NZ Tyre Load Rating Guide
Everything you need to know about load index numbers, weight capacities, and keeping your vehicle WOF-compliant
The Basics: What is a Load Rating?
Understanding the numbers on your tyre sidewall
What You'll See on Your Tyre
Every tyre has a load index stamped on the sidewall - it's a two or three-digit number that appears right after the tyre size. For example, in 195/65R15 91H, the "91" is your load index.
• 195 = Width in millimetres
• 65 = Profile (sidewall height)
• R = Radial construction
• 15 = Wheel diameter in inches
• 91 = Load index (615kg per tyre)
• H = Speed rating (210 km/h)
How Load Index Works
Each load index number corresponds to a specific weight capacity in kilograms. The number itself doesn't directly tell you the weight - you need to look it up in a standardised chart.
Key points:
- Each number = specific weight - Load index 91 = 615kg, 95 = 690kg, 100 = 800kg
- Not linear - Each step up doesn't add the same amount of weight
- Per tyre capacity - Multiply by 4 for total vehicle capacity
- At maximum pressure - Capacity shown is at the tyre's max PSI rating
Your vehicle has a maximum load rating shown on the compliance plate (usually in the door jamb). Your tyres must be capable of carrying at least this weight when properly inflated.
Common Load Index Ranges
Most passenger vehicles in NZ sit within these ranges:
- Small cars (Yaris, Swift): 75-85 (387-515kg per tyre)
- Medium cars (Corolla, Civic): 85-95 (515-690kg per tyre)
- SUVs (RAV4, CX-5): 95-105 (690-925kg per tyre)
- Utes (Ranger, Hilux): 100-121 (800-1,450kg per tyre)
- Vans (Hiace): 109-118 (1,030-1,320kg per tyre)
Pressure & Load Capacity Connection
Why proper inflation directly affects how much weight your tyres can safely carry
The Critical Relationship
Here's what many people don't realise: your tyre's load index rating is only valid at maximum pressure. Drop the pressure, and you drop the safe load capacity - dramatically.
This isn't just theory. Underinflation is one of the most common causes of tyre failure, especially when vehicles are loaded near their limits.
Correct Pressure
Tyre maintains full structural integrity and even contact patch across the tread.
20% Below Recommended
Sidewalls flex excessively, causing shoulder wear and heat buildup.
30% Above Recommended
Centre of tread carries all the load, reducing contact patch and ride comfort.
At recommended 32 PSI:
• Load index 91 = 615kg per tyre
• Total capacity = 615kg × 4 = 2,460kg
At 20 PSI (37% under):
• Effective capacity drops to ~430kg per tyre
• Total capacity = 430kg × 4 = 1,720kg
• You've lost 740kg of load capacity!
That's the equivalent of 3 adult passengers worth of capacity gone just from low pressure.
Many tyre failures blamed on "overloading" are actually caused by underinflation. The tyre wasn't overloaded for its rating - it was overloaded for its current pressure. Always check pressure when carrying heavy loads or before long trips.
Load Index Lookup Chart
Find the weight capacity for any load index number
How to Use This Tool
Find your tyre's load index number (the two-digit number after the size), then look up the corresponding weight capacity. Remember: this is the capacity per tyre at maximum inflation pressure.
🔍 Quick Load Index Lookup
Select single or dual load rating type below
Complete Load Index Reference Chart
Click any card to auto-fill the calculator above
Search our range of 15,000+ tyres
Why Load Ratings Matter
WOF compliance, legal requirements, and safety implications
WOF Compliance in New Zealand
New Zealand has specific requirements around tyre load ratings that affect whether your vehicle will pass its Warrant of Fitness (WOF) inspection.
Your vehicle will fail its WOF if:
- Tyres on the same axle have different load ratings (unless within ±2 points)
- Any tyre's load rating is insufficient for the vehicle's GVM (Gross Vehicle Mass)
- Load rating has been reduced from the manufacturer's original specification
- Tyres are clearly overloaded (bulging sidewalls, excessive wear patterns)
The ±2 Point Axle Rule
NZTA allows a tolerance of ±2 load index points on the same axle. This means:
Rear axle: 95 on both sides (identical) ✓
Front axle: 100 on left, 98 on right (2 point difference) ✓
Rear axle: 100 on left, 90 on right (10 point difference) ✗
Any axle: Mixing P-metric and LT-metric tyres ✗
Legal Requirements
Beyond WOF compliance, there are legal implications if you're operating a vehicle with inadequate load ratings:
- Insurance implications: Your insurance may be void if an accident occurs while overloaded
- Commercial penalties: Heavy fines for commercial vehicles operating over their rated capacity
- Liability: You're legally responsible for ensuring your vehicle is safe and compliant
- Roadside inspections: Police and NZTA can inspect and fine on-the-spot for non-compliance
Safety Implications
Exceeding your tyres' load rating isn't just a legal issue - it's a serious safety hazard:
Always maintain a 10-15% safety margin above your vehicle's GVM. For example, if your vehicle has a GVM of 2,000kg, aim for tyres with a combined capacity of 2,200-2,300kg (550-575kg per tyre, or load index 97-99).
⚖️ Vehicle Load Calculator
Check if your tyres are adequate for your vehicle
Reading Your Tyre Sidewall
A complete guide to understanding all the numbers and codes on your tyres
Tyre Size Explained
Let's break down a typical tyre size marking: 235/45R18 98H
45 = Aspect ratio (sidewall height is 45% of width)
R = Radial construction (virtually all modern tyres)
18 = Wheel diameter in inches
98 = Load index (750kg per tyre)
H = Speed rating (210 km/h maximum)
Other Important Markings
Your tyre sidewall contains additional important information:
Special Load Designations
Some tyres have additional load-related markings:
C, D, E (Load Range): Indicates ply rating and load capacity. C = 6 ply, D = 8 ply, E = 10 ply
XL or Extra Load: Reinforced passenger car tyre, higher load capacity than standard at same size. Example: 235/45R18 98H XL
Reinforced: Similar to XL, strengthened construction for higher loads
RF (Run-Flat): Can be driven temporarily with zero pressure, but load capacity may be reduced after deflation
The maximum load and pressure stamped on the sidewall are absolute limits, not recommendations. Always use the pressures specified on your vehicle's tyre placard (usually in the door jamb) which are calculated for optimal handling, comfort, and load distribution.
Common NZ Vehicles & Their Load Ratings
Real-world examples from popular vehicles on NZ roads
Popular Passenger Cars
Here are the typical load ratings for New Zealand's most common passenger vehicles:
Toyota Corolla
Popular sizes: 195/65R15, 205/55R16
Toyota RAV4
Popular sizes: 225/65R17, 235/55R18
Ford Ranger
Popular sizes: 265/65R17, 265/70R16 (LT)
Toyota Hiace Van
Commercial rating: "C" denotes commercial/light truck
Mazda CX-5
Popular sizes: 225/55R19, 225/65R17
Honda Civic
Popular sizes: 215/50R17, 235/40R18
Your vehicle's Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) is shown on the compliance plate, usually located in the driver's door jamb. This is the maximum your vehicle can weigh when fully loaded, including passengers, cargo, and fuel. Your tyres must have sufficient combined load capacity to exceed this figure.
Towing & Load Ratings
How trailer loads affect your vehicle's tyre requirements
Understanding Towball Weight
When towing, the towball weight (downward force from the trailer) is added to your vehicle's rear axle load. This is crucial to understand because:
- Towball weight typically ranges from 8-15% of trailer weight
- This weight is borne entirely by your rear tyres
- Your rear tyres must have capacity for vehicle load PLUS towball weight
Safe Towing Example
• GVM: 3,200kg
• Rear axle weight: 1,600kg
• Tyre: 265/65R17 115T
• Per tyre capacity: 1,215kg
• Rear axle capacity: 2,430kg
Trailer:
• Total weight: 1,500kg
• Towball weight (10%): 150kg
Rear Axle Total Load:
1,600kg + 150kg = 1,750kg
Safety margin: 680kg (28%)
Marginal Example
• GVM: 2,200kg
• Rear axle weight: 1,100kg
• Tyre: 225/65R17 102H
• Per tyre capacity: 850kg
• Rear axle capacity: 1,700kg
Trailer:
• Total weight: 2,000kg
• Towball weight (12%): 240kg
Rear Axle Total Load:
1,100kg + 240kg = 1,340kg
Safety margin only: 360kg (21%)
🚙 Towing Load Calculator
Calculate required load index for towing
🤔 What is "Towball Weight"?
When you tow a trailer, some of its weight pushes DOWN on your vehicle's towball. This extra weight is carried by your rear tyres.
Why it matters: This extra weight is added to your rear axle, which means your rear tyres need higher load capacity when towing.
Important Towing Considerations
Uneven weight distribution: Towing puts more weight on rear tyres. Front tyres also work harder due to increased steering load and braking forces.
Recommended safety margins when towing:
- Standard towing (boat, small trailer): 15-20% margin
- Heavy towing (caravan, horse float): 20-25% margin
- Regular heavy towing: Consider LT-rated tyres or upgrade load index
Calculating Towball Weight
If you don't know your trailer's towball weight, use these guidelines:
Incorrect towball weight is dangerous:
- Too heavy (>15%): Overloads rear tyres, lifts front, reduces steering control
- Too light (<8%): Trailer can sway dangerously at speed, potential jacknifing
- Always weigh your loaded trailer at a weighbridge to know actual towball weight
- Check tyre pressures before every towing trip - many vehicles recommend higher pressures when towing
When to Upgrade Your Load Rating
Signs you need higher-rated tyres and how to choose them
Signs You Need Higher-Rated Tyres
Consider upgrading your load rating if you experience any of these scenarios:
📈 Load Index Upgrade Recommender
Calculate your new load index requirements
How to Choose Your Upgrade
When upgrading load ratings, follow these guidelines:
• Tyre: 265/65R17 112T
• Load capacity: 1,120kg per tyre
• Total capacity: 4,480kg
• GVM: 3,050kg
• Safety margin: 1,430kg (32%)
After Modifications (canopy, bull bar, winch):
• New GVM: 3,300kg (250kg added)
• Recommended minimum: 3,630kg total (10% margin)
• Recommended per tyre: 908kg minimum
Upgrade Options:
✅ Option 1: 265/70R17 115T LT (1,215kg) - Best choice
✅ Option 2: 265/65R17 115T (1,215kg) - Same diameter as original
✅ Option 3: 265/65R17 120/117S LT (1,400kg single) - Maximum capacity
Passenger (P) vs Light Truck (LT) Tyres
Understanding the difference is crucial when upgrading:
Passenger Tyres
Characteristics:
- Softer ride quality
- Better fuel economy
- Lower maximum pressures (typically 35-51 PSI)
- Lighter construction
- Lower load capacity
Example:
225/65R17 102H = 850kg per tyre
Light Truck Tyres
Characteristics:
- Firmer ride (reinforced sidewalls)
- Higher load capacity
- Higher maximum pressures (typically 50-80 PSI)
- More durable construction
- Better for heavy-duty use
Example:
LT225/65R17 121/118S = 1,450kg/1,320kg
Changing tyre sizes: If you change tyre diameter by more than 5%, you may require an LVV (Low Volume Vehicle) certification in NZ.
All four tyres: Always replace all four tyres when upgrading load rating to maintain balanced handling.
Speed rating: Ensure your new tyres meet or exceed your vehicle's required speed rating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about tyre load ratings in New Zealand
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