What does the tyres load rating mean?
The load rating is a recently-added tyre performance guide in compliance with Deutsche Industrie Normen (DIN, or German Industrial Standards). It indicates the maximum load capacity per tyre at which the tyre can be safely operated, subject to the tyre being in sound condition, correctly fitted, and with recommended inflation pressures (85 in the following table, for example, represents a maximum load of 515kg per tyre). It is intended to be used in conjunction with the tyre’s speed rating code. While it’s generally OK to use a higher load rating than what’s recommended for your car, it’s definitely not OK to fit a lower-rated tyre. The tyre pressure label on my MY99 138, for example, states: The tyres fitted to this vehicle shall have a maximum load rating not less than “(82)” or 475kg and a speed category not less than “V”. The MY04 180’s tyre pressure label, on the other hand, says: The tyres fitted to this vehicle shall have a maximum load rating not less than “(84)” or 500kg and a
