a tyre when it is correctly inflated and being used under load. As a bare minimum, tyres must conform to recommendations concerning size, load index and speed rating as provided by the vehicle manufacturer. It’s a legal requirement in many countries.

Driving a car with a set of tyres with mismatched size, construction, load index or speed rating can pose a danger to you and other road users. It is strongly recommended to always fit tyres that have a speed capability and load index at least equal to or higher than those originally specified by the vehicle manufacturer. As the title suggests, this rating represents the maximum weight a tyre can carry.

A tyre with a load index of 9 for example, is capable of carrying 615kg. Multiply that by four and you’ll have 460kg – the absolute maximum weight your car can handle (this includes the weight of the car). A tyre speed rating indicates the maximum speed a tyre is legally approved for.

Load and speed markings on commercial tyres. These inter-related markings are always shown together. Your tyre’s load index appears on your sidewall alongside the speed rating. For example, a tyre with a load index of can carry 615kg of weight. R16: the diameter of wheel the tyre will fit, in inches.

The image has a load rating of which is 730kg, if we wanted to know what the maximum weight a load rated tyre could carry we would have to times 730kg by how many load bearing tyres the vehicle had. In this instance, denotes the ability of the tyre to carry 615kg. Load ratings range incrementally from (265kg) to 1(700kg).

The letter at the end of the code is the tyre speed rating. This relates to the maximum speed the car can safely travel with the given load index. When you are buying tyres , you should refer to the vehicle handbook to check the speed rating of your car. Select your load index to find out the maximum load capability for your tyres.

W: the speed rating of the tyre – so you can match the ability of the tyre to the top speed of the car (W = 168mph) After buying your tyres. After you have invested in the right tyres it is just as important that you ensure they are well maintained and kept in the correct state. The speed symbol indicates the maximum speed at which the tyre can carry the load indicated by its load index. The highest speed permitted for towing in the UK is 60mph (this can be higher in other countries).

A tyre ’s speed rating will give an indication of its performance when cornering, accelerating and braking. Higher load capacity of the tyre increases durability to high speeds. Therefore, when there are several speed indexes in a given size and tyre model, the XL marking will be associated with the tyre of the highest speed rating.

Do you need a tyre load rating? When buying new tyres , make sure you match their speed rating with the speed capabilities of your vehicle. You’ll find the load rating of your tyre on the sidewall, just to the right of the diameter.

Everything you need to know. Insurance can be void if you select the incorrect tyres.