The number is not the weight in kilograms. It is a code that corresponds to a weight in a standard table published by tyre standards bodies. For instance, a load index of 91 corresponds to a maximum load of 615kg per tyre, and 95 to 690kg. A higher index means a higher load capacity.
How to use the load index
- Find the load index recommended for your car in the handbook or on the door frame label.
- Check the index on the tyre you plan to buy.
- Make sure it is equal to or higher than the vehicle requirement.
- Never fit a tyre with a lower load index than specified.
Multiply the tyre's rated load by four to get the total capacity of a set, which must exceed the vehicle's permitted axle weights and gross weight. In practice, car makers specify the index for you; you just match or exceed it.
Dual load markings on van tyres
Commercial tyres often show two numbers, such as 107/105. The first is the load index for single fitment, the second for dual or twin fitment, where two tyres run side by side on a rear axle. Vans with twin rear wheels use the second figure. See van tyres for more on C-marked tyres.
XL and reinforced tyres
Tyres marked XL, Extra Load or Reinforced have a stronger construction and can carry more weight than a standard tyre of the same size, usually at a higher pressure. If your car was supplied with XL tyres, you must fit XL tyres as replacement. Fitting a standard load tyre in place of an XL one would be unsafe.
Why heavier vehicles need care
SUVs, vans, motorhomes and electric cars tend to be heavy, so the load index matters particularly for them. See electric car tyres, 4x4 and SUV tyres and motorhome tyres. Towing and heavy loads put even more weight on the tyres.
Load and pressure
Tyres carry load through air pressure, not just through rubber. A tyre at low pressure cannot support its rated load safely, which is why under-inflation on a loaded vehicle is risky. Always set pressure to the figure for your load; see how often to check your tyres.
Checking your own tyre
The load index follows the size, then the speed rating letter. In 205/55 R16 91V the load index is 91. Look at all four tyres and the spare. If the numbers differ, ask why: they might be a deliberate choice (such as XL on one axle) or a mismatch.
Speaking to a fitter
Give the full size, load index, speed rating and registration when you contact us. If you are unsure of any marking, the registration lets the technician look up the manufacturer-fitted spec. See how to read tyre sizes and speed ratings. Our mobile tyre fitting service covers areas such as London, Bristol, Reading and Glasgow; browse the areas list. Call now for a quote on 0800 772 0355 or book now.
Common questions about load ratings
Many owners ask if a higher load index is better. It is acceptable if the tyre is otherwise approved for your vehicle, but a higher-load tyre can ride a little harder. Another common query is mixing indexes on one axle, which is best avoided.
Worked example: checking a family car
Suppose your handbook asks for 91 and your tyre shows 91: a match. Four tyres at 615kg each give a theoretical combined capacity of 2,460kg, which comfortably covers a typical family hatchback's gross weight. A van with a 107 index tyre has far more capacity per wheel, which reflects its payload. The table is not linear, so a few points of index can mean a big difference in capacity; use the standard table rather than guessing.
Remember that the load index only tells you what the tyre can carry at the correct pressure. Overloading a vehicle past its own limits is a separate matter: the plate on the vehicle shows the maximum permitted weight, and the tyres are just one part of that system.
Spare and temporary wheels
A space-saver spare often has its own load index and speed limit shown on the sidewall and wheel. Those limits are specific to the temporary wheel. Do not use it as a regular tyre, and stay below the stated speed until a full-size tyre is fitted again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the load index the weight in kilograms?
No. It is a code that corresponds to a maximum weight in a standard table.
Can I fit a tyre with a higher load index?
Usually yes if it is approved for your vehicle in the other respects.
What does 107/105 mean?
Single and dual load indices on a commercial tyre.
Can you check my load index?
Yes. Call now for a quote on 0800 772 0355.
Related Help
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