What Does Load Index Mean?

The load index indicates

the load-carrying capacity of a tire

. In other words, it tells you how much weight your tire can support. For example, if a tire has a load index of 92, it can support 1,389 pounds at maximum air pressure.

What is a good load index for tires?

The higher the tire’s load index number, the greater its load carrying capacity. Choosing a tire with a lower load index than the original equipment specifications means that the tire will not carry the load capacity of the original. Most passenger-car tire load indexes range from

75 to 100

, but some are higher.

What does 120 load index mean on tires?

Light truck tires have two load indexes on the sidewall of the tire, unlike passenger tires, which only have one. … For example, a light truck tire with a load index of 120/116 means

a load capacity for a single tire of 3,086 pounds and a load capacity of 2,756 pounds for two tires

.

Is a higher load index better?

The higher the number, the higher the load it can safely handle

. As an example, a tire with a load index of 89 can safely handle 1,279 pounds — while a tire with a load rating of 100 can safely handle as much as 1,764 pounds. … Saving a few bucks on tires is not worth risking an accident caused by tire failure.

Is load index important on tires?

Why Is Tire Load Index Important? The tire load index

tells you how much weight your tire can carry

, and overloading your tires is never a good idea! When you put too much weight on your tires, you can cause damage and wear them down prematurely. Even worse, you run the risk of experiencing a tire blowout.

What load index is 10 ply?

For example, an

“E” load range

indicates that a tire is equivalent to a 10-ply construction tire.

Which is better T or H speed rating?

The T or H part of the code indicates the speed rating of the tires. A speed rating of T indicates that the tire can be safely driven up to 118 mph. A tire with an H rating has a higher limit —

130 mph

— which means it can be safely driven faster than the tire with the 94T code.

What’s better load range D or E?

For a given brand and size tire,

the load range E

has a higher maximum load capacity than the load range D. The E tire is built and rated for 80 psig, while the D tire is (as I recall) built and rated for 65 psig maximum inflation pressure.

What is a tire load index of 117?

Is Load Range D better than C?

The difference between an load range C and load range D tire in the same size is the capacity and psi rating. The two tires will still have the same dimensions and fit on the same wheel. The D rated tire

has a higher capacity

. … For a C load range in the same size, like # AM1ST76 , the capacity is 1,360 pounds at 50 psi.

Can I use tires with higher load index?

If you’re thinking about up-sizing, you can switch to a tire with a higher load index, because that means

your tire can safely carry more weight

, but you can never go down.

Does load index affect ride?

Within the load index of a specific tire,

one adjusts the tire pressure to achieve the desired load capacity

; that tire pressure will also affect ride comfort and wear patterns on the tread (too high a pressure, and the tread will wear faster in the middle than at the side; too low a pressure, and the tread will wear …

Does Speed Index matter?

The speed rating

tells you the speed the tire can safely maintain over time

. A higher speed rating usually means you will have better control and handling at higher speeds – and that the tire can take the extra heat. As a general rule, tires with higher speed ratings also handle better at slower speeds.

What is my tire load index?

Tire load index is

an assigned number that corresponds to the maximum weight that a tire can support when properly inflated

. The higher the tire’s load index number, the greater its load carrying capacity. … Most passenger-car tire load indexes range from 75 to 100, but some are higher.

What does the load index on a tire mean?

The load index indicates

the load-carrying capacity of a tire

. … For example, if a tire has a load index of 92, it can support 1,389 pounds at maximum air pressure. Multiply that by four tires (4 x 1,389 = 5,556 pounds) to get your car’s maximum load-carrying capacity.

What does the T or H mean on tires?

Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images. The codes on the sides of tires are unfamiliar to most car and truck owners, but knowing what the codes mean is important to choosing the proper tires. The H/T on tires stands for

highway/terrain

.