What Are Tire Ratings?
Tire ratings are part of the standardized information molded into the tire sidewall. These alphanumeric markings provide important details about a tire’s size, construction, and operating limits.
Among these markings, the load rating and speed rating together form the tire’s service description. Vehicle manufacturers use this information to determine which tires are appropriate for a specific vehicle.
Recommended tire ratings can be found:
On the vehicle tire placard, typically located on the driver’s door jamb
In the vehicle owner’s manual
When replacing tires, these ratings should always be verified and followed.
Understanding Tire Sidewall Markings
A typical tire sidewall marking may appear as:
205 / 55 R 17 91 V
This code provides the following information:
205 – Tire width (in millimeters)
55 – Tire aspect ratio (sidewall height as a percentage of width)
R – Radial construction
17 – Wheel diameter (in inches)
91 – Tire load rating
V – Tire speed rating
Tires with the same size dimensions may have different load or speed ratings, which is why it is important to understand both before selecting replacement tires.
Tire Load Rating
What Is a Tire Load Rating?
The tire load rating, also known as the load index, is a numerical code that corresponds to the maximum weight a single tire can support when properly inflated. Load ratings are defined by standardized industry load index tables.
A tire’s load rating must always meet or exceed the value specified by the vehicle manufacturer.
How to Find Your Tire’s Load Rating
The load rating can be found:
On the tire sidewall as part of the service description
On the vehicle tire placard
In the vehicle owner’s manual
Once identified, the maximum allowable load for that rating can be referenced using a standardized load index chart.
What Does XL (Extra Load) Mean?
Some tires are marked XL, which stands for Extra Load. These tires are designed with reinforced construction to carry higher loads than standard tires of the same size when inflated to higher pressures.
Extra Load tires are commonly specified for heavier vehicles, including many SUVs and certain passenger vehicles that require increased load capacity.
Can I Switch to a Tire With a Higher Load Rating?
When replacing tires, Michelin recommends installing tires that match the original manufacturer’s specified size and load rating.
Installing a tire with a higher load rating is permitted. However, this does not increase the vehicle’s maximum allowable load, which remains limited by the vehicle’s axle load ratings and manufacturer specifications.
Tire Speed Rating
What Is a Tire Speed Rating?
The tire speed rating is represented by a letter and indicates the maximum speed at which a tire can carry its maximum load under specified conditions. The speed rating appears next to the load rating in the tire’s service description.
For example, a tire marked 91V has a load rating of 91 and a speed rating of V.
When properly inflated and loaded, a V-rated tire is designed to handle speeds up to 149 mph.
How to Find Your Tire’s Speed Rating
The speed rating can be found:
On the tire sidewall
On the vehicle tire placard
In the vehicle owner’s manual
Replacement tires should always meet or exceed the speed rating specified by the vehicle manufacturer. Learn more on tire mixing here.
Can I Switch to a Tire With a Higher or Lower Speed Rating?
Tires with a higher speed rating than originally specified may be installed.
Using tires with a lower speed rating is not recommended unless the tires are winter-capable, such as Winter or All-Season tires marked with the 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) symbol. In these cases, drivers must ensure the vehicle is not operated above the tire’s maximum rated speed.
Why Load and Speed Ratings Matter
Load and speed ratings define a tire’s operating limits. Exceeding these limits can cause excessive heat buildup, which may reduce durability and increase the risk of tire damage or failure.
To ensure proper fitment and safe performance, Michelin recommends consulting:
The vehicle tire placard
The vehicle owner’s manual
A trained tire professional
Simplified Load and Speed Ratings With MICHELIN CrossClimate
The MICHELIN CrossClimate all-season tire range offers a single load and speed rating per tire size to simplify tire selection. These ratings are designed to deliver reliable performance in both summer and winter conditions while meeting typical load and speed requirements for that tire size.
Explore Michelin tire options to find solutions designed to match your vehicle’s specifications and driving needs.
FAQ
Read our Frequently Asked Questions.
The load index is a number on the tire sidewall (such as 91 or 102) corresponding to the maximum weight that tire can safely carry when properly inflated. Each tire must support its share of the vehicle's total weight, including passengers, cargo, and — in the case of EVs — the battery. Never fit tires with a lower load index than the factory specification. Doing so can lead to sidewall failure, blowouts, and loss of vehicle control.
The speed rating indicates the maximum sustained speed the tire can handle safely under specified load conditions. Common ratings: H = 130 mph, V = 149 mph, W = 168 mph, Y = 186 mph. Always match or exceed the rating in your vehicle's owner's manual. A lower-rated tire isn't necessarily going to fail instantly at speed, but it isn't designed to safely manage the heat that builds up at sustained high speeds — and that's where long-term risk increases.
Yes. Speed ratings reflect the tire's overall structural integrity and heat resistance, not just its top speed capability. A properly rated tire performs more predictably at normal highway speeds and is engineered to the tolerances the vehicle manufacturer specified. In some cases, fitting a lower-rated tire can also affect vehicle warranty and insurance coverage.
XL tires have a reinforced internal structure that lets them carry more weight at higher inflation pressures than standard load (SL) tires of the same size. They're common on heavier vehicles, EVs where battery weight adds significant mass, and some performance cars. If your vehicle's factory tires are marked XL, replacements must also be XL-rated — a standard load tire of the same size won't have the capacity needed.
HL (High Load) is a newer designation developed for heavy electric vehicles. An HL tire supports more weight at the same inflation pressure as an XL tire, making it the right choice when a large battery pack creates an unusually high curb weight. Michelin offers HL-rated tires in its EV product lines. If your EV came with HL tires from the factory, replacements must also carry the HL rating.
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