Tire Load Ratings Explained | Tire Load Index Guide for Cars & Trucks

Learn how tire load ratings work, how to read tire load index numbers, and why they matter. Contact Automotive Expressions for expert tire help today.

Tire Load Ratings:What They Mean for Safety, Towing & Daily Driving

A tire load rating, also called a load index, is a numerical code on a tire’s sidewall that corresponds to the maximum weight one tire can carry when it is properly inflated. The higher the load index number, the greater the tire’s load-carrying capability.michelinman+1

For drivers in Flowery Branch and across North Georgia, tire load ratings matter whether you drive a commuter car, family SUV, performance vehicle, work truck, Jeep, or lifted truck with oversized tires. A tire may look correct and physically fit the wheel, but it can still be the wrong choice if its load capacity does not meet the needs of the vehicle, passengers, cargo, towing setup, or suspension modifications.

At Automotive Expressions, we help customers choose tire-and-wheel packages with the full vehicle in mind. That includes tire size, wheel size, wheel offset, tire load rating, speed rating, available clearance, suspension height, towing requirements, and how the vehicle is used every day.

What Is a Tire Load Rating?

The tire load rating is the number found in the tire’s service description, typically near the end of its size marking. For example:

265/70R17 115S265/70R17\ 115S

Here is what the markings mean:

265 is the tire’s nominal width in millimeters.
70 is the aspect ratio, indicating that the sidewall height is approximately 70% of the tire width.
R means the tire uses radial construction.
17 is the required wheel diameter in inches.
115 is the tire load index.
S is the tire speed rating.

The load index of 115 corresponds to a maximum load capacity of 2,679 pounds per tire when the tire is inflated to the pressure required to carry its maximum rated load. This number comes from standardized industry load-index tables; it is not a direct pound value printed into the service description itself.

The load rating is important because every tire must support a share of the vehicle’s weight. That includes more than the empty vehicle:

Vehicle curb weight
Driver and passengers
Cargo and tools
Trailer tongue weight
Roof-mounted or bed-mounted equipment
Aftermarket accessories
Batteries and added weight in hybrid or electric vehicles
Weight transfer that occurs while braking, turning, accelerating, or towing

A tire’s load rating must meet or exceed the specification established by the vehicle manufacturer. Installing tires with a lower load index than the factory requirement can increase the risk of excessive heat, tire damage, sidewall failure, blowouts, and loss of control.

Tire Load Index Chart

The following chart includes common load-index values found on cars, crossovers, SUVs, trucks, and light-truck tires. The figure listed is the maximum capacity for one tire at its specified maximum load-sustaining inflation pressure—not the recommended daily operating pressure for the vehicle.

Load Index	Maximum Load per Tire	Typical Vehicle Applications
91	1,356 lbs	Compact cars, sedans, coupes
94	1,477 lbs	Sedans, crossovers, small SUVs
97	1,609 lbs	Crossovers, SUVs, passenger vehicles
100	1,764 lbs	SUVs, light trucks, larger crossovers
102	1,874 lbs	SUVs, pickup trucks, full-size crossovers
105	2,039 lbs	Trucks, SUVs, towing-focused applications
109	2,271 lbs	Larger trucks, SUVs, heavier vehicle setups
112	2,469 lbs	Heavy-duty light-truck applications
115	2,679 lbs	Trucks, SUVs, larger tire packages
118	2,910 lbs	High-capacity truck and SUV tires
121	3,197 lbs	Heavy-duty light-truck tires

For reference, standardized tables identify load index 91 as 1,356 pounds per tire, 94 as 1,477 pounds, 97 as 1,609 pounds, 100 as 1,764 pounds, 105 as 2,039 pounds, 112 as 2,469 pounds, 115 as 2,679 pounds, and 121 as 3,197 pounds per tire.middle-east.

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Load Index vs. Maximum Load Marking

The tire’s load index and the “maximum load” information molded into the sidewall are related, but they are not identical pieces of information.

The load index is the two- or three-digit code in the tire’s service description, such as 94, 102, 115, or 121. You use a standardized chart to translate that code into a weight capacity.

The maximum load marking is usually written elsewhere on the sidewall in pounds and kilograms. It identifies the greatest load the tire can carry under the pressure and operating conditions specified by the manufacturer. Federal tire standards require maximum load ratings to be molded onto qualifying tire sidewalls, and the vehicle load on each tire cannot exceed that tire’s rated capacity.nhtsa+1

This distinction is important because a tire does not automatically support its maximum rated load at every tire pressure. Inflation pressure directly affects a tire’s load-carrying capability. Underinflation reduces the tire’s ability to safely carry load and can increase heat buildup, irregular wear, and the risk of tire failure.

For everyday driving, use the cold tire pressure shown on your vehicle’s door-jamb placard or in the owner’s manual—not the maximum pressure printed on the tire sidewall—unless a qualified tire professional provides an approved vehicle-specific recommendation.

Why Tire Load Ratings Matter

Tire load ratings support safe vehicle operation. They help ensure the tires can carry the vehicle’s designed weight under expected driving conditions.

A load rating becomes especially important when you:

Drive a pickup truck or full-size SUV
Tow a trailer, boat, camper, or equipment
Haul tools, materials, or jobsite supplies
Carry heavy passengers or cargo regularly
Add a truck bed rack, rooftop tent, cargo system, winch, bumper, or other accessories
Install larger tires or aftermarket wheels
Build an overlanding or off-road vehicle
Drive an electric vehicle with significant battery weight
Replace original tires with a different size or type

For example, a truck may have tires that fit correctly after a lift kit installation, but the new tires could still be unsuitable if their load index does not support the truck’s axle ratings and intended towing or hauling use. Likewise, a sporty low-profile tire may fit a performance SUV but still need to meet the vehicle’s required load capacity.

The tire load index is not a reason to exceed the vehicle’s gross vehicle weight rating, payload rating, axle weight ratings, wheel load rating, or towing capacity. It is one part of a complete system. The vehicle’s lowest-rated component determines the practical limit.

How to Find Your Tire Load Rating

You can find the load rating by reading the tire sidewall. Look for the tire size and service description. It will usually follow a format like:

245/50R20 105V245/50R20\ 105V

In this example:

105 is the load index.
V is the speed rating.

A load index of 105 corresponds to a maximum capacity of 2,039 pounds per tire when properly inflated for that load.middle-east.michelin+1

You can also check your vehicle’s tire-information placard. It is commonly located on the driver-side door jamb, door edge, glove compartment area, fuel-filler door, or in the owner’s manual. The placard identifies the original tire size and recommended cold inflation pressure for the vehicle as manufactured.

If your vehicle has aftermarket wheels, a lift kit, leveling kit, lowering kit, oversized tires, or a different tire type than factory, do not assume that the original placard fully describes the modified setup. Ask a tire professional to confirm tire size, wheel width, clearance, load capability, and appropriate inflation requirements.

Passenger Tires vs. Light-Truck Tires

Passenger tires and light-truck tires can be designed for different priorities. A passenger tire often uses a “P” designation before the size, while a light-truck tire commonly uses an “LT” designation.

Examples:

P265/70R17 113SP265/70R17\ 113S

LT265/70R17 121/118SLT265/70R17\ 121/118S

The passenger tire above has a 113 load index. The LT tire has a dual load-index format, 121/118, which can indicate different maximum capacities depending on whether the tire is used in a single-wheel or dual-wheel application.

Light-truck tires may be selected for pickups, SUVs, Jeeps, trailers, and work vehicles that require added load capability, reinforced construction, off-road durability, or towing support. However, an LT tire may also be heavier and have a firmer ride than a passenger-metric tire. The right option depends on the vehicle’s factory requirements and real-world job.

Do not choose an LT tire only because it appears more rugged. Select a tire based on size, load capacity, construction, tread type, ride expectations, towing needs, and the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations.

Load Range vs. Load Index

Load range and load index are related but different.

A load index is the numerical sidewall code that corresponds to a maximum load per tire. For example, 115 means a maximum of 2,679 pounds per tire under the applicable rated conditions.

A load range is commonly used with light-truck tires and identifies a tire’s construction and inflation/load-carrying category. You may see load range letters such as C, D, E, F, or other designations, depending on the tire. These are often associated with different maximum inflation pressures and load capacities.

Neither a higher load range nor a higher load index automatically makes a tire better for every driver. A higher-capacity tire can offer benefits for towing, hauling, and demanding use, but it may also affect ride firmness, weight, fuel economy, and tire cost.

The tire’s actual size, service description, maximum load statement, inflation requirements, and manufacturer load-and-inflation tables must be considered together. Load index is the number that directly corresponds to maximum carrying capacity; load range describes the tire’s load-carrying construction category.discounttire+1

Tire Load Ratings for Towing and Hauling

If you tow a trailer or haul heavy cargo, tire selection deserves special attention. Trailer tongue weight, passengers, cargo, tools, and vehicle accessories can place significant additional demand on the rear tires and axle.

For safe towing and hauling, account for:

Vehicle gross vehicle weight rating, or GVWR
Front and rear gross axle weight ratings, or GAWR
Payload capacity
Trailer tongue weight
Gross combined weight rating, or GCWR, where applicable
Tire load index and load range
Tire pressure requirements for the actual load
Wheel load rating
Suspension condition and modifications
Trailer-tire condition and trailer load ratings

Do not calculate tire capacity simply by multiplying one tire’s maximum load by four and treating that total as a new vehicle rating. Weight is not always shared equally among the tires or axles, especially while towing, braking, turning, or driving on uneven terrain. The vehicle manufacturer’s ratings, axle ratings, and the lowest-rated component remain controlling limits.

For commercial use, frequent hauling, or large-trailer towing, consult the vehicle owner’s manual and work with a qualified tire professional who can assess the complete vehicle and trailer setup.

Load Ratings for Lifted Trucks and Custom Builds

Lifted trucks, Jeeps, and SUVs often use larger tires, wider wheels, different offsets, and suspension modifications. These changes can affect more than appearance.

A larger tire may weigh substantially more than the factory tire. Wider wheels and aggressive offsets can alter steering feel, bearing load, clearance, and suspension geometry. Off-road use, armor, bed racks, recovery gear, roof tents, oversized spare tires, and aftermarket bumpers can also add considerable weight.

When building a custom vehicle, verify:

Tire load index and tire load range
Wheel load rating
Correct bolt pattern and center bore
Wheel width, offset, and backspacing
Tire-to-fender and tire-to-suspension clearance
Brake clearance
Steering and suspension travel
Lift or leveling-kit compatibility
Alignment requirements
Actual towing, hauling, and cargo needs

Automotive Expressions helps North Georgia customers coordinate wheels, tires, lift kits, leveling kits, lowering kits, and accessories as a complete package. A professional fitment review can help prevent rubbing, premature wear, poor handling, and load-capacity mismatches.

Tire Load Rating Safety Tips

Follow these tire load-rating best practices:

Never install a replacement tire with a lower load index than the vehicle manufacturer requires.
Use the recommended cold tire pressure shown on the vehicle placard unless a qualified professional advises otherwise for an approved modified setup.
Do not use the maximum pressure on the sidewall as your everyday pressure target.
Account for passengers, cargo, towing equipment, tools, trailers, and aftermarket accessories.
Confirm that aftermarket wheels have adequate load ratings for the vehicle and intended use.
Inspect tires regularly for low pressure, uneven tread wear, bulges, cuts, punctures, cracking, or damage.
Have a tire inspected after a severe pothole strike, curb impact, or suspected overloading event.
Stay within your vehicle’s GVWR, GAWR, payload, and towing limits.

A tire’s load capacity assumes proper inflation, appropriate use, and a tire that is in sound condition. Overloading or operating tires with inadequate pressure can increase heat and contribute to damage or failure.

Get Tire Fitment Help in North Georgia

Tire load ratings are a critical safety specification, particularly for trucks, SUVs, work vehicles, towing setups, and customized vehicles. The right tire must do more than fit the wheel—it must support your vehicle, passengers, cargo, and driving demands without exceeding the limits of the tires, wheels, axles, suspension, or vehicle itself.

Automotive Expressions serves drivers in Flowery Branch, Gainesville, Buford, Cumming, Suwanee, Sugar Hill, Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Lawrenceville, and surrounding North Georgia communities. Our team can help you compare tire sizes, load ratings, wheel options, suspension modifications, and complete wheel-and-tire packages for your car, truck, SUV, or Jeep.

Contact Automotive Expressions today for knowledgeable tire guidance, custom wheel fitment, tire installation, lift and leveling solutions, and vehicle upgrades built around your needs.