Tyre load index: where to look on the tire and how to decipher

Have you ever wondered why there are mysterious numbers printed on the sidewall of a tire like 91T or 102H? It's not just a random set of symbols -- it's load-point and speedThese determine how much weight a tire can bear and what maximum speed it is designed to carry. An error in the choice of tires according to these parameters can turn not only into a fine during the inspection, but also tyre rupture at high speed or loss of control in a critical situation.

In this article, we will understand where to look for the load index on the tire, how to decipher it correctly and what will happen if you ignore these figures. You will learn why car manufacturers strictly regulate these parameters in the manual, and how to pick up tires if your car is often overloaded. And yet – we will reveal the myth that “the higher the index, the better”, and explain in which cases to overpay for the margin of safety is pointless.

Where is the tire load index: 3 places to check

The load index is never separate – it always pairs with the speed index and is included in the composition of the index. marking-code on the sidewall of the tire. You need to find it in one of three places:

• 🔍 Basic size marking - for example, 205/55 R16 91V. Here. 91 It's a load index, and V - Speed index.
• 📜 Additional inscription "Load Index" On some tires (especially American or Asian ones) there may be a separate line of appearance next to the size. LOAD INDEX 91 SINGLE or MAX LOAD 615 kg (1356 lbs).
• 🚗 Sticker on the driver's doorway - Here are the recommended tire parameters by the manufacturer, including the load index (more on this in the next section).

If you look at the tire and don’t see the numbers next to the size, don’t panic: sometimes the load index “hidden” on the inside of the tire (the one facing the disk). To see it, you will either have to remove the wheel or use a mirror. There are also cases when the numbers are written in very small print - a flashlight or a magnifying glass will help here.

How to decipher the load index: the table of correspondence

The load index is number-code, which indicates the maximum mass that a single tire can withstand at the maximum permissible pressure. For example, the index 91 correspondently 615 kg on the wheel, 105 - already 925 kg. But there are nuances:

• ⚖️ Weight is indicated flat-wheelNot the whole axis. To find out the permissible load on the car, multiply the value by 4 (for passenger cars).
• 🚛 For trucks or cars with a trailer, the calculation is carried out according to another formula: the load on the busiest axle is divided by the number of wheels on this axle.
• 💨 The index is only valid if nominal pressure in the tire. If the pressure is lower, the load capacity falls proportionally.

Below is a table of the most common load indices for passenger cars, crossovers and SUVs:

Load index	Max. wheel load (kg)	Example of vehicles
80	450	Small cars (Daewoo Matiz, Kia Picanto)
85	515	Compact hatchbacks (Hyundai Solaris, Renault Sandero)
91	615	Middle class (Toyota Corolla, Volkswagen Golf)
95	690	CrossoversNissan Qashqai, Mitsubishi Outlander)
105	925	Off-road and minibuses (Toyota Land Cruiser, Ford Transit)

If your index does not make it to the table, the full list can be found in the Official Directory of ETRTO (European Technical Organization for Tires and Rims). Please note: some manufacturers (e.g., Michelin or Continental) may use more stringent standards, so always check the documentation for the specific tire model.

Why you can not put tires with a load index below the recommended

It seems that saving on tyres with a lower index is a good idea, especially if you drive neatly and don’t overload the car. But the consequences of this choice can be fatal:

⚠️ Attention: Load index tire 88 (560 kg) in a vehicle where required 91 (615 kg), when fully loaded (4 passengers + luggage) will work to the limit of its capabilities. This leads to overheating of the rubber, stratification of the cord and flash-break speeds over 80 km/h.

Here’s what happens when you use a low-index tire:

• 🔥 Overheating - rubber is not designed for such a weight, friction increases, the temperature rises to critical values.
• 💥 Frame destruction - cord threads (usually steel or textile) do not withstand the load and break, which leads to "herring" on the sidewall.
• 🚨 Loss of control - with a sharp maneuver or braking, the tire can "break", which is equivalent to riding on a flat wheel.
• 📜 Problems with inspection - in 2026, the requirements for the compliance of tires with the parameters of the PTS were tightened. The inconsistency of the load index is a reason for refusing the diagnostic card.

But what if you put the tyres on the overstated index? For example, instead of 91 take 98? Technically, this is acceptable, but there are pitfalls:

• ❄️ Deterioration of grip High-index “harder” tires often have a hard rubber mixture, which reduces handling on wet or icy roads.
• 💰 Overpayment Price difference between indices 91 and 98 It can reach 20-30% with the same brand.
• 🔊 Increased noise The reinforced frame of the tire often makes it noisier at high speeds.

Where else can you find the required load index for your car?

It is not always possible to disassemble the marking on the tire or find it in the documentation. Fortunately, there are 4 more reliable sources that provide the required load index:

1. Sticker on the driver's doorway - here the manufacturer indicates the recommended tire sizes and their indices. Look for the form. Tire Size: 205/55R16 91V or Recommended Tire Load Index: 91.
2. Vehicle operation manual In the section "Technical characteristics" or "Wheels and tires" there is always a table with permissible parameters.
3. PTS (vehicle passport) In the paragraph "Additional marks" or "Special marks" may be indicated load index (though not always).
4. Online tyre selection services - on the websites Kama Tyres, Nokian Tyres or Shina.Guide Enter the make, model and year of the car to get a list of compatible tires with the correct indices.

If you are buying a used car, be sure to check whether it is not tires with a low index. The previous owner could save by putting tires from a small car on a crossover. You can check it through VIN-checking The report will contain the history of the wheel replacement (if the car was serviced by an official dealer).

What to do if the car has tires with different load indexes?

If the same axle has tyres with different load indices (for example, front). 91behind 88? traffic violation (p. 5.5 Annex 8 to the Technical Regulations of the Customs Union. The fine is 500 rubles, but the main danger is that the car becomes unpredictable in management. The difference in tire stiffness leads to uneven grip, especially on corners. Solution: at the earliest opportunity, replace all tires with the same, corresponding to the maximum index of those that are already standing (in the example above - on the same). 91).

How to calculate the load index if you often carry goods

If your car is regularly used to carry heavy loads (for example, you are a small business owner or often drive to the country with building materials), a standard load index may not be enough. In this case, you need to do stock-out.

The algorithm is:

1. Find out. maximum permissible mass of the vehicle (Section "Technical characteristics" in the PTS, paragraph Max. weight).
2. Put on the weight. regular baggage (if there is one) and load-weightThe one you plan to transport.
3. Divide the resulting figure by 4 (for passenger cars) or by the number of wheels on the most loaded axle (for trucks).
4. Find it in index-table proximal margin.

Example of calculation Toyota RAV4 (max.) mass 2010 kg) with permanent luggage of 50 kg and load of 300 kg:

(2010 + 50 + 300) / 4 = 590 kg per wheel → index 89 (580 kg) is insufficient, take 91 (615 kg).

⚠️ Attention: If you are using a trailer, the tire load index should cover the total weight of the car + trailerNot just the car itself. For example, for Volkswagen Passat with a trailer weighing 1500 kg, tires with an index not lower 96 (710 kg per wheel), even if the PTS is specified 91.

✅ Tyre pressure corresponds to maximum load (indicated on driver's door sticker)

✅ Tyre load index not lower than calculated with a margin of 10%

✅ On one axle are tires with the same load index

✅ The spare wheel also meets the requirements (if full sized)

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Frequent errors in the selection of tires by load index

Even experienced drivers sometimes make mistakes when choosing tires. Here are the 5 most common misconceptions and their consequences:

• 🚗 I take the tyres with the maximum index - it is more reliable. In fact, this leads to deterioration of handling and increased wear of the suspension due to too rigid tires.
• 🔄 I change the tires in the front, I leave the old ones behind. Different indices on one axis are a direct road to skids and a penalty.
• 💨 "Tyre pressure does not affect the load index" At reduced pressure, the load capacity of the tire drops by 20-30%, even if the index formally fits.
• 📅 Summer tires can be taken with a lower index than winter tires. The load on the wheel does not depend on the season. Winter tires often have softer rubber, but their load index should be lowerthan in the summer.
• 🔍 “The load index and the speed index are the same thing.” Nope! Speed index (letter after number, for example) 91H) indicates maximum speed, not load capacity.

Another common mistake is to ignore load index for dual wheels (if any) For example, on Ford Transit maybe written 102/100Rwhere 102 - for a single wheel, and 100 - for a double. If you use a car in the mode of "single wheels", but put tires with an index 100This is equivalent to driving underloaded by 10-15%.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions About Tyre Load Index

Can I put tires with a load index higher than in PTS?

Yes, this is acceptable, but only if the difference does not exceed 2-3 units. For example, instead of 91 can be placed 93but 100 It's already excessive. The main thing is that speed It was not below the recommended level.

What happens if you exceed the tire load?

If a one-time excess of 10-15%, nothing critical will happen, but systematic overload leads to:

• accelerated wear of the tread (especially at the edges);
• risk of a high-speed tire explosion;
• deterioration of the braking distance by 20-30%.

If overload is inevitable (e.g., a move), reduce the speed to 60-70 km/h and check the temperature of the tires every 50 km (by touching your hand).

How does the load index relate to tire pressure?

Manufacturers indicate the maximum load when nominal pressure (usually 2.2-2.5 bar for passenger cars). If the pressure is lower by 0.5 bar, the load capacity of the tire drops by ~20%. For example, an indexed tire. 91 (615 kg) at a pressure of 1.8 bar instead of 2.3 bar will withstand only ~490 kg.
Conclusion: beforeload necessarily Check the pressure with a pressure gauge and, if necessary, pump the wheels.

Where is the load index for trailer tyres indicated?

On trailer tires, the load index is indicated in the same way as on conventional tires, but is often duplicated by the inscription TRAILER SERVICE or REINFORCED. Important: The load index of the trailer tyres should be lowerthan the tires of a traction car. For example, if the car has tires with an index 95The trailer must be 95 Or higher.

Can I ride on tires with different load indexes on the front and rear axles?

Technically, this is possible, but only if:

• on single-axis the same tires;
• the difference between the axes does not exceed 1-2 units (for example, in front of the 91behind 93);
• higher index is rear-axle (As it is usually more heavily loaded).

However, it is best to avoid such combinations – they impair handling, especially on wet roads.