The tire industry uses a standard called the Department of Transportation, or DOT, code to indicate the type of tire you’re buying. The first two numbers indicate the week of production and the second two numbers indicate the year.
This information is followed by a four-digit number that indicates the manufacturer’s plant code and tire size. The final four-digit number indicates how many tires are in that particular batch.
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What does an e rating on a tire mean?
The word E stands for “extra load.” The tire is able to handle the extra load, meaning it has a higher inflation pressure. The maximum load capacity of the tire at the maximum inflation pressure is higher than a standard passenger car tire (p-metric) of that size.
In other words, the load rating of an E-rated tire is higher than a P-rated tire. For example, a P235/75R15 has a load rating of 1,984 lbs. at 35 PSI.
What is the load rating of a tire?
Load ratings are numbers found on specific tires that describe how much weight each individual tire can carry a maximum inflation pressure. Load index ratings show the maximum weight load a tire can carry at specified inflation levels.
Load index ratings are based upon laboratory tests and are not necessarily reflective of real-world conditions.
Are E-rated tires stiff?
E-rated tires (and D-rated tires) are built much stronger than C and B-rated tires, so they’re going to have a stiffer sidewall. That’s going to mean that the ride is going to be harsher, but that’s the trade-off for the added strength. If you plan on doing a lot of off-roading with your RV, then you want that support from the stiffer sidewall.
Will E-rated tires last longer?
In many cases, a heavier vehicle like a truck can be strapped with a lighter load than what the maximum load capacity rating of an E series tire is rated for. In this case, it may not be necessary to purchase an E series tire because it may last much longer than the owner needs before it wears out.
For example, a light half-ton pickup might never encounter the same level of heat that would cause an LT passenger-rated tire to fail.
Do high-ply tires last longer?
Yes, the high number of plies used in making the tire ensures that it will have a longer lifespan. The high ply tire has numerous layers of rubber-coated fabric that hold the shape and form of the tire. A high number of plies means more layers, and this translates to a stronger, long-lasting tire that can withstand daily use.
Does tire ply affect ride quality?
Yes, the tire ply affects ride quality. A high number of plies translates to an excellent ride quality because the tires are stronger with numerous layers that make them durable and long-lasting. So they will absorb shock better when driving over rough roads or potholes, thereby giving you a more comfortable ride.
How much weight can Load Range E tires hold?
The Tire Load Index is an assigned number that corresponds to the maximum load a tire can carry a maximum air pressure.
For example, a tire with a load index of 96 has a load-carrying capacity of 1,521 pounds. In order to make an educated decision when buying tires, you need to know what ply rating and load range mean.
What is a good ply rating for tires?
A good ply rating for tires varies from one vehicle and tire type to another. For example, a light truck would use a different tire than a passenger car or SUV/crossover vehicle. Contact your local tire shop or dealership to ask about the proper ply rating for your vehicle’s tires.
Conclusion
The higher the load pressure, the harder it is for the tire to flex under heavy loads. Thanks a lot for reading this article with patience.
