Enter your Curb Weight, Passenger Count, Average Passenger Weight, Cargo Weight, and Safety Margin into the Tire Load Capacity Calculator to find your Total Load Required, Load Per Tire, and the Minimum Load Index your tires need, with optional Axle Distribution breakdown.
Total Load Required
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Load Per Tire
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Minimum Load Index Required
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Front Load Per Tire
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Rear Load Per Tire
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Tire load index is a numerical code that indicates the maximum weight a tire can safely carry when properly inflated. It's crucial for safety because exceeding the load capacity can lead to tire failure, poor handling, and increased wear.
The load index is printed on your tire's sidewall as part of the tire size code. It appears as a number after the tire size, before the speed rating letter. For example, in '225/60R16 98H', the load index is 98.
No, you should never downgrade to a lower load index than what's specified on your vehicle placard or original tires. Always match or exceed the recommended load index for safety and performance.
Load capacity ratings assume tires are inflated to the correct pressure. Under-inflated tires cannot safely carry their rated load, while over-inflation can reduce tire contact patch and affect handling.
A 10-15% safety margin is typically recommended to account for dynamic loads, cornering forces, and unexpected weight additions. This provides a buffer for safe operation under various driving conditions.
Not necessarily. Weight distribution varies between front and rear axles, so you can size tires based on actual axle loads. However, many people choose to use the same load rating for all tires for simplicity.
Add the weight of your trailer tongue weight or cargo to your calculations. For frequent heavy hauling, consider a higher safety margin and possibly upgrading to LT (Light Truck) tires with higher load ratings.