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A load rating (often referred to as a ‘load index’) is a tyre’s determined load capacity, or maximum weight that the tyre can carry, represented by a numerical value ranging from 0 to 279.
The lower the tyre load index, the lesser the load-carrying capacity, and vice versa. For instance, a load rating of 80 can hold up to 450kg, as compared to a load rating of 115 which can hold up to 1,215kg.
Generally speaking, most passenger vehicles’ load index will range between 62 to 126 (refer to the table below for an overview of the load index). In saying this, it is imperative to check what load index on the tyres are necessary for your customer’s vehicle.
It is also important to note that those who drive off-road, or use their vehicle to transport goods, may want to use a tyre with a higher load rating than those who use their vehicle for everyday commuting.
Where to find the load index
You can find the vehicle’s load index on the tyre placard, which is typically found in the driver’s side door.
On the placard, you can find the number and location of seating positions, as well as the total load capacity for the occupants and luggage.
You can also find the load index on the tyre sidewall itself (illustrated in the example below).
Remember, if you provide your customer with tyres that don’t align with their driving needs, this will lead to a higher risk of overloading.