Tyre load ratings - New
Tyre Load Rating
Explained Simply
Every tyre has a load index stamped on its sidewall — a two or three digit number that tells you the maximum weight that tyre can safely carry. Getting this right is critical for safety, handling, and tyre longevity.
Shop Tyres by Load RatingWhat Is a Tyre Load Rating?
The tyre load index is a numerical code that corresponds to the maximum load-carrying capacity of a tyre when inflated to its recommended pressure. It is one of the most important specifications to match correctly when replacing tyres.
The load index number is found on the tyre sidewall, immediately after the tyre diameter and before the speed rating letter. For example, in the size 215/65R16 98H, the number 98 is the load index — meaning each tyre can carry up to 750 kg.
Always ensure your replacement tyres meet or exceed the load index specified by your vehicle manufacturer. Fitting tyres with a lower load rating than required is unsafe and may void your vehicle's warranty.
mm
Ratio
Diameter
Index
Rating
Load index 98 = 750 kg per tyre maximum load capacity
How to Find Your Load Rating
Three easy ways to confirm the correct load index for your vehicle.
Check the Tyre Sidewall
Look at the markings moulded into the sidewall of your current tyre. The load index is the two or three digit number that appears directly after the rim diameter — for example, the 98 in 215/65R16 98H.
Check Your Vehicle Placard
Your vehicle's tyre placard is usually found on the driver's door jamb, inside the fuel cap, or in the glove box. It lists the manufacturer-recommended tyre size including the required load index.
Check Your Owner's Manual
Your vehicle owner's manual will specify the minimum load index required for your car. If you're unsure, call our team on 09 580 2403 — we'll look it up for you instantly.
Tyre Load Index Table
Complete load index reference from 62 to 126 — covering every passenger, SUV, and light commercial tyre sold in New Zealand.
Swipe sideways on mobile to view all columns.
| Load Index | Max Load (kg) | Load Index | Max Load (kg) | Load Index | Max Load (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 62 | 265 | 84 | 500 | 106 | 950 |
| 63 | 272 | 85 | 515 | 107 | 975 |
| 64 | 280 | 86 | 530 | 108 | 1000 |
| 65 | 290 | 87 | 545 | 109 | 1030 |
| 66 | 300 | 88 | 560 | 110 | 1060 |
| 67 | 307 | 89 | 580 | 111 | 1090 |
| 68 | 315 | 90 | 600 | 112 | 1120 |
| 69 | 325 | 91 | 615 | 113 | 1150 |
| 70 | 335 | 92 | 630 | 114 | 1180 |
| 71 | 345 | 93 | 650 | 115 | 1215 |
| 72 | 355 | 94 | 670 | 116 | 1250 |
| 73 | 365 | 95 | 690 | 117 | 1285 |
| 74 | 375 | 96 | 710 | 118 | 1320 |
| 75 | 387 | 97 | 730 | 119 | 1360 |
| 76 | 400 | 98 | 750 | 120 | 1400 |
| 77 | 412 | 99 | 775 | 121 | 1450 |
| 78 | 425 | 100 | 800 | 122 | 1500 |
| 79 | 437 | 101 | 825 | 123 | 1550 |
| 80 | 450 | 102 | 850 | 124 | 1600 |
| 81 | 462 | 103 | 875 | 125 | 1650 |
| 82 | 475 | 104 | 900 | 126 | 1700 |
| 83 | 487 | 105 | 925 | — | — |
Getting Load Rating Right Keeps You Safe
Whether you're towing a trailer through the Mackenzie Basin or loading up the family SUV for a school holiday road trip, your tyres need to handle the weight safely.
Fitting tyres with an insufficient load index puts excessive stress on the tyre structure, increases the risk of blowouts, and can cause handling problems — especially at highway speeds or in emergency braking situations.
- Always match or exceed the load index specified by your vehicle manufacturer
- Higher load index tyres are available for towing and heavy-load applications
- Correct inflation pressure is essential — load capacity assumes the tyre is properly inflated
- Our tyre experts can confirm the right load index for your vehicle — call 09 580 2403
Load Rating FAQs
Yes — fitting tyres with a higher load index than the minimum required is perfectly safe and is sometimes beneficial, particularly for vehicles used for towing or carrying heavy loads. You should never fit tyres with a lower load index than specified.
Using tyres with an insufficient load index is dangerous. The tyre may overheat, deform, or fail — especially when the vehicle is fully loaded or travelling at speed. It can also void your vehicle's warranty and may affect your insurance cover in the event of an accident.
Yes — the load index rating assumes the tyre is inflated to its correct recommended pressure. An underinflated tyre has a significantly reduced load-carrying capacity and generates more heat, increasing the risk of failure. Always maintain correct tyre pressure, especially when carrying heavy loads.
For towing, it is recommended to use tyres with a load index that exceeds your vehicle's standard requirement. The additional load from a trailer is transferred through the tow ball to the rear axle, increasing the load on the rear tyres. Check your vehicle's towing guide or call our team on 09 580 2403 for specific advice.
The easiest places to find your vehicle's required load index are: the tyre placard on the driver's door jamb, the vehicle owner's manual, or the sidewall of your current tyres. If you're unsure, our team can look it up for you — just call 09 580 2403 or email drive@hyper.co.nz.
