Tire University

Check out our Blog for interesting and educational tire talk!

How to Videos

How to Buy a Used Tire Part I

How to Buy a Used Tire Part II

How to Buy a Used Tire Part III

Load Index

The higher the tire's load index number, the greater its load carrying capacity.

89 = 1,279 pounds
88 = 1,235 pounds
87 = 1,201 pounds
86 = 1,168 pounds
85 = 1,135 pounds

A tire with a higher load index than that of the Original Equipment tire indicates an  increase in load capacity. A tire with a load index equal to that of the Original Equipment tire indicates an equivalent load capacity. A tire with a lower load index than the Original Equipment tire indicates the tire does not equal the load capacity of the original.

The speed rating indicates the maximum speed (miles per hour) the tire is rated under normal conditions.  The ratings are as follows:

M — 81
N — 87
P — 93
Q — 100
R — 106
S — 112
T — 118
H — 130
V — 149
W — 168
Y — 186

The temperature rating indicates how well the tire handles heat (including how well the tire dissipates heat). There are three ratings:

A — best
B — intermediate
C — acceptable

The traction rating indicates how well a tire grips the road surface. This is an overall (balanced) rating for both dry and wet conditions. Tires are rated:

AA – best
A – better
B – good
C – acceptable
 

How to read the sidewall of a tire

Passenger Tire