Your Tyre Load Rating Explained

Buying new tyres with the wrong load rating is dangerous. Too much weight might damage your tyres and cause an accident.

This guide hopes to explain what tyre load ratings are and why it is essential to buy a tyre with the correct rating.

 

What is your Tyre Load Rating measuring?

Tyre load rating - also known as tyre load index - is the heaviest load or weight your tyre can carry while moving at the maximum speed it is allowed, provided that it has the correct tyre pressure.

A number represents your tyre load index. The higher the number, the greater its load-carrying capacity. For example, A load index of 62 is equivalent to 265 kilograms and that final weight is the maximum load-bearing capacity of that tyre.

 

Tyre Load Index Safety Reminders:

• The tyre load index on your tyre is just for that one particular tyre and not the total number for all four tyres.




• Always drive on four tyres with the same load index.
  Never drive with tyres that have different load ratings from each other. You could lose control of your vehicle and it will promote uneven tread wear and even cause a blowout.

 

How is Tyre Load Index determined?

Tyre load ratings are set by the tyre manufacturers themselves since they design and produce the tyre. They take the following into consideration when setting the load index:

1. Vehicle's weight

2. Tyre Weight

3. Weight of the maximum number of passengers

4. Weight of its cargo / what it can carry

5. The additional weight of the force gets added when the car is in motion.

When they have determined the rating, the tyre engineers will run tests to see if they gave the tyre the correct load rating or not.

 

TYRE ADVICE:
What Load Rating should I search for?
If your current tyres are your vehicle's original tyres, check the load index on its sidewall and the tyre placard. If they are replacement tyres, check your vehicle's manual and tyre placard.

 

Where can I find my Tyre's Load Index?

1. Tyre code

You can find the tyre load rating on the sidewall of your tyre as part of the tyre code. It is located after the tyre size information, specifically the diameter measurement and before the tyre's speed rating.

2. Tyre placard on the sidewall

The load index can also be found on your vehicle's tyre placard. The placard for your tyres could be in your glove box, driver's door, or inside the fuel cap. It identifies the number and location of seating positions and the total load capacity for occupants and luggage.

3. Owner's manual

Your vehicle's manual will also have the tyre load index information. You can also get in touch with the car company themselves or check online if you no longer have it but make sure that what you are getting is the correct manual.

 

Does tyre pressure affect Tyre Load Rating?

Your tyre's load rating is only accurate when the tyre is correctly inflated, with the prescribed amount of tyre pressure.

Regularly check your tyre's air pressure - as well as get proper tyre rotation, wheel alignments and balancing - to ensure a safe trip, with the right amount of weight in the car.

 

What happens if I use tyres with the wrong load rating?

Lower rating

It is EXTREMELY DANGEROUS to use a tyre with a load index lower than what your car's manufacturer prescribed.

1. Tyres will wear out faster, wasting money and requiring you to replace them earlier.

2. Too much load causes tyre blowouts which can be fatal not just for you but anyone else out on the road with you.

3. Your tyres - and vehicle - will lose driving stability and your ride will no longer be comfortable.

4. In case of an accident, your insurance company may refuse to cover your vehicle if it uses tyres not recommended by the car manufacturer.

5. Driving around using tyres with the wrong Load Rating is illegal and punishable by law.

 

Higher rating

It is possible to use a tyre with a higher load rating than recommended by your vehicle's manufacturer. But are there any advantages to it?

1. A tyre with a higher load rating will provide enhanced cornering capabilities and increased stability and control, especially at higher speeds.

2. However, since it is still not the correct load rating, it won't be as comfortable to ride in the vehicle.

3. There will be a higher rolling resistance, causing the car to consume more fuel as it fights the friction.

4. Tyres with higher load ratings are usually more expensive as well.

 

Tyre Load Rating Chart Australia

The different load index and speed ratings of a tyre can be found in the tyre load index chart or speed chart. This is the standard one used all over the world.

 

Code	Weight	Code	Weight	Code	Weight	Code	Weight
80	450 kg	90	600 kg	100	800 kg	110	1060 kg
81	462 kg	91	615 kg	101	825 kg	111	1090 kg
82	475 kg	92	630 kg	102	850 kg	112	1120 kg
83	487 kg	93	650 kg	103	875 kg	113	1150 kg
84	500 kg	94	670 kg	104	900 kg	114	1180 kg
85	515 kg	95	690 kg	105	925 kg	115	1215 kg
86	530 kg	96	710 kg	106	950 kg
87	545 kg	97	730 kg	107	975 kg
88	560 kg	98	750 kg	108	1000 kg
89	580 kg	99	775 kg	109	1030 kg

 

Need help?

Still have questions about your tyre load and speed rating, reach out via our contact page or social media accounts and members of #TeamTyroola will assist you.

Tyroola has a wide selection of tyres with all load index measurements available to match your car needs.

You can start shopping for the perfect set of tyres here.

If you’re not sure which tyres are right for you, Tyroola got your back. We have the perfect tyre for your needs. Buy now!