A 117 load index tells you the maximum weight a single tire can safely carry

The load index is a number assigned to every tire that represents the heaviest load that tire can support when properly inflated. A load index of 117 means that tire can carry a maximum of 1,075 pounds. This number appears on the tire's sidewall, usually right after the tire size — for example, a tire marked 225/50R17 97H has a load index of 97, while a 225/50R17 117H has a load index of 117.

Load index matters because using a tire rated below your vehicle's actual weight can cause overheating, premature wear, and blowouts. Conversely, a tire with a higher load index than you need costs more and may ride differently. The goal is to match your tire's load index to what your vehicle actually weighs, including passengers and cargo.

Key Takeaways

  • A 117 load index means the tire can safely support up to 1,075 pounds of weight when inflated to the pressure listed on the tire sidewall.
  • Your vehicle's door jamb label specifies the load index your tires must meet; this is the minimum requirement, not a suggestion.
  • Load index is separate from speed rating — a tire marked 117H has both a load index (117) and a speed rating (H), and both must meet your vehicle's needs.
  • Exceeding a tire's load index by even a small amount increases heat buildup and can lead to sudden failure, especially at highway speeds or in hot weather.

Where to find the load index on your tire

The load index appears on the sidewall of every tire, printed as a two- or three-digit number. It comes after the tire size and before the speed rating. For example, in the marking "225/50R17 117H," the 117 is the load index and the H is the speed rating. The sidewall also lists the maximum air pressure the tire is designed to hold, which is different from the pressure your vehicle manufacturer recommends.

Your vehicle's load index requirement is printed on a label inside the driver's door jamb or on the fuel door. This label shows the tire size your vehicle came with and the load index that size provides. If you replace your tires with a different size, you must may support the new tire's load index meets or exceeds what the door jamb label specifies.

How load index relates to vehicle weight

Every vehicle has a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), which is the maximum total weight the vehicle can safely carry — including the vehicle itself, passengers, cargo, and fuel. Your vehicle's door jamb label lists this number. To find the load index you need, divide the GVWR by the number of tires on your vehicle, then round up to the nearest whole number.

For example, if your vehicle's GVWR is 4,400 pounds and it has four tires, each tire needs a load index of at least 1,100 pounds (4,400 ÷ 4 = 1,100). A load index of 117 (1,075 pounds) would fall short by 25 pounds, making it unsafe for that vehicle. A load index of 118 (1,085 pounds) would still be slightly short, while a load index of 119 (1,063 pounds) would be insufficient. The exact load index number you need depends on your specific vehicle's GVWR.

Load index versus speed rating

Load index and speed rating are two separate measurements that often appear together on a tire sidewall. The load index tells you how much weight the tire can carry; the speed rating tells you the maximum speed at which the tire can safely operate. A tire marked "117H" has a load index of 117 and a speed rating of H (130 mph maximum). Both numbers must meet your vehicle's requirements.

Speed rating is determined by the tire's construction and materials, while load index is determined by the tire's structure and how it distributes weight. A tire with a high load index but a low speed rating is unsafe for highway driving, just as a tire with a high speed rating but a low load index is unsafe for carrying heavy loads. Always check both numbers against your vehicle's door jamb label.

What happens if you use a tire with too low a load index

Using a tire with a load index below your vehicle's requirement causes the tire to flex more than it was designed to. This excess flexing generates heat inside the tire, which weakens the rubber and can cause the tire to fail suddenly — especially at highway speeds, in hot weather, or when the vehicle is fully loaded. The failure may occur without warning and can result in a blowout.

Underrated tires also wear faster and more unevenly, reducing their lifespan and increasing fuel consumption. Insurance companies and tire manufacturers may deny warranty claims if you use tires rated below your vehicle's requirement, even if the tire failure was not the direct cause of an accident. For these reasons, using a tire with an insufficient load index is not a cost-saving measure — it is a safety and financial risk.

Choosing the right load index when replacing tires

When you buy replacement tires, the simplest approach is to match the tire size and load index of your vehicle's original tires. This ensures you meet your vehicle's requirements without guesswork. If you want to change tire size — for example, to fit a different wheel — you must verify that the new tire's load index meets or exceeds what your vehicle's door jamb label requires.

Some tire retailers can help you cross-reference tire sizes and load indexes, but the responsibility for choosing a safe tire rests with you. Never assume that a tire sold for your vehicle's make and model meets your specific GVWR requirement — always check the door jamb label and compare it to the tire's sidewall marking. If you are unsure, contact the tire manufacturer or your vehicle's manufacturer for guidance.

Load index for trailers and specialty vehicles

Trailers, RVs, and trucks have their own load index requirements based on their GVWR. A trailer's door jamb label or sidewall will specify the load index needed for its tires. Because trailers and RVs often operate at or near their maximum weight capacity, using the correct load index is especially important — underrated tires on a loaded trailer can fail catastrophically and cause accidents involving other vehicles.

Specialty vehicles such as commercial trucks may use tires with load indexes well above 117. These vehicles are designed to carry heavy loads and use tires rated accordingly. The same principle applies: match the tire's load index to the vehicle's GVWR requirement, and never use a tire rated below that requirement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a load index of 117 good, or is it low?

A load index of 117 is neither inherently good nor low — it depends on your vehicle's weight. A 117 load index (1,075 pounds per tire) is appropriate for a compact sedan or small SUV but would be insufficient for a full-size truck or van. Check your vehicle's door jamb label to see what load index you actually need.

Can I use a tire with a higher load index than required?

Yes, you can use a tire with a higher load index than your vehicle requires. A higher load index means the tire can handle more weight, which does not harm your vehicle. However, higher load index tires often cost more and may have a slightly stiffer ride. There is no safety or performance benefit to overshooting your vehicle's requirement.

What does the letter after the load index mean?

The letter after the load index is the speed rating. For example, in "117H," the H means the tire is rated for speeds up to 130 mph. Speed rating and load index are independent — a tire can have a high load index and a low speed rating, or vice versa. Both must meet your vehicle's needs.

Do I need to check load index if I only drive on city streets?

Yes. Load index matters regardless of how fast or where you drive. A tire with an insufficient load index can fail from heat buildup even at low speeds, especially if the vehicle is fully loaded or the weather is hot. The risk is real whether you drive on highways or local roads.

Where can I find my vehicle's required load index?

Open your driver's door and look at the label on the inside of the door jamb. This label shows your vehicle's tire size, load index, and GVWR. You can also check your vehicle's owner's manual or the fuel door. The door jamb label is the most reliable source and is always visible without tools.