How to find out the tire load index: where to look, how to read and why it is critical for safety

Have you ever wondered why on the sidewall of a tire, in addition to the size and brand, there are mysterious numbers like 91T or 102H? One of them is load index — determines the maximum weight a tire can support when driving at top speed. Ignoring this parameter is dangerous: incorrectly selected tires risk bursting under load, especially if the car is loaded or driving at high speed.

In this article we will look at Where exactly on the tire is the load index indicated?, how to decipher it without tables (spoiler: it’s easier than it seems), and what will happen if you install tires with an underestimated or overestimated value. We will also find out whether it is possible to rely only on the recommendations of the car manufacturer or whether it is worth making allowances for real operating conditions - for example, if you often transport cargo or drive off-road.

Details - with examples, tables and exclusive data on how the load index is related to the speed index and why they are always checked in pairs.

Where is the load index on the tire: 3 places to look

The load index is two-digit or three-digit number, which always stands next to the speed index (Latin letter). You can find it in three standard places:

• 🔍 Tire sidewall - the most obvious place. Look for species markings 205/55 R16 91V, where 91 - this is the load index.
• 📄 Vehicle technical passport — in the “Recommended tire sizes” section, the acceptable indices for your model are usually indicated.
• 🖥️ Online tire catalogs (for example, Kama Tyres, Nokian, Michelin) — when selecting a tire model, the load index is displayed in the product card.

On some tires (especially commercial or SUV tires), the load index may be duplicated in two versions - for example, 104/102R. This means that the tire has different performance for single and double installations (relevant for trucks and trailers). For passenger cars, it is enough to focus on the first number.

⚠️ Attention: If the load index is indicated on the tire above 100, this does not always mean that it is “better”. For example, a tire with the index 109 (1030 kg) on a small car can worsen handling due to an excessively stiff cord. Always check the car manufacturer's recommendations!

How to decipher the load index: table of values for passenger cars

The load index is code designation, which corresponds to a specific weight in kilograms. For example, index 91 means the tire can withstand 615 kg on one wheel. To find out the permissible load on the entire car, multiply this value by the number of wheels (usually 4).

Below is the current table of load indices for cars, crossovers and light commercial vans (data corresponds to the standard ETRTO 2026):

Load Index	Max. wheel load (kg)	Example of cars
80	450	Daewoo Matiz, Kia Picanto
85	515	Hyundai Solaris, Renault Logan
91	615	Toyota Corolla, Volkswagen Polo
95	690	Skoda Octavia, Kia Sportage
100	800	Ford Explorer, Toyota Land Cruiser Prado

For trucks and trailers, the indices begin with 102 (850 kg) and reach 279 (136,000 kg - for special equipment). If your car falls into this category, look for specialized tables marked «Commercial».

Why you can't ignore the load index: 3 real risks

Many drivers mistakenly believe that the load index is a “marketing trick” of tire manufacturers. In fact, ignoring it leads to serious consequences:

1. Tire burst at high speed. If a tire is overloaded, its cord overheats, the rubber loses its elasticity, and may burst during a sharp maneuver or collision with an obstacle. This is especially dangerous on the highway, where the speed is above 100 km/h.
2. Uneven tread wear. If the permissible load is exceeded, the central part of the tire wears out faster than the edges, which reduces the service life of the rubber by 20–30%.
3. Deterioration in handling. Overloaded tires hold the road worse, the braking distance increases, and on wet asphalt the risk of aquaplaning increases.

Case Study: Owner Mitsubishi Outlander installed load index tires 95 (690 kg) instead of recommended 98 (750 kg). After a trip with a full load (5 passengers + luggage) at a speed of 120 km/h, the tire burst, which led to an accident. The examination showed that the reason was exceeding the permissible load by 15%.

⚠️ Attention: If you often transport heavy loads (for example, on a roof or in a trailer), choose tires with a load index margin of 10-15%. For example, for a car with a recommended index 91 (615 kg) is better to choose 94 (670 kg).

How to choose tires based on load index: step-by-step instructions

To avoid making a mistake with your choice, follow this algorithm:

Find out the recommended index in the car's passport or on a sign in the doorway

Compare it with the index on the sidewall of the selected tire

Consider the vehicle's curb weight + maximum load

For SUVs and commercial vehicles, check the index for dual wheels (if applicable)

Do not buy tires with an index lower than recommended, even if they are cheaper-->

Let's say you have 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan. The passport shows the recommended tire size 235/55 R18 with load index 100 (800 kg). Your task:

1. Find tires by index not lower than 100 (for example, Michelin Primacy 4 with markings 100V).
2. If you often drive with a full load, consider the index option 102 (850 kg).
3. Check that the speed index (the letter next to the number) matches your driving style. For Tiguan minimal - T (up to 190 km/h).

For an accurate calculation, use the formula:

Maximum vehicle load = Load index (kg) × Number of wheels × Safety factor (1.1–1.2)

Common mistakes when choosing tires based on load index

Even experienced drivers sometimes make mistakes. Here are the most common:

• 🚗 Focus on size only. Buying tires 205/60 R16 instead of 195/65 R16without checking the load index. The size may be suitable, but the load capacity is not.
• 💰 Saving on “budget” tires. Cheap tires often have a low load index (for example, 88 instead of 91), which is dangerous for family cars.
• 🔄 Ignoring seasonality. Winter tires (eg Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3) may have a different load index compared to summer ones of the same size.

Error example: owner Skoda Kodiaq bought summer tires Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5 with index 96 (710 kg), although the manufacturer recommends 99 (775 kg). After 10,000 km, the tread in the central part wore out 50% faster than at the edges - due to systematic overload.

What to do if you can’t find tires with the right index?

If there are no tires with the recommended index on sale, it is permissible to install tires with higher value (for example, 98 instead of 95). However:

- Check that the speed index also meets or exceeds the recommended one.

- Please note that tires that are too “hard” (with an index above 105) can impair comfort and increase noise.

- Never install tires with low load index is a traffic violation (clause 5.5 “List of faults”).

Load index and speed index: why are they always checked together

Load index and speed index (letter after number, for example, 91H) is an inseparable pair of parameters that determine the safety of a tire in extreme conditions. Here's how they are connected:

• 🔥 Overheating: At high speeds, the tire heats up and its load capacity decreases. For example, a tire with the index 95T (690 kg) when driving at a speed of 190 km/h (index H) can only withstand ~600 kg.
• ⚡ Dynamic loads: When braking or turning sharply, the load on the tire increases by 1.5–2 times. If the speed index is underestimated, the tires will not be able to cope even with the nominal weight.

Compatibility table of load and speed indices for passenger cars:

Speed index	Max. speed (km/h)	Recommended minimum load index
T	190	91 (615 kg)
H	210	94 (670 kg)
V	240	96 (710 kg)
W	270	99 (775 kg)

For example, if you chose tires Continental SportContact 6 with markings 225/40 R18 92Y, this means:

• Load Index 92 — 630 kg per wheel.
• Speed index Y - up to 300 km/h.
• When driving at 250 km/h, the actual payload will drop to ~550 kg due to heating.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions about tire load index

Is it possible to put tires with different load indexes on one axle?

No, this is prohibited by traffic rules (clause 5.5). One axle must have tires with the same load index. The exception is a temporary “dokatka”, but its index should not be lower than that of the other wheels.

How is load index related to tire pressure?

At low pressure, the tire's load-carrying capacity is reduced by 10–20%. For example, a tire with the index 95 (690 kg) at a pressure of 1.8 atm instead of the recommended 2.2 atm will only withstand ~550 kg. Always maintain the pressure according to the placard on the driver's door.

What to do if the load index is not indicated on the tire?

This is only possible on very old or uncertified tires. Such rubber cannot be used - it has not passed the mandatory test according to the standard ETRTO. Buy tires from a trusted brand (Michelin, Bridgestone, Nokian).

Does load index affect fuel consumption?

Yes, but indirectly. Tires with a high load index usually have a stiffer cord, which increases rolling resistance by 2–5%. This can increase fuel consumption by 0.3–0.7 l/100 km. However, saving on “soft” tires will result in a risk of rupture when overloaded.

Can tires with a load index higher than the recommended one be used?

Yes, but with reservations:

• Do not exceed the index by more than 20% (for example, 103 instead of 95), otherwise comfort will deteriorate.
• Check that the speed index also matches.
• For SUVs and trucks, a high load index is often mandatory.