By Daren Foertsch

When you're shopping for new tires, it’s tempting to focus solely on looks, tread patterns, or even price. But there’s one spec that deserves just as much attention as choosing the right size—the load rating. This isn’t just some obscure number printed on the sidewall. It’s a crucial factor that affects safety, performance, and even the lifespan of your tires.

The load rating (also called load index) tells you how much weight each tire can safely carry at its maximum rated air pressure. You’ll find it on the tire’s sidewall, usually as a two- or three-digit number. For example, a tire with a load rating of 121 can carry 3,197 pounds. Multiply that by four, and you’ll know your vehicle's total supported load capacity—assuming the tires are properly inflated.

If your tires can’t handle the weight of your vehicle—including passengers, cargo, and towing load—you risk overheating, blowouts, poor handling, and accelerated tire wear. That’s especially critical for trucks, SUVs, and anyone hauling trailers or heavy gear. Even if your tires fit your wheels perfectly, choosing the wrong load rating can compromise safety and performance.

The right load rating depends on your vehicle’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)—basically the maximum operating weight including fuel, passengers, and cargo. If you’ve lifted your truck, added heavy accessories, or tow regularly, you’ll want tires with a higher load rating to handle the extra strain.

On the flip side, going too high on load rating for a lightweight vehicle might not cause immediate issues, but it can lead to a stiffer ride and uneven tire wear if the tires are never near their load capacity.

Aftermarket tires can vary widely in load rating even if they share the same size. For example, a 35x12.50R20 tire might have options with a load index of 119 (3,000 lbs) or 125 (3,640 lbs), depending on the brand and construction. At Legends Auto Parts, we only carry brands and tire models that meet or exceed OEM load requirements, and we’ll always guide you to the right option for your setup.

Want to make sure your new tires are ready for whatever you throw at them? Shop Tires Now and get expert guidance with every order; if you're unsure what rating you need reach out to our team!