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Load Range

Tire Load Index and Load Range

Updated: December 22, 2023 by Emrecan Gurkan Leave a Comment

Greetings, fellow road enthusiasts and off-road adventurers! Back in my Bridgestone days, I dedicated years to understanding the intricacies of rubber and mastering tire performance across various terrains. Today, I’m excited to share some valuable tire insights that will ensure your trusty companions roll smoothly, no matter where your wanderlust leads. Let’s unravel the mysteries of load index and load range – those enigmatic markings adorning your tire sidewalls.

Visualize the load index as your tire’s strength indicator. This numeric value, such as “92” or “110,” reveals how much weight an individual tire can safely bear when inflated to its maximum pressure. Think of it as the tire showcasing its strength by bench-pressing a stack of sturdy cinder blocks. The higher the number, the more robust its load-carrying capabilities. Here’s a handy reference guide:

Load Index
Load Capacity (lbs)
70
573 – Not your burly mountain climbers
80
705 – Can handle most sedans and light crossovers
92
1,389 – Now we’re talking! SUVs, light trucks, and some bigger car
100
1,764 – Heavier SUVs and light trucks reporting for duty
110
2,337 – This ain’t for grocery runs – think heavy-duty trucks and serious off-roaders

For those who would like to see the whole table:

Tire Load Index Chart

Load IndexLoad (lbs)Load (kg)
75853387
76882400
77908412
78937425
79963437
80992450
811019462
821047475
831074487
841102500
851135515
861168530
871201545
881235560
891279580
901323600
911356615
921389630
931433650
941477670
951521690
961565710
971609730
981653750
991709775
1001764800
1011819825
1021874850
1031929875
1041984900
1052039925
1062094950
1072149975
10822051000
10922711030
11023371060
11124031090
11224691120
11325351150
11426011180
11526791215
11627561250
11728331285
11829101320
11929981360
12030861400
12131971450
12233071500
12334171550
12435271600
12536381650
12637481700
12738581750
12839681800
12940791850
13041891900
13142991950
13244092000
13345422060
13446752120
13548062180
13649382240
13750712300
13852032360
13953682435
14055122500
14156772575
14258422650
14360082725
14461732800
14563932900
14666143000
14767793075
14869443150
14971653250
15073853350

Tire Load Range

Now, let’s delve into the load range – think of it as your tire’s gym membership. A lightweight “A” indicates a casual gym-goer, content with smooth roads. On the other hand, a robust “F” represents a tire that’s a powerlifter, designed for rugged terrains and hefty loads. The alphabet letter corresponds to the tire’s construction, including the thickness of its sidewalls and the durability of its materials. Here’s a concise breakdown:

**Load RangeTypical VehiclesMax Inflation Pressure (psi)**
ALight passenger cars35-45 – Think city slickers
BMid-size sedans40-50 – Comfortable cruisers
CStandard SUVs, crossovers45-55 – Ready for weekend adventures
DLight trucks, vans50-60 – Can handle some light hauling
EHeavy-duty trucks, SUVs55-65 – Built for work and rugged playtime
FHeavy 4×4 trucks60-75 – Conquerers of the unpaved
GCommercial vehicles75-100 – These guys carry serious weight

Understanding both the load index and load range ensures you choose tires that can handle the demands of your driving adventures.

Load Index vs Load Range

Okay, here’s the crucial part: understanding the difference between these two beasts. Remember, the load index tells you how much weight a single tire can handle at its max pressure. The load range tells you the tire’s overall strength, regardless of pressure.

Think of it like two athletes who can lift the same weight. One is a marathon runner, light and agile (A or B load range). The other is a powerlifter, built for raw strength (E or F load range). They can both lift the same, but the powerlifter can handle more bumps and bruises than the runner.

Here’s a breakdown of load range and load index for tires:

FeatureLoad RangeLoad Index
Measurement BasisPly rating (number of layers)Maximum load capacity in kilograms
IndicationLetter on sidewall (B to F)Two-digit number on sidewall (70 to 124)
PrecisionLess preciseMore precise
UseOlder system, still used in some casesModern, standard system

Load Range:

  • Older measurement system based on the number of layers of fabric (plies) in the tire’s construction.
  • Indicated by a letter on the sidewall, typically from B to F (B being the lightest, F the heaviest).
  • Generally correlates to load capacity: higher load ranges often mean greater load-carrying ability.
  • Not as precise as load index for determining exact weight limits.

Load Index:

  • More precise numerical system that directly indicates a tire’s maximum load capacity.
  • Expressed as a two-digit number on the sidewall, ranging from 70 to 124 for passenger tires.
  • Correlates to a specific weight in kilograms (or pounds) using a load index chart.
  • More accurate and reliable for ensuring a tire can handle the required load.

Conclusion

Choosing the Right Rubber:

Now, how do you pick the perfect tire for your four-wheeled friend? Consider these factors:

  • Vehicle type and weight: Heavier vehicles need higher load ratings.
  • Driving habits: Off-roading and towing? Go for higher load ranges.
  • Passenger and cargo weight: Factor in your usual load.

Remember, exceeding the load index or using an unsuitable load range is like asking your marathon runner to bench-press a car – not gonna end well. Consult your owner’s manual or a tire specialist for expert recommendations.

So, there you have it, folks! Tire load index and load range, demystified by a former Bridgestone engineer who’s seen more rubber than a tire factory. With this knowledge, you can choose the perfect tires for your next adventure, hit the road with confidence, and leave the tire code mysteries behind. Now, go forth and conquer the pavement, dirt, or whatever your wanderlust desires, knowing your tires are up for the challenge!

Filed Under: Tips & Guides Tagged With: Load Index, Load Range, Tips&Advices

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Hey, it's Emre. I'm the proud dad of two cats, a former Bridgestone field engineer, and I hold degrees in Civil and Industrial engineering. I'm also a firm believer in the motto that "bigger is better." Read More…

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