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When buying new tyres, many motorists focus only on size and brand. However, two of the most critical safety specifications are often overlooked: tyre load rating and tyre speed rating. These ratings determine how much weight your tyre can safely carry and the maximum speed it can handle under correct conditions. Understanding these markings is essential for vehicle safety, performance, insurance compliance, and legal roadworthiness
When buying new tyres, many motorists focus only on size and brand. However, two of the most critical safety specifications are often overlooked: tyre load rating and tyre speed rating. These ratings determine how much weight your tyre can safely carry and the maximum speed it can handle under correct conditions.
Understanding these markings is essential for vehicle safety, performance, insurance compliance, and legal roadworthiness.
The load rating (or load index) is a numerical code that indicates the maximum weight a tyre can support when properly inflated.
Example:
265/60R18 110H
This means four tyres can safely carry a total of 4,240 kg under normal driving conditions.
A tyre with the wrong load rating can cause:
| Load Index | Weight per Tyre |
|---|---|
| 91 | 615 kg |
| 94 | 670 kg |
| 104 | 900 kg |
| 110 | 1,060 kg |
| 120 | 1,400 kg |
For SUVs, bakkies, and 4x4s, using the correct or higher load rating is especially important due to towing, off-road use, and heavy cargo.
The speed rating is represented by a letter and shows the maximum speed the tyre can safely sustain under proper load and pressure.
Example:
225/45R18 95Y
| Speed Symbol | Max Speed |
|---|---|
| T | 190 km/h |
| H | 210 km/h |
| V | 240 km/h |
| W | 270 km/h |
| Y | 300 km/h |
Speed ratings affect:
Using a lower speed-rated tyre than recommended may:
Tyres are engineered as a balance between:
For example:
Lower-rated tyres are often cheaper, but:
Choosing the correct rating:
Always check:
Never fit:
Higher ratings are generally safe, but lower ratings are dangerous and non-compliant.
Correct speed rating ensures stability at highway speeds.
High load ratings protect against rollover risk and sidewall failure when fully loaded or off-road.
Incorrect load rating can cause rapid tyre destruction under cargo stress.
High speed ratings ensure safe braking and cornering at elevated speeds.
Tyre load and speed ratings are not just technical codes — they are critical safety standards designed to protect your life, your passengers, and your vehicle.
Choosing the correct tyre rating ensures:
When replacing tyres, always match or exceed the manufacturer’s specified load index and speed rating. It’s not just about fitting a tyre that looks right — it’s about fitting a tyre that is engineered to protect you at speed and under load.
