When choosing new tires for a car, car enthusiasts often focus on size and seasonality, losing sight of equally important labeling parameters. One of the key indicators is the load index, which is indicated by a two-digit number on the sidewall of the tire. For many drivers, the number 98, printed after the standard size, remains a mystery, although it determines the load capacity of one wheel.
Understanding what it means load index 98, is critical for driving safety and chassis durability. Incorrect selection of tires can lead to rapid wear, cord breakage, or even an emergency situation when the vehicle is fully loaded. In this article we will analyze in detail the technical characteristics of this index, calculate the permissible weight and determine which cars are best equipped with such tires.
It is worth noting that the value 98 refers to the category of reinforced tires, which are often marked with an additional abbreviation XL or Reinforced. This is not just a marketing ploy, but an indication of a reinforced frame structure that can withstand increased internal pressure and more severe weight loads. Ignoring these parameters when selecting a set of tires is a common mistake that can be costly.
Explanation of the marking and the meaning of the number 98
On the sidewall of any certified tire, after indicating the size (for example, 225/55 R17), there is an alphanumeric code indicating the speed index and load index. In standard markings, such as 225/55 R17 101V, the number 101 is exactly the desired parameter. If you see a value of 98, this means that one wheel with this tire at the maximum permissible pressure can withstand a weight of 750 kilograms.
It is important to understand that the indicated figure refers to each wheel individually, and not to the car as a whole. Therefore, to calculate the total carrying capacity of a vehicle, it is necessary to multiply the index value by the number of wheels. For a standard passenger car with four wheels, the total permissible weight will be 3000 kg, however, the vehicle's curb weight must be subtracted from this amount.
Load index 98 often found on tires for crossovers, minivans and light commercial vans. These tires are designed to allow the vehicle to carry heavy loads or have significant curb weight due to all-wheel drive and optional extras. Using tires with a lower index on a heavy vehicle will lead to overheating of the rubber and destruction of its structure.
⚠️ Attention: Installing tires with a load index lower than that recommended by the vehicle manufacturer is strictly prohibited, as this directly threatens safety and can cause the tire to burst at high speed.
When visually inspecting the sidewall, you will notice that tires with an index of 98 often have stiffer sides. This is due to the need to maintain more air pressure, which is required to compensate for the weight. In the labeling this may be accompanied by the inscription Extra Load, which translates as “extra load” or “increased load”.
Load capacity table and weight calculation
To accurately determine the possibility of installing a specific tire model, you must refer to standardized correspondence tables. Index 98 is in the middle of the range for passenger cars, striking a balance between comfort and load-carrying capacity. Below is a table showing the dependence of the index on the permissible weight.
| Load Index | Maximum load per 1 tire (kg) | Maximum load per tire (lbs) | Load status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 96 | 710 | 1565 | Standard |
| 97 | 730 | 1609 | Standard |
| 98 | 750 | 1653 | Reinforced (XL) |
| 99 | 775 | 1709 | Reinforced (XL) |
| 100 | 800 | 1764 | Reinforced (XL) |
Analyzing the table data, you can see that the step between adjacent indices is from 20 to 25 kilograms. This is a significant difference when it comes to fully loading the car with passengers and luggage. If your car weighs 1800 kg when loaded and you plan to add 5 passengers (75 kg each) and 200 kg luggage, the total weight will be 2425 kg. Dividing this mass into four wheels, we get approximately 606 kg per wheel, which formally allows the use of even index 93, but the safety margin in this case will be minimal.
This is why car manufacturers often recommend installing tires with load index 98 or higher to provide a safety margin of about 20-25%. This reserve is necessary to compensate for dynamic loads that arise when passing uneven roads, sharp braking or entering a turn, when the weight is redistributed on one axle or even on one wheel.
What cars are 98 tires suitable for?
With a load capacity of 750kg per wheel, the tires are ideal for a wide range of modern vehicles. First of all, these are mid-size crossovers and SUVs, whose weight often exceeds 1.8 tons. This index is also relevant for minivans designed to carry 7 or more passengers, where the load on the rear axle when fully seated can be critical.
Owners of electric vehicles are also often faced with the need to purchase tires with an index of 98 or higher. This is due to the fact that batteries significantly increase the weight of the car compared to analogues with internal combustion engines. Additionally, the instantaneous torque of electric motors requires a stronger tire design for effective traction without slipping.
- 🚙 Mid-size crossovers (for example, Kia Sportage, Hyundai Tucson, Toyota RAV4).
- 🚐 Minivans and family cars (for example, Volkswagen Sharan, Ford Galaxy).
- ⚡ Heavy electric vehicles and hybrids (for example, Tesla Model Y, BMW iX3).
- 🚚 Light commercial vans in passenger version.
When selecting tires for the listed categories of cars, it is important to check the recommendations indicated on the sign in the driver's door opening. There the manufacturer clearly states the minimum acceptable parameters. If the index 98 is indicated there, you can bet 99 or 100, but not 97 or 96.
The influence of the index on pressure and controllability
There is a direct correlation between the load index and recommended tire pressure. Tires rated 98 typically require higher pressures to realize their load-carrying capacity than standard tires. If the pressure in such rubber is underestimated, it will not work correctly, which will lead to overheating and uneven tread wear.
The effect on handling is also noticeable. The stiffer sidewall, characteristic of index 98, provides better vehicle stability in corners and during sharp maneuvers. The car rolls less, and reactions to steering turns become sharper and more predictable. However, the flip side of the coin may be a decrease in comfort, especially on cars with rigid suspension.
Experts notethat the difference in stiffness between the standard tire and the XL version (98 index) can be noticeable on poor road surfaces. The driver may feel more vibrations and shocks transmitted to the body. Therefore, owners of cars with soft suspension should take a balanced approach to their choice, perhaps giving preference to models with comfort technologies, even if they have a reinforced frame.
When purchasing tires with index 98, be sure to check the vehicle’s technical data sheet. If a lower index is indicated there, the installation of reinforced tires is acceptable, but may require adjustment of the pressure.
Features of operation and rubber life
When properly used, the service life of tires with increased load-carrying capacity is often longer than that of standard analogues. A stronger frame and reinforced sides are less susceptible to deformation when in contact with curbs or falling into holes. This is especially true for Russian road conditions, where the likelihood of sidewall damage is quite high.
However, it is worth considering that tread wear depends not only on the strength of the carcass, but also on the composition of the rubber mixture. Manufacturers often use stiffer compounds for reinforced tires, which may reduce grip on wet roads compared to soft sports models, but increases mileage before the wear indicator appears.
Tire pressure with index 98 should be checked regularly. Because they operate at higher internal pressure, even a small air leak can have a critical impact on their mileage. It is recommended to check the pressure at least once every two weeks, especially before long trips with a full load.
☑️ Checking tire condition
Myths and common misconceptions
There are many myths around load indices that confuse inexperienced drivers. One of the most common is that tires with a high load index are always better, regardless of the car. This is not entirely true: on a light car, such tires can be too hard, noisy and expensive, without providing any real safety benefits.
Another myth states that load index affects a vehicle's top speed. In fact, another marking parameter is responsible for the speed limit - the speed index (denoted by a letter, for example, V, H, W). While an overloaded tire will certainly not be able to safely maintain high speeds, the 98 rating itself does not add “speed”, it adds “load capacity”.
There is also an opinion that tires with different load indices can be installed on one axle. Traffic rules and common sense dictates the opposite: absolutely identical tires should be installed on the same axle. The difference in load capacity will result in uneven distribution of braking forces and may cause the vehicle to skid during emergency braking.
⚠️ Attention: Installing tires with different load indexes on one axle is a violation of the rules for operating vehicles and may result in refusal to pay insurance compensation in the event of an accident.
How to choose and check tires correctly
The selection process begins with studying the documentation for the car. Find the VIN plate or check your owner's manual. The minimum required index will be indicated there. If you plan to frequently carry heavy loads, it makes sense to take a model with a reserve, that is, 99 or 100 instead of 98.
When purchasing, be sure to inspect the sidewall for markings. Extra Load or XL. This will confirm that you are buying the enhanced version. Also check the production date: even a seemingly new tire that has been in a warehouse for 5 years has already lost some of its properties. The date is embossed in an oval stamp in the form of four numbers (week and year).
Where can I look for the production date of a tire?
The production date is stamped on the sidewall of the tire in an oval stamp. These are four numbers, for example, 3523. The first two (35) mean the 35th week, the second two (23) mean the year 2023. Do not buy tires older than 5 years from the date of manufacture.
After installing a new kit on the car, be sure to carry out balancing