Light Truck Tires — A Comprehensive Analysis from Model to Load Index

The Importance of Light Truck Tires

In previous popular science articles, we mentioned the concept of "light truck tires." In fact, many microvans, minivans, and commercial vehicles require this type of tire. These vehicles often have cargo-carrying needs, and the load-bearing capacity of ordinary car tires often cannot meet these demands. However, when owners face the choice of "light truck tires," they often feel confused and unsure how to select more durable and stable tires.

Therefore, this article aims to explain "how to choose more durable light truck tires." Whether you own a microvan, minivan, or commercial vehicle, you can gain useful guidance from this article.

△ Differences in Vehicle Types and Tire Selection

There are significant differences in tire selection among commercial vehicles, minivans, and passenger cars. Mixing tires can lead to serious consequences. Inappropriate tires affect the vehicle's load capacity and driving safety.

02 Tire Size and Code Interpretation

△ Conventional Size Analysis

When interpreting conventional tire sizes, we usually focus on several key numbers that represent different tire characteristics. Tire width and aspect ratio affect vehicle handling and comfort, while inner diameter and load index ensure safety. First, tire width is an important parameter that influences vehicle handling and stability. Second, the tire's aspect ratio is also crucial as it determines the tire's elasticity, thereby affecting ride comfort. Additionally, the tire's inner diameter and load index are factors to consider when purchasing, as they directly relate to tire safety and suitability. By understanding these numbers, we can better choose tires suitable for our vehicles.

△ Tire Size Code

The tire "size code," such as 175/70R14, where 175 represents the tire's maximum width in millimeters. Interpreting the tire code 175/70R14: 175 is the width, 70 is the aspect ratio, which determines the tire's appearance and performance. It is important to note that tire width does not only refer to the "tread width" but the distance from the leftmost side to the rightmost side of the tire. This dimension significantly affects vehicle handling, stability, and ride comfort.

The number 70 in the tire "size code" represents the tire's aspect ratio, which is the height of the tire sidewall. This dimension directly affects the tire's appearance and performance and is an important basis for distinguishing different types of vehicle tires. For example, off-road vehicle tires have thicker sidewalls, while sports car tires are relatively thinner, reflecting the visual and driving experience differences caused by aspect ratio variations.

The number 70 in the tire "size code" specifically refers to the height of the tire sidewall, which is 70% of the tire width. Taking a tire width of 175 millimeters as an example, a simple calculation shows that 70% of this height is 122.5 millimeters. This dimension not only affects the tire's appearance but is also a key factor in vehicle performance and driving experience.

△ Radial Tire Marking

The letter R in the tire size code indicates that the tire is a "radial tire," commonly known as a "tubeless tire." Nowadays, household car tires generally use this design, so we can see the letter R on every household car tire. The letter R marks a radial tire, and the number 14 indicates it fits a 14-inch rim.

03 Load Index and Single/Dual Tire Configuration

△ Meaning and Development of the Index

Before discussing the meaning of 95/93, we first need to understand the "load index" usually marked on household car tire specifications. This index is presented as a number that determines the maximum load the tire can bear. However, when examining the specifications of the Feiyue Chitu LT175/70R14C tire, we find the numbers 95/93 following it. Is this the load index we are familiar with? The load index determines the tire's load capacity, and the light truck tire specification marked 95/93 reflects its reinforcement level.

△ Single and Dual Tire Load Index

Load tires are divided into "single tire" and "dual tire" configurations. Single and dual tire setups increase the tire's load-bearing capacity to meet different load requirements. The numbers 95/93 represent the load index for single and dual tire states, reflecting the tire's load capacity under different usage conditions.

For large buses and trucks, the rear wheels usually use a "dual tire" configuration, meaning there are two tires on each side, with each side having inner and outer tires. This design aims to enhance the tire's load capacity to handle heavier loads.

△ Practical Application Differences

High-load vehicles such as large buses use dual tire configurations to increase overall load capacity.

04 Load Tire Selection Factors

△ Importance of Load Index

At this point, the detailed specification analysis of "light truck tires" is complete. The higher the load index, the more durable the tire. This parameter should be emphasized when choosing tires. Under the same size specifications, tires with higher load indexes generally have better durability and load capacity. This observation also applies to passenger car tire selection. Therefore, when choosing tires, pay more attention to the load index of various tires to make a wiser choice.

△ Speed Rating and Design Balance

The final letter S represents the tire's speed rating, meaning it can safely withstand a maximum speed of 180 kilometers per hour. As long as the vehicle's speed stays within this limit, the tire remains safe. Load tires have lower speed ratings, focusing on durability and load capacity rather than high-speed performance.

Because "load tires," "light truck tires," and "off-road tires" all require high structural strength to bear heavy loads, their speed ratings are often set relatively low.