What is a Tyre Load Rating?
The load index capacity of a tyre dictates how much weight it can support.
It is critical that you consult your vehicle's owner's manual to determine the appropriate capacity for your vehicle. If you choose the wrong tyres, your insurance may be voided in some situations.
Where Can I See My Load Rating?
The load rating of your tyre will be found on the sidewall, just to the right of the diameter.
A tyre with a load index of 80, for instance, can support 450kg of weight.
When purchasing a new tyre, load ratings and speed ratings should be compared. Check the advice from the experts at your local Kwik Fit centre.
Find out the maximum load capability for your tyres:
| Load Rating | Max Load |
|---|---|
| 65 | 290kg |
| 66 | 300kg |
| 67 | 307kg |
| 68 | 315kg |
| 69 | 325kg |
| 70 | 335kg |
| 71 | 345kg |
| 72 | 355kg |
| 73 | 365kg |
| 74 | 375kg |
| 75 | 387kg |
| 76 | 400kg |
| 77 | 412kg |
| 78 | 425kg |
| 79 | 437kg |
| 80 | 450kg |
| 81 | 462kg |
| 82 | 475kg |
| 83 | 487kg |
| 84 | 500kg |
| 85 | 515kg |
| 86 | 530kg |
| 87 | 545kg |
| 88 | 560kg |
| 89 | 580kg |
| 90 | 600kg |
| 91 | 615kg |
| 92 | 630kg |
| 93 | 650kg |
| 94 | 670kg |
| 95 | 690kg |
| 96 | 710kg |
| 97 | 730kg |
| 98 | 750kg |
| 99 | 775kg |
| 100 | 800kg |
| 101 | 825kg |
| 102 | 850kg |
| 103 | 875kg |
| 104 | 900kg |
| 105 | 925kg |
| 106 | 950kg |
| 107 | 975kg |
| 108 | 1000kg |
Why is Load Rating Important?
How much weight your tyres can safely support at maximum air pressure is determined by their load rating. If load rating is disregarded, it may lead to tyre failure, resulting in damage to your car or, in the case of an accident, injury to you and your passengers.
A tyre's casing and structure can be strained by being overloaded, leading to failure or a blowout. The edges of the tread might overheat from abnormal bending under large loads and start to separate from the tyre. In warmer locations where the roadways absorb heat, the sidewall cords might also start to unravel. Even after the heavy load has been lifted, the cords are likely to continue to deteriorate once they start to unravel.
How do I choose a tyre load index?
It is important to consider the weight of your vehicle as well as the maximum weight that your tyres can support when selecting a tyre load index. The tyre load index chart can help you determine how many pounds each tyre can support. Multiply by four (since your car will have four tyres). Those tyres should function as long as that number is more than your vehicle's GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating).
Need some advice?
Contact your local Kwik Fit centre for a tonne of valuable advice if you're not sure if your car's tyres have the proper speed rating or if you have any other inquiries regarding car tyres. To make sure everything is in perfect working order, you can even schedule a free tyre inspection!
