Tyre load rating tells you how much weight each tyre can safely carry. You will find it as a number on the tyre sidewall, usually beside the speed rating.
This rating matters on every vehicle, but it becomes even more important on vans, utes and 4x4s. These vehicles often carry tools, passengers, fit-outs, camping gear, roof loads or towing weight. A tyre that looks right may still be the wrong choice if its load rating is too low.
Below, we explain what tyre load rating means, how to check the load rating on your tyres, whether you can use a higher or lower load rating, and what to consider before upgrading wheels or tyres.
What Is Tyre Load Rating?
Tyre load rating is the maximum weight one tyre can carry when it is fitted correctly and inflated to the right pressure. It is shown as a number, often called the tyre load index.
Each load index number matches a maximum weight in kilograms. For example, a tyre with a load index of 104 can carry up to 900kg. This applies to each tyre, not the whole vehicle.
Your replacement tyres should meet or exceed the minimum load rating listed by the vehicle manufacturer. For vans, utes and 4x4s, this is especially important because these vehicles often carry extra weight from tools, accessories, passengers or touring setups.
Where Do You Find the Load Rating on a Tyre?
You can find the load rating on the tyre sidewall. It appears as a number near the end of the tyre size, usually just before the speed rating letter.
For example: 265/40R20 104Y
In this example:
- 265 is the tyre width in millimetres
- 40 is the sidewall height as a percentage of the tyre width
- R20 means the tyre suits a 20-inch rim
- 104 is the tyre load rating
- Y is the speed rating
So, if your tyre shows 104Y, the 104 tells you the maximum load rating for that tyre, while the Y tells you the maximum speed rating.
Before you buy a new tyre, compare this number with your vehicle’s tyre placard, owner’s manual, and intended use. If you are upgrading wheels at the same time, check the wheel load rating as well.
How to Check the Correct Load Rating for Your Vehicle
The easiest way to check the correct load rating is to start with your vehicle’s tyre placard. This is usually found inside the driver’s door frame, fuel flap, glovebox, or owner’s manual.
Use this process before buying new tyres:
- Find your vehicle tyre placard: Check the listed tyre size, load rating and speed rating for your vehicle.
- Read your current tyre sidewall: Look for the number near the end of the tyre size. For example, in 265/40R20 104Y, the load rating is 104.
- Compare the load rating: Your new tyres should meet or exceed the minimum load rating listed for your vehicle.
- Check the tyre size and speed rating: Load rating is only one part of the fitment. The tyre also needs to suit the rim, clearance, speed rating and vehicle use.
- Check the wheel load rating: If you are fitting aftermarket wheels, the wheels themselves also need to be rated for the vehicle.
- Consider how you use the vehicle: Vans, utes and 4x4s often carry tools, drawers, passengers, racks, camping gear or towing loads. Extra weight can place more demand on the tyres.
If you are unsure, get fitment advice before ordering. A tyre may match the size you want, but the full wheel-and-tyre setup still needs to suit your vehicle.
Can I Use a Tyre With a Higher Load Rating?
In many cases, yes. You can usually fit a tyre with a higher load rating than the minimum rating listed for your vehicle, but you still need to check the full fitment before you buy.
A higher load rating may be okay for your vehicle if:
- the tyre size matches an approved size for your vehicle or wheel package
- the tyre width suits the wheel width listed by the tyre manufacturer
- the speed rating meets the minimum requirement
- the tyre clears the guards, suspension and brakes
- the tyre suits your normal use, such as work gear, towing, touring or daily driving
- the vehicle still stays within its GVM and axle load limits
A higher load rating does not increase your vehicle’s legal carrying capacity. It only means the tyre can carry more weight than a lower-rated tyre, provided the tyre is fitted correctly and used at the right pressure.
The main trade-off is the ride feel. Some higher-load tyres have stronger sidewalls, which can support heavier use but may feel firmer on the road. This may suit a loaded work van or touring 4x4, but it may feel harsher on a lightly loaded daily driver.
The safest approach is to compare the new tyre against your vehicle placard, current tyre size, wheel specs and real vehicle use. If those details line up, a higher load rating is often a suitable choice.
Can I Use a Tyre With a Lower Load Rating?
No, you should not fit a tyre with a lower load rating than the minimum rating listed for your vehicle.
The load rating exists because your tyres need to support the vehicle’s weight, passengers, cargo and any extra load from accessories or towing. If the tyre rating is too low, the tyre may be placed under more stress than it was built to handle.
A lower load rating can increase the risk of tyre overheating, faster tyre wear, sidewall damage, tyre failure, and compliance or insurance issues.
This is especially important for vans, utes and 4x4s. These vehicles often carry tools, drawers, roof racks, camping gear, passengers or towing weight. Even if the tyre fits the wheel and looks right, it may still be the wrong choice if the load rating is too low.
Before you buy, check the tyre placard and make sure the new tyres meet or exceed the minimum load rating for your vehicle.
Why Load Rating Matters More for Vans, Utes and 4x4s
Vans, utes and 4x4s often carry more weight than standard passenger vehicles. That weight can come from tools, shelving, drawers, passengers, roof racks, towing gear, camping setups or fitted accessories.
This is why tyre choice needs to match the vehicle’s real use. A tyre may suit a light daily setup, but that does not mean it will suit a loaded work van, trade ute or touring 4x4.
Load rating also matters when you upgrade wheels, suspension or tyres. The full setup still needs to support the vehicle, clear the guards and suit how the vehicle is driven.
Before you buy, check the tyre load rating against your vehicle requirements and intended use. This helps you avoid choosing a tyre based on size alone.
Tyre Load Rating vs Wheel Load Rating
Tyre load rating and wheel load rating are different, but both matter when you are upgrading wheels or tyres.
Tyre load rating tells you how much weight each tyre can carry when it is fitted correctly and inflated to the right pressure.
Wheel load rating tells you how much weight each wheel can support.
This means the tyre and wheel both need to be rated for your vehicle. A tyre with the right load rating is not enough if the wheel itself is not strong enough for the vehicle’s weight and use.
This is especially important for vans, utes and 4x4s. These vehicles often carry extra load, so aftermarket wheels should be chosen for more than appearance. The wheel size, load rating, offset, brake clearance and tyre choice all need to work together.
Quick Tyre Load Rating Checklist Before You Buy
Use this checklist before you order new tyres or change your wheel and tyre setup.
- Start with your vehicle tyre placard: Find the tyre size, load rating and speed rating listed for your vehicle. This gives you the minimum standard your new tyres need to meet.
- Check the load index on your current tyres: Look at the tyre sidewall and find the number near the end of the tyre size. For example, in 265/40R20 104Y, the load rating is 104.
- Compare the new tyre against the placard: The new tyre should meet or exceed the listed load rating. Do not rely on tyre size alone, because two tyres of the same size can have different load ratings.
- Check all four tyres: Make sure each tyre has the correct rating. This matters if the vehicle has mixed tyres, replacement tyres, or a second-hand wheel and tyre package.
- Think about how much weight the vehicle carries: Tools, passengers, drawers, racks, towing gear, camping equipment and accessories can all add load. If your vehicle often carries weight, avoid choosing the lowest acceptable option without checking whether it suits your use.
- Check the speed rating as well: Load rating and speed rating sit beside each other for a reason. Your tyres need to meet the required speed rating as well as the required load rating.
- Check the wheel load rating if you are changing wheels: The tyres may be rated correctly, but the wheels also need to support the vehicle. This is especially important for vans, utes and 4x4s.
- Confirm the tyre suits the wheel size: Check the tyre manufacturer’s approved rim width range or ask a tyre professional. This helps confirm the tyre can be fitted safely to the wheel.
- Ask before you buy if anything has changed: If you have changed wheel size, suspension, ride height, body kit, brakes or vehicle weight, get fitment advice before ordering. These changes can affect which tyre will work properly.
A tyre can match the size you want but still be wrong for your vehicle. The better check is simple: placard, load rating, speed rating, wheel rating, vehicle use and fitment.
Need Help Choosing the Right Wheel and Tyre Setup?
Choosing tyres is not just about size. Load rating, speed rating, wheel rating, clearance and vehicle use all need to line up, especially if you drive a van, ute or 4x4.
Leighton Vans Parts can help you choose parts that suit your vehicle platform and the way you use it. Whether you are upgrading a daily driver, work van, trade ute or touring setup, the goal is clean fitment, the right load rating and a setup that works in real driving conditions.
Browse our vehicle-specific wheels and tyres, or contact the Leighton Vans team if you need help checking fitment before you order.
FAQs
What does tyre load rating mean?
Tyre load rating tells you how much weight one tyre can safely carry when it is fitted correctly and inflated to the right pressure. It is shown as a number on the tyre sidewall, usually near the speed rating.
Does load rating matter when upgrading wheels or tyres?
Yes. Load rating should be checked before you upgrade wheels or tyres. The tyre needs to meet the vehicle’s minimum load rating, and the wheel also needs to be rated for the vehicle’s weight and use. This matters most when changing wheel size, tyre profile, suspension, brakes or overall vehicle setup.
Do vans, utes and 4x4s need higher load-rated tyres?
Not always. The right load rating depends on the vehicle placard, vehicle weight and how the vehicle is used. Vans, utes and 4x4s often carry more weight than standard passenger cars, so it is important to check the rating carefully before buying tyres.
Is tyre load rating the same as wheel load rating?
No. Tyre load rating tells you how much weight each tyre can carry. Wheel load rating tells you how much weight each wheel can support. If you are fitting aftermarket wheels, both ratings need to suit your vehicle.
What happens if my tyres do not have the right load rating?
The tyres may wear faster, handle poorly under load, overheat, or fail sooner than expected. Using tyres below the required load rating may also create compliance or insurance issues. Your replacement tyres should meet or exceed the minimum rating listed for your vehicle.
