Load Index (LI) on Tires – All About Load Capacity
The load index (LI), also known as the load capacity index, indicates the maximum weight a tire is allowed to carry. Whether the abbreviation LI, the English version Load Index, or the terms load capacity index or load-bearing capacity index are used – all refer to the same thing: the permissible load capacity of a single tire.
Interpneu AG explains how to correctly read the load index and what role it plays in selecting the right tires.
Where can I find the load index?
The load index is relevant in two places: on the tire sidewall and in the vehicle registration document. On the tire, it appears along with the tire size, speed index, and DOT marking. In the vehicle registration document, you will find the required load capacity for the front and rear axles in fields 15.1 and 15.2.
Example of a tire marking
A common example is 245/50 R19 105W. The number 105 indicates the tire's load capacity, in this case 925 kg per tire. The letter W stands for the speed index, i.e., the permissible maximum speed.
The tires you mount on your vehicle may have a higher load index, but not a lower one, than prescribed in the vehicle registration document.
Load index table and load capacity
The load index is a standardized number from LI 20 to LI 204. The numbers themselves do not directly correspond to kilograms but refer to a defined load capacity table:
- LI 20 = 80 kg
- LI 28 = 100 kg
- LI 35 = 130 kg
- LI 40 = 140 kg
- LI 88 = 560 kg
- LI 99 = 775 kg
- LI 105 = 925 kg
- LI 130 = 1,900 kg
- LI 204 = 16,000 kg
The higher the load index, the larger the weight jumps between individual levels. For small load index values, one step corresponds to e.g. 2.5 kg, whereas for high load index values, one step can be several hundred kilograms.
Relevant load index spectrum for different vehicles
Common car, SUV, and van tires are in the range of LI 50 to LI 130, covering load capacities of approx. 190 to 1,900 kg per tire. Motorcycle tires often fall in the range LI 30 to LI 90, corresponding to 100 to 600 kg per tire.
Deviations and flexibility in load index
Tires with a higher load index than prescribed may be mounted. A downward deviation is only allowed in rare exceptional cases. If a tire is rated lower than required in the vehicle registration document, it may not be used.
Exception: Some vehicle manufacturers specify tires with a higher load capacity than the actual axle load requires. You can find the axle load in the registration certificate under fields 7.1 to 7.3.
Practical example of axle load
Axle load: 1,550 kg, two tires per axle → each tire must carry at least 775 kg (LI 99). If LI 103 (875 kg) is prescribed in the vehicle registration document, theoretically LI 102, 101, or 100 could also be used, but in practice, the selection is often limited by the tire size.
Load index and speed index: load reduction
Load index and speed index are always indicated together (e.g., 102V). At high speeds, the maximum permissible load capacity is reduced; this is called load reduction. Up to 15% of the load capacity is reduced for tires at 240 km/h or more.
Example: Tire 102V → load capacity 850 kg, at 240 km/h effectively only 773.5 kg (91%).
Reinforced tires: XL, Reinforced, C- and CP-tires
XL and Reinforced tires
XL or Reinforced tires have a more robust construction and carry more weight at increased air pressure. For each additional load index, the tire pressure should be increased by approximately 0.1 bar.
C-tires for vans
C-tires (Cargo/Commercial) are used for light trucks and vans. They are designed for high continuous loads.
CP-tires for motorhomes
CP-tires are suitable for camping vehicles. They are designed for high loads, long standing times, and rough surfaces.
Air pressure, temperature, and load capacity
The actual load capacity depends heavily on the correct air pressure. Too low or too high pressure affects safety, efficiency, wear, and rolling comfort. Temperature differences also have an effect: cold lowers the pressure, heat increases it.
Load index for single and dual tires
Vehicles with dual tires often indicate two load index values, e.g., 98/96H. The higher value applies to single tires, the lower to dual tires.
Conclusion: Selecting the correct load index
The load index is a central safety factor. The decisive factor is the axle load specified in the vehicle registration document. Dividing this by two gives the minimum load capacity per tire. A higher load index is always permissible. Interpneu AG supports you in choosing the right tires.