Tire load index
Tire load index is an important parameter that you need to pay attention to when choosing tires. The tire load index marking is on the sidewall profile and is indicated as a numerical value. What does the tire load index mean? For example, R16 on a 215/65 98T, the number “98” indicates that the carrying capacity or load index of the tire is 750 kg.
Tire load index table
The tire load index marking is indicated in the combination marking. The following tire load table shows all load index values according to their symbol.
For passenger cars, a rubber load index of 60 to 125 is used, or in other words, from 250 kg to 1650 kg. In this context includes both a small car and a large SUV.
What does the maximum tire load index mean?
The maximum tire load index (tire load capacity in kg) means that the tire can withstand a certain load at the maximum allowable speed, which is noted in the tire's maximum speed index.
How to calculate the tire load index for a car?
For a correct calculation, the load index indicated on the tire must be multiplied by the number of tires on the vehicle (usually 4) from the resulting value subtract the curb weight of the vehicle and the mass of the driver and passengers. As a result, the resulting difference will be the amount of free power of the vehicle. In other words, you will get the value of the weight that can be placed in the car without sacrificing safety while driving at the speed determined by the tire speed index. Let's look at a specific example of how to calculate the tire load index for a car.
For example, tires are 215/65 R16 98T, where 98T is the load and speed index marking. Load index “98” with a load capacity of 750 kg per wheel. Multiply 750 kg Number of wheels (for example, 4), we get 3000 kg total load capacity. Now 3000kg subtract the weight of the car (say 1500kg), the weight of the driver (let's say 90kg) and 3 passengers with a total weight of 200kg, we get a difference of 1210kg, the possible weight of the load that can be evenly placed in the wagon without compromising the level safety at a maximum speed “t” of an indicator of 190 km / h.
The load index is the maximum value that the operation of the vehicle is best not to approach. You must take into account the fact how and where it will be in the vehicle as a load. As a rule, the most popular place to place cargo in the trunk, the main load on the rear axle or in other words, on 2 wheels. Based on this, you need to calculate the maximum weight of the cargo in the trunk. In this case, to calculate the tire load? In the example above, the maximum weight of the car turned out to be 1210 kg, but if you load the trunk, then the maximum possible weight will be 600 kg, and for safe movement – no more than 450 kg. If the load index is as close as possible to the recommended values or it is exceeded, the tires can quickly wear out and deform under the influence of shock waves on a rough road.
Tire load index interpretation
Deciphering the tire load index is only possible thanks to special tables, for example, “tire load index decoding” (on this page above) or with the help of consultants in tire shops, who must provide all the information for the products offered. When choosing a suitable rubber, it is necessary to pay attention to the fact that the higher the tire load index recommended by the auto manufacturer, the less the comfort of movement, by increasing the rigidity and strengthening the sidewall of the tire in order to withstand the specified load index weight. It is not worth lowering the auto-load index of the wheel recommended by the manufacturer in this case, the comfort of movement will be higher, but the level of passive safety will decrease.
