TIRE tech needed!

I must have been asleep the day we went over tires in shop cl***. I can balance, patch and differentiate the size differences but I cant remember the basics on tire weight ratings for cars.

Educate me please
thanks

 

Over here on the other side of the pond the tyre load index is printed on the side of the tyre which also incorporates the speed rating example 94T or 94H. The 94 is the load index per wheel and the T or H stands for the speed rating. You then need to cross reference the 94 into the actual weight by checking it against the load-rating chart. If need be i will post this tomorrow. On most tyres the maxium load will also be stamp on the side of the tyre in lbs. Hope this helps.

 

So if a tire is rated at 1200 lbs and the max the gvw (including people and stuff) would be 4800lbs?

 

The tire is rated at a max load at a specific max pressure. Lower pressure lowers the load carrying capacity. The tire does not necessarily have to have max pressure if the load is reduced. It will ride too harsh. Conversely, higher than rated pressure WILL NOT let the tire carry more weight.

In your example, you are correct if the vehicle is loaded to distribute the weight equally to the 4 tires. This is important.

One of the contributing factors in the notorious Firestone recall was overloaded SUV's, with underinflated tires, running high speeds on hot pavement.

Well, you asked what time it is, and I've told you how to build a watch.
Sorry for the droning on. Too many years in the tire business.