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Load Index & Speed Rating                                                                                             BACK TO TIRE ABCs

The load index is an assigned number that corresponds with the load-carring capacity of a tire. Most passenger car tire load indexes range from 75 to 100 but a few carry more.


LOAD INDEX & LOAD IN LBS.

LOAD
INDEX

LOAD
(lbs)*

LOAD
INDEX

LOAD
(lbs)*

65

639

85

1135

66

661

86

1168

67

677

87

1201

68

694

88

1235

69

716

89

1279

70

739

90

1323

71

761

91

1356

72

783

92

1389

73

805

93

1433

74

827

94

1477

75

852

95

1521

76

882

96

1565

77

908

97

1609

78

937

98

1653

* ONE POUND IS EQUAL TO 0.4536 kg.

Rating

Maximum Speed

Q

99 mph

S

112 mph

T

118 mph

U

124 mph

H

130 mph

V

Above 130 mph
(without service description)

V

149 mph
(with service description)

Z

Above 149 mph

When "ZR" appears in the size designation with the service description, the maximum speed is as indicated by the service description.


Examples:

Tire Designation

Max. Speed

P275/40ZR17 93W

168 mph
(270 km/h)

P275/40ZR17 93Y

186 mph
(300 km/h)

For tires having a maximum speed capability above 240 km/h (149 mph), a "ZR" may appear in the size designation. For tires having a maximum speed capability above 300 kh/h (186 mph), a "ZR" must appear in the size designation. Consult the tire manufacturer for maximum speed when there is no service description.

Speed Symbol

Speed (km/h)

Speed (mph)

V*

Above 110

Above 130

V

240

149

W

270

168

Y

300

186

*For unlimited V Tires without Service Description, the speed category is over 210 km/h (130 mph)

* ONE POUND IS EQUAL TO 0.4536 kg.

The load index is an assigned number that corresponds with the load-carring capacity of a tire. Most passenger car tire load indexes range from 75 to 100 but a few carry more.