Tire load index: how to choose the right tires for the weight of the car

Choosing tires is not only a matter of comfort or season, but also safety. One of the key parameters that many drivers do not pay attention to is load index. This number on the sidewall of the tire indicates the maximum weight one wheel can support when driving at maximum speed. An error in selection can lead to a tire explosion on the track, loss of control or premature wear of the suspension.

In 2026, manufacturers continue to tighten labeling requirements, and traffic police inspectors are increasingly checking whether tires comply with the technical characteristics of the vehicle. For example, if your Kia Sportage weighs 2 tons, and the tires are designed for 615 kg each (index 94), then when the trunk and passengers are fully loaded, you risk exceeding the permissible threshold by 20-30%. The consequences range from a fine to an accident.

In this article we will figure out how to read load index on tires, how it differs from the speed index, and what to do if the required value is not on sale. You will also find an up-to-date decoding table for cars, trucks and trailers - taking into account the latest changes in standards ETRTO (European Technical Organization for Tires and Rims).

What is a tire load index and where to look for it

Load index (or LI — Load Index) is a conditional numeric code that denotes maximum load capacity of one wheel at the pressure specified by the manufacturer. Important: we are not talking about a static load (when the car is stationary), but about a dynamic load - while driving at the maximum speed allowed by the tire.

You can find this parameter on the side of the tire - next to the speed index (letter designation). For example, marking 205/55 R16 91V means:

• 🔢 205/55 R16 — tire size;
• 📦 91 — load index (615 kg per wheel);
• 🚗 V — speed index (up to 240 km/h).

If the tire indicates 91/89T, this means that the load index is different for single and dual installations (for example, on trucks or trailers). In this case, the first number (91) is for a single wheel, the second (89) is for a double wheel.

⚠️ Attention: Do not confuse load index with maximum pressure, which is also indicated on the sidewall (for example, MAX PRESSURE 3.0 BAR). Pressure affects lifting capacity, but does not replace it! Exceeding the load, even with the correct pressure, will lead to overheating of the tire and the risk of bursting.

How to calculate the tire load capacity for your car

To select tires with the correct load index, you need to know maximum permissible vehicle weight (it is indicated in the PTS or on a sign in the doorway). For example, for Toyota RAV4 In 2023, this value is 2030 kg. But this is not the weight of an empty car, but gross weight — that is, the weight of the car + passengers + cargo + fuel.

The calculation formula is simple:

1. Take the total weight of the car (for example, 2030 kg).
2. Divide it by 4 (number of wheels): 2030 / 4 = 507.5 kg.
3. We add 20-30% of the reserve for dynamic loads (acceleration, braking, turning): 507.5 × 1.3 ≈ 660 kg.
4. We look for a load index in the table that covers this value. The index is suitable for 660 kg 92 (630 kg) or 93 (650 kg). It's better to choose 93 with reserve.

For trucks or cars with a trailer, the calculation is more complicated: you need to take into account the load on each axle separately. For example, if you Ford Transit the front axle weighs 1200 kg, and the rear axle - 1800 kg, then for the front wheels you need an index no lower 98 (750 kg), and for the rear - 102 (850 kg).

2026 Tire Load Index Table

Below is the current table of load indices according to the standards ETRTO and ISO 4001. Please note: the values for car and truck tires may differ - for example, the index 100 for a passenger car it means 800 kg, and for a truck tire - 825 kg.

Load Index	Max. wheel load (kg)	Vehicle type	Examples of models
80	450	Passenger cars (compact)	Hyundai Solaris, Kia Rio
87	545	Passenger cars (middle class)	Volkswagen Golf, Skoda Octavia
91	615	Crossovers, minivans	Toyota RAV4, Renault Duster
100	800	SUVs, light trucks	Nissan Patrol, Ford Ranger
109	1030	Trucks (single axle)	GAZ Next, Mercedes Sprinter

Separate tables are used for trailers and semi-trailers because the load is distributed differently. For example, index 104 for a trailer tire it means 900 kg, and for a passenger tire - 925 kg. Always check the tire type before purchasing!

The dangers of exceeding the load index

If you install tires with a load index lower than required, the consequences can be critical:

• 🔥 Tire overheating — when the load is exceeded, the rubber deforms, friction increases, and the temperature inside the tire rises. This leads to cord delamination and the risk of explosion.
• 🚨 Deterioration in handling — the car becomes “wobbly”, brakes worse and turns into corners. Particularly dangerous on wet roads.
• 💰 Premature wear — the tread wears off unevenly, the sidewalls crack. Tires will have to be changed 2-3 times more often.
• 📜 Traffic police fines - according to clause 5.1 List of faults, operating a vehicle with tires that do not match the load is prohibited. Fine - 500 rubles (Article 12.5 of the Administrative Code).

Real example: owner UAZ Patriot installed tires with index 91 (615 kg) instead of the required 96 (710 kg). With a full load (2.5 tons) on the M4 highway, the tire burst at a speed of 100 km/h - the car went into a ditch. The insurance company refused to pay because the operating conditions were violated.

⚠️ Attention: Even if you drive in the city and do not overload the car, low load index reduces suspension life. Shock absorbers, wheel bearings and levers experience increased loads, which leads to expensive repairs.

Is it possible to install tires with a higher load index?

Yes, this is not only acceptable, but also recommended in some cases:

• ✅ If you often travel with a full load (for example, a large family + luggage).
• ✅ For SUVs that are used off-road (sand, dirt increase the load on the wheels).
• ✅ For cars with reinforced suspension or tuning (for example, Land Cruiser 200 with reservation).

However, there are nuances:

• ⚠️ Tires with a high load index usually have more rigid sidewall, which may impair comfort.
• ⚠️ They are heavier, which slightly increases fuel consumption (by 1-3%).
• ⚠️ The price of such tires is 10-20% higher.

Example: for Volkswagen Tiguan staff index - 94 (670 kg). If you often transport a trailer, you can put 96 (710 kg). But if your car is Lada Granta with index 82 (475 kg), then 90 (600 kg) will be excessive and unjustified.

Make sure the diameter and width are the same as recommended|Check wheel compatibility (some heavy-duty tires require rims with a heavy-duty flange)|Compare the weight of the new tire with the old one (the difference should not exceed 15%)|Check whether handling will be affected (especially for sports cars)-->

Common mistakes when choosing tires based on load

Many drivers mistakenly believe that the load index is a “reserve”, and that you can take tires with a lower value if they are cheaper. Let's look at typical misconceptions:

Myth 1: “I drive alone, so I can take tires with a lower index.”

🔹 Reality: Even in an empty car, weight is distributed unevenly. For example, in Skoda Kodiaq The front axle accounts for 60% of the mass. If you install tires with the index 91 instead of 94, the front wheels will be overloaded.

Myth 2: “The load index is compensated by increased pressure.”

🔹 Reality: Pressure above normal increases the load capacity by a maximum of 5-10%, but at the same time:

• ❌ Road grip decreases (especially on wet asphalt).
• ❌ The wear of the central part of the tread accelerates.
• ❌ The risk of aquaplaning increases by 30%.

Myth 3: “You can use tires with a lower rating for the winter because you drive slower.”

🔹 Reality: Speed affects the load, but does not cancel it. For example, when driving on snow, rolling resistance increases and the wheels experience additional stress. In addition, winter tires are softer and their sidewalls are more deformed.

What to do if the required index is not on sale?

If the store does not have tires with the required load index, you can:

1. Take tires with the nearest BIGGER value (for example, instead of 91 - 92).

2. Check with the tire manufacturer to see if there are alternative models with similar characteristics (sometimes the index changes depending on the tread pattern).

3. Consult with the official dealer of your car - some brands (for example, Michelin or Continental) produce tires with “intermediate” indexes for rare models.

NEVER take tires with a lower index, even if the seller assures that “nothing will happen.”

How to check tires for load suitability

If you have already purchased tires and are unsure about their suitability, perform a simple check:

1. Load the car to maximum (passengers + luggage).
2. Measure the tire pressure cold (before the trip).
3. Drive 10-15 km on a flat road at a speed of 60-80 km/h.
4. Stop and check:
   • 🌡️ Temperature of the tire sidewall (by hand - it should not be hot).
   • 📏 Sidewall deformation (if the rubber “sags” - the load is exceeded).
   • 🔊 Extraneous noise (creaks or knocks may indicate overload).

If after the test the tires remain cold and the sidewalls are not deformed, the load index has been selected correctly. If you notice at least one of the “symptoms” of overload, urgently replace the tires or reduce the load on the car.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about tire load index

Is it possible to install tires with different load indexes on the front and rear axles?

Yes, but only if permitted by the vehicle manufacturer. For example, on some pickup trucks (e.g. Ford F-150) rear tires have a higher index, since they bear the main load. However, for most passenger cars (for example, Honda CR-V) this is prohibited - all four tires must be the same.

What is more important: load index or speed index?

Both parameters are critical, but load index has a greater impact on safety. Exceeding the speed limit of a tire leads to its destruction at high speeds, and exceeding the load leads to destruction even at low speeds. For example, a tire with index T (190 km/h) and 95 (690 kg) will burst at 200 km/h, but can also burst at 80 km/h if the load is exceeded by 30%.

How is load index related to tire pressure?

Manufacturers indicate the maximum load at optimal pressure (usually 2.2-2.5 bar for passenger cars). If the pressure is below normal, the load capacity drops proportionally. For example, when the pressure decreases by 0.5 bar, the load index 91 (615 kg) actually turns into 88 (560 kg). Always maintain the pressure according to the label on the driver's door!

Does the load index of tires change with mileage?

Yes, as the tire wears out, the load-carrying capacity of the tire decreases. For example, for a tire with a remaining tread depth of 2 mm (versus the original 8 mm), the load index may drop by 10-15%. Therefore, old tires cannot be driven with a full load, even if the original index was correct.

Which tires to choose for a trailer?

For trailers, use tires with special markings C (commercial) or Reinforced (reinforced). Their load index should be 20-30% higher than for tractor wheels. For example, if your Volkswagen Passat index 91, then take it for a trailer 94-95. Also pay attention to the markings ST (Special Trailer) - these tires are designed specifically for trailers and have a reinforced cord.