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
Tire Load Index and Speed Rating Explained
The load rating indicates the maximum weight a tire can carry when properly inflated, while the speed rating indicates the maximum speed the tire can sustain at that load. Both are part of the tire’s standardized service description and must be followed when replacing tires.
Recommended ratings can be found on the vehicle tire placard (usually on the driver’s door jamb), in the owner’s manual, and on the sidewall of the original equipment tires.
Yes. Tires with a higher load or speed rating may be installed. However, a higher load rating does not increase the vehicle’s allowable load, which is determined by the vehicle manufacturer.
Lower speed-rated tires should only be used if they are Winter or All-Season tires marked with the 3PMSF symbol. Drivers must ensure the vehicle is not driven beyond the tire’s maximum rated speed.
These ratings define a tire’s safe operating limits. Exceeding them can lead to excessive heat buildup, reduced durability, and an increased risk of tire damage or failure.
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