This section is devoted to the movers and shakers of the driving world. For those of you that have a boatload to carry and a pilgrimage to carry it through, this one’s for you. But also, for those of you that only have a little to carry or just want to be knowledgeable and safe…this one’s for you too. We’re all inclusive here.

Overloading is the second leading cause of tire failure. Exceeding the maximum load range can cause excessive wear, reduce tire life due to structural damage, and include the potential for sudden failure. So, let’s avoid an unexpected blowout, deal? This index is there for a reason. Check it, memorize, do NOT exceed it. For most vehicles, the max load is printed on the same label as the recommended tire pressure (found in your car’s manual). If applicable, be sure not to overlook the tongue-weight of a trailer; this weight acts directly on the vehicle’s tires.

If you’re reading this page too late and have already experienced excessive tread wear, structural tire damage, or a blowout that requires changing your tires – check out our other Tires 101 pages for tips on how to handle the situation. Not sure where to find your load index? Check our page on How to Read A Tire.