Indications for Car loads and speeds

Load index

The load index is a numerical code that corresponds to the maximum weight a tire can support.
A tire's load multiplied by 2 must cover the gross single axle load of your vehicle.
To determine your load index, locate the number on the sidewall of one of your tires and compare it with the load index table.

Speed index

The speed index is a letter code that corresponds to a tire's maximum speed.
To determine your speed index, locate the letter on the sidewall of one of your tires and compare it with the speed index table.

Attention

• It is forbidden to mount a tire with an inferior load or speed index than the original or manufacturer's specs. On the other hand, it is possible to mount a higher speed index.
  Should you mount a lower load index, despite this prohibition, you risk damage to the tire casing due to excessive load coming from your vehicle.
• In winter, it is acceptable to mount tires with a lower speed index (by one letter) than those mounted in the summer. For example, if the summer tires have a speed index code of W, winter tires with a code of V can be mounted, but not those with a code of H.
• Manufacturers calculate these speed indexes using tires that are in good condition.
  These indexes do not apply if your tires are damaged (bulges or cuts), underinflated, overloaded, or repaired. Speed indexes have been determined on highways without speed limits in Germany or on closed-course test tracks. Depending on the indexes, tires retain more or less heat, undergo varying degrees of deformation, and perform differently at high speeds. Be careful, even if the tires you mount can perform well at high speeds, no tire manufacturer recommends driving above the speed limits.
  Note that for tires with a speed index of "Z", the index is included in the tire's description, which explains the "ZR" designation.