2 min read
Load Index vs. Load Range
What the numbers and letters mean, and why LT replacements need care.
Load index
A number from the service description that maps to the maximum load per tire at the specified inflation. A load index of 99 equals 1,709 lbs per tire.
Load range
Used mainly on LT and commercial tires: C (6-ply rated), D (8), E (10), F (12), G (14), H (16). Higher ranges carry more at higher pressure.
XL and SL
On passenger tires, SL is standard load and XL is extra load, which carries more weight at higher inflation pressure.
Replacement rule
Never install a tire with a lower load capacity than the vehicle placard requires. When swapping P-metric for LT, adjust inflation to meet the load.