Tyre Load Index & Speed Rating Guide
Every tyre carries a load index and a speed rating — two codes stamped on the sidewall that tell you the maximum load the tyre is built to carry and the maximum speed category it is rated for. This guide explains what those codes mean, how to read the full tyre size, and gives you the complete South African reference charts with instant look-up tools.
How to read a tyre size
Take a common example — 265/65R17 112S. Each part describes one property of the tyre:
The first three parts (265/65R17) are the physical size — section width, profile and rim diameter. The last two (112S) are the service description: the load index and the speed rating.
Tyre load index
The load index is a numerical code that corresponds to the maximum load a single tyre is rated to carry, in kilograms, when correctly inflated. In the example 112S, the 112 is the load index — which converts to a maximum rated load of 1 120 kg per tyre.
The kilogram figure applies per tyre, not to the vehicle as a whole. You will find the load index printed on the tyre sidewall, immediately after the rim-diameter part of the size and just before the speed-rating letter. Vehicle manufacturers specify a minimum load rating for each model; the fitted tyres should always meet or exceed the manufacturer’s required rating for your vehicle and axle.
Dual load index
Some light-truck and commercial tyres carry a dual load index, written as two numbers such as 121/118. The first figure is the rating for single-wheel fitment and the second is the (lower) rating for dual-wheel fitment — where two tyres are mounted together on each side of an axle. For 121/118, that is 1 450 kg per tyre in single fitment and 1 320 kg per tyre in dual fitment. Either way, each figure is the rated load for one tyre.
Complete load index chart
Load index → maximum rated load in kilograms per tyre.
Tyre speed rating
The speed rating is a letter that identifies the maximum speed category a tyre is rated for. In 112S, the S is the speed rating — a maximum rated speed of 180 km/h. The letter appears at the very end of the tyre’s service description, directly after the load index.
A speed rating describes the tyre’s rated capability under test conditions — it is not a recommendation to drive at that speed, and South African national speed limits always apply. When replacing tyres, follow the speed rating required by your vehicle manufacturer; fitting a rating below the specified value is not advisable.
Complete speed rating chart
Speed rating → maximum rated speed in km/h.
Note: ZR on a sidewall historically indicates a rating above 240 km/h; the exact maximum is then given by the accompanying W (270 km/h) or Y (300 km/h) letter in the service description.
Frequently asked questions
What is a tyre load index?
The load index is a numerical code on the tyre sidewall that corresponds to the maximum load, in kilograms, that a single tyre is rated to carry when correctly inflated.
Does the load-index kg value apply per tyre?
Yes. The kilogram figure a load index converts to is the maximum rated load for one tyre, not for the whole vehicle.
What is a tyre speed rating?
The speed rating is a letter that identifies the maximum speed category the tyre is rated for under test conditions — for example, S corresponds to 180 km/h and V to 240 km/h.
Where do I find the load and speed rating?
They appear together at the end of the tyre size on the sidewall — the number is the load index and the letter immediately after it is the speed rating, e.g. 112S.
What does 91V mean?
The 91 is the load index (a maximum rated load of 615 kg per tyre) and V is the speed rating (a maximum rated speed of 240 km/h).
What does 112S mean?
The 112 is the load index (a maximum rated load of 1 120 kg per tyre) and S is the speed rating (a maximum rated speed of 180 km/h).
Can I use a lower load index?
A tyre should meet or exceed the load rating specified by your vehicle manufacturer. Fitting a lower load index than required is not advisable — always follow the manufacturer’s specification.
Can I use a different speed rating?
Follow the speed rating your vehicle manufacturer specifies. A rating below the required value is not advisable; if you are unsure, check your vehicle’s tyre placard or owner’s manual, or ask us.
What does a dual load index mean?
Some light-truck and commercial tyres show two load indices, e.g. 121/118. The first applies to single-wheel fitment and the second to dual-wheel fitment; each converts to its own maximum rated load per tyre.
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