Tire Load Rating: How To Easily Determine Load Capacity

Tires must be able to support the vehicle’s weight, which is why it’s crucial that you pay attention to load rating. Here’s how to calculate your load rating.

Imagine yourself preparing to enter a tire shop, needing to buy a brand-new set of tires.

Whether you are thrust into the process because of an emergency like a blowout, or it is just time to upgrade from your set of aging tires, it is often a complex process.

That’s because there are so many ways drivers evaluate their tires when in the shopping process. The most common include seasonal options such as the choice between winter tires or all-season tires. There are also factors such as the amount of fun you want — which may lead you to mud tires or all-terrain tires. In most circumstances, those are the general areas.

But beyond the decision of what kind of tire you need for the kind of driving you want to do, there are some more in-depth details that the average driver may not consider. One of these factors is the tire load rating, a concept that is often overlooked in the tire shopping process but can impact both your tires and your vehicle’s capacity overall.

What Is A Tire Load Rating?

At its most basic level, a tire load rating specifies the tire’s maximum amount of load-carrying capacity. It determines how much weight, or “max load”, the vehicle can carry when those tires are at the correct pressure.

Tires are constructed with specific uses in mind. Much like mud tires featuring a distinct tread design and extremely durable rubber compounds, some tires are made to carry a certain amount of weight depending on the style of tire.

But how do you discover what the load rating is for any specific tire?

If you look at the sidewall of a tire, you’ll notice several numbers, letters, and symbols. They may not mean anything to the average driver, but those details lay out the tire’s specifications. Reading a tire’s sidewall can help you determine whether the tires have the right size, speed rating, and load rating for your vehicle. Tire sidewalls often have what is called a tire load index, which is another way of determining the amount of weight the tire could safely carry.

How Do I Put Those Numbers To Use?

When buying tires, it’s important to account for the size of your vehicle and how you plan to use it. Some smaller vehicles may not need a very high load rating. Larger vehicles such as trucks or SUVs, however, demand tires that have the capacity to hold not only the weight of the vehicle but everything they might be tasked with carrying.

Remember to also factor in that additional weight when shopping for tires. The max load might cover the weight of your truck, for example, but not the lumber you plan to haul every so often. It’s better to plan to have plenty of buffer between your tire load rating and its usual use.

Let The Pros Guide You

If you’re shopping for tires alone, it’s important to include all of these factors — including the load index and other specifications — into your consideration. Tire sidewalls can tell you what a tire offers, but you should also learn what your vehicle needs. Much of that information can be found in the vehicle’s operating manual. Another possible strategy to use is that if you bought a car new, it’s likely safe to assume the tires that came with it have the proper load index, so opt for tires that have that rating or higher in the next set you put on your vehicle.

Of course, you don’t always have to shop alone.

There are plenty of tire professionals in your area who can guide you through the process and simplify the variety of considerations – all through a stress-free conversation. If you feel like you may need help navigating the process, contact Tread Connection for tire services that come to you, ensuring you combine the peace of mind with the convenience of mobile tire shopping experience brought to your home or workplace.