Decoding Tire Code: Load Index, Speed Rating, and M+S Designation

This is the last post in our series on tire code. A uniform tire code is found on most every vehicle tire manufactured. Those who may be shopping for a new set of tires will find a wealth of information in this code to help them determine which type of tire to buy. Our first post focused on the type of tire and section width and the second post looked at aspect ratio, tire construction and wheel diameter. This week, we will examine the rest of  the code.

Performance Index

The tire performance index is displayed after the wheel diameter, and represents the tire’s load and speed ratings. In this case, the 93 load index represents 1,433 pounds, and the speed rating of V represents 149 mph.

Common Speed Ratings

Letter

L

M

N

P

Q

R

S

T

U

H

V

Max. MPH

75

81

87

93

99

106

112

118

124

130

149

All-Season Tires with Mud and Snow Designation

When a tire has  M+S on it, that means that it meets the tire has been developed to handle driving in mud and snow. Similar markings for this include MSM&S, and M/S. .

Why are Load Index and Speed Rating Important?

A tire with the correct tire load index for your vehicle assures you that your tires are made to handle the weight of your vehicle. The speed rating shows the maximum speed your tires can handle, which tends to be more important in countries with roadways that are not subject to speed limitations.

Of course importance of the mud and snow designation will depend on the climate you live and drive in.

With the entire tire code, it is important to stick with your vehicle manufacturer’s recommended specifications to assure safe and optimal tire performance. Remember – choosing  a dependable, quality tire is just the beginning. Your tires must also be developed for the best performance for your specific vehicle.