In a tyre size like 205/55R16 91V, the number 91 is the load index. It tells you the maximum weight each tyre can safely carry when inflated to the correct pressure. Getting this wrong — particularly by fitting a lower-rated tyre — can be dangerous and may fail your WOF.
Load Index Reference Table
Here are the most common load index values for NZ passenger cars, SUVs, and light trucks:
| Load Index | Max Load per Tyre | Typical Application |
|---|---|---|
| 75 | 387 kg | Small city cars |
| 80 | 450 kg | Small hatchbacks |
| 85 | 515 kg | Compact cars |
| 88 | 560 kg | Mid-size sedans |
| 91 | 615 kg | Family sedans, hatchbacks (Toyota Corolla, Mazda 3) |
| 94 | 670 kg | Mid-size SUVs (Mazda CX-5, Hyundai Tucson) |
| 97 | 730 kg | Large SUVs (Toyota RAV4, Subaru Outback) |
| 100 | 800 kg | Large SUVs, light commercial |
| 104 | 900 kg | Utes, 4WDs (Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger) |
| 107 | 975 kg | Heavy-duty utes, light trucks |
| 110 | 1,060 kg | Heavy-duty 4WDs, commercial vehicles |
| 116 | 1,250 kg | Light trucks, vans |
Why Load Index Matters
A tyre that is overloaded — carrying more weight than its load index allows — will overheat. Tyres generate heat through flexing as they roll, and an overloaded tyre flexes more than it should. This excess heat degrades the rubber compound, weakens the internal structure, and can lead to a sudden blowout — particularly at highway speeds or in hot weather.
This is especially important for ute and 4WD owners who regularly carry heavy loads or tow trailers. A tyre that's fine for everyday commuting may be dangerously underrated when the ute is loaded to capacity.
How to Find Your Required Load Index
There are three reliable ways to find your vehicle's minimum load index requirement:
- Driver's door jamb sticker — the most reliable source. Open the driver's door and look for the tyre placard sticker. It shows the recommended tyre size including load index.
- Current tyre sidewall — the load index on your existing tyres is the minimum you must match or exceed.
- Owner's manual — the specifications section lists the factory-recommended tyre size and load rating.
XL (Extra Load) Tyres
Some tyres are marked XL or Extra Load (also written as Reinforced or RF). These tyres have a stronger internal structure and can carry more weight than a standard tyre of the same size — typically 10-15% more.
XL tyres are increasingly common on modern SUVs and heavier vehicles. If your vehicle originally came with XL tyres, you must replace them with XL tyres of the same or higher load index. Fitting a standard (non-XL) tyre in its place would reduce your load capacity and could be unsafe.
XL tyres also require slightly higher inflation pressures than standard tyres to achieve their rated load capacity. Check the door sticker for the correct pressure.
Load Index for Towing
If you tow a trailer, caravan, or boat, the load on your rear tyres increases significantly. The tongue weight (the downward force the trailer exerts on the tow ball) is transferred directly to your rear axle. This means your rear tyres may be carrying substantially more than their share of the vehicle's kerb weight.
For towing applications, it's worth consulting a tyre specialist to ensure your load index is adequate for your maximum towing capacity. Many towing-focused 4WD owners opt for a higher load index than the minimum requirement for added safety margin.
Use our vehicle search to find tyres that meet your exact load index requirement, or ask Charlie AI for personalised advice.