Do you know What does LT mean on a tire? Let’s decode this in this article.
LT stands for “Light Truck” and is a designation used on certain tires that indicates they are made for light trucks, vans and sport utility vehicles.
LT tires are designed differently than standard passenger vehicle tires and have important distinctions in their load range, max load rating, max pressure, tread depth, and rim width.
This article will provide an overview of what LT means on a tire, the key differences between LT and passenger tires, load ranges, max load ratings, max pressure, tread depth, rim widths, snow tires, and other characteristics of LT tires.
We’ll cover the reasons LT tires are well suited for light trucks and SUVs and help you understand how to select the right LT tires for your vehicle.
What does LT mean on a tire?
LT is an abbreviation for “Light Truck”. It is a designation used for tires made specifically for light trucks, vans, and some SUVs.
LT tires differ from regular passenger vehicle tires labeled with a P, which stands for “Passenger.
Tires with the LT designation are engineered to withstand greater loads and road hazards than passenger tires.
They are made with stronger materials, stiffer sidewalls, and deeper tread depths.
The LT label is required by law in the United States on all tires designed for light truck and van use.
It ensures that the correct tires are installed on vehicles that need to handle more weight and payload capacity.
Using LT tires provides additional safety, stability, traction and allows vehicles to be loaded near their maximum weight limits.
Difference Between LT and Passenger Tires
LT tires and passenger tires are designed for different purposes and have key differences:
Load Range
- LT tires have a higher load range, meaning they can carry more weight without failing. Load ranges go from A to F, with F handling the heaviest loads. LT tires start at load range C or D.
- Passenger tires typically have a load range of B or lower. They are not built to handle heavy loads.
Construction
- The construction and materials used in LT tires make them tougher and more durable. Things like thicker sidewalls, sturdier belts and treads, and stronger beads help LT tires handle more demanding use.
- Passenger tires have lighter construction optimized for comfort on cars and light trucks. They emphasize tread life over heavy load capacity.
Intended Use
- LT tires are designed for light trucks, commercial vans, campers, and other vehicles frequently carrying heavy loads or going off-road. They can better handle the stress.
- Passenger tires are ideal for family cars and light trucks meant for everyday use on the road. They prioritize ride comfort over ruggedness.
So in summary, LT tires sacrifice some comfort for strength and durability, while passenger tires provide a smoother ride under lighter loads.
Knowing the differences helps match the right tire to the vehicle and its typical use case.
Load Range
The load range indicates how much weight a tire can support at a given inflation pressure.
Tires have load ranges that typically range from A to F, with each successive letter representing an increased weight capacity.
- Load Range A tires are the lightest duty tires and are typically found on small sedans and coupes. They can carry the least amount of weight – about 1,100 pounds or less per tire.
- Load Range B tires are designed for mid-sized passenger cars and can support loads between 1,100 and 1,500 pounds per tire. This is the most common load range for standard passenger vehicles.
- Load Range C tires are built for heavier duty use on full-size sedans, vans and some light trucks. They can typically handle between 1,500 and 1,750 pounds per tire.
- Load Range D tires are made for heavy duty light trucks and large SUVs. They are rated to carry between 1,750 and 2,340 pounds per tire.
- Load Range E tires are extra heavy duty designed for heavier trucks, vans and SUVs. They can bear between 2,340 and 3,000 pounds per tire.
- Load Range F tires are the heaviest duty light truck tires, made to carry loads over 3,000 pounds per tire on heavy duty work trucks.
So in summary, the load range rating on LT tires gives you an indication of the weight carrying capacity of that tire.
The higher the load range letter, the more weight the tire is designed to support.
Max Load Rating
The maximum load rating of an LT tire indicates the maximum weight that the tire is designed to support at a certain inflation pressure when mounted on a specific wheel.
This rating is extremely important in determining if a tire is suitable for your vehicle.
To find the max load capacity of an LT tire, you need to look at the tire sidewall.
LT tires have a string of numbers and letters imprinted on the side that reveal key specifications.
For load rating, you want to look for a numerical code that typically follows the letters “LOAD RANGE”.
For example, a tire marked “LOAD RANGE D” has a max load capacity of 3,640 pounds per tire at its specified inflation pressure.
An “E” rated tire can handle 3,860 pounds per tire, while an “F” rated tire is approved for 4,080 pounds per tire.
It’s critical to ensure your LT tires have a high enough load rating for your vehicle’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and tongue weight if towing.
Overloading tires beyond their rating can cause excessive heat buildup, tread separation, and sudden tire failure, which compromises safety.
Consult your vehicle owner’s manual or tire dealer to determine the correct load range and inflation pressures needed for your specific model and use case.
Exceeding the tire’s load rating risks damage, impaired handling, and hazardous blowouts. Proper LT tires matched to your loads provide stability, durability, and peace of mind.
Max Pressure
LT tires are designed to handle much higher inflation pressures than passenger tires. The max pressure is indicated by the PSI rating printed on the sidewall.
For example, an LT tire rated for 80 PSI has a maximum inflation pressure of 80 pounds per square inch. Exceeding this limit can cause the tire to fail or explode.
LT tires often have max pressures between 50-80 PSI, while passenger tires usually fall between 30-44 PSI. The higher inflation pressure allows LT tires to support heavier loads without overflexing the sidewalls.
Running an LT tire underinflated reduces its load capacity and causes rapid wear on the outer edges.
Check pressures at least monthly to ensure they remain at the recommended PSI for the vehicle’s load. An accurate tire pressure gauge is needed to get reliable readings.
Proper inflation pressure maximizes an LT tire’s stability, handling, tread life and fuel economy.
Underinflation compromises safety and performance. Always inflate LT tires to the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended pressures.
Tread Depth
LT tires typically have deeper tread than passenger car tires. While passenger car tires often have tread depths between 7/32″ to 9/32″ when new, LT tires commonly start at 10/32″ or 12/32″ tread depth.
Some LT tires may have tread depths exceeding 15/32″ for heavy duty applications.
The deeper tread provides LT tires with better traction and allows the tires to dissipate heat better, especially when carrying heavy loads.
The deeper treads also make LT tires more resistant to punctures and damage from rough terrain.
LT tires are designed to be retreaded multiple times, so starting with deeper tread allows for more retread cycles over the life of the tire.
In contrast, passenger car tires do not need as much tread depth since they are not designed for heavy loads or off-road use.
The shallower tread provides less rolling resistance, which helps improve fuel economy.
However, passenger car tires wear out more quickly due to the smaller amount of tread.
Overall, the extra tread depth on LT tires makes them more durable for demanding truck, van, and SUV applications.
Rim Width
LT tires are designed to be mounted on specific rim widths. The correct rim width is important for proper tire fitment, handling, and safety.
LT tires will have a range of approved rim widths molded into the sidewall. For example, a tire may indicate a rim width range of 6-8 inches.
This means the tire is approved to be mounted on rims with widths between 6 and 8 inches. Mounting the tire on a rim that is too narrow or too wide can cause problems:
- A rim that is too narrow will cause the tire to have less contact with the rim sidewalls. This reduces stability and makes the tire more prone to sliding off the rim. The tire may also develop an incorrect shape, negatively impacting handling and tread wear.
- A rim that is too wide can prevent the tire beads from properly seating onto the rim flanges. This can cause air leaks and make the tire more likely to detach from the rim at speed. Too wide of a rim can also cause handling issues as the tire shape and footprint become distorted.
It is critical to always match LT tires with the rim width range specified by the tire manufacturer.
Installing LT tires on incompatible rims is extremely dangerous and puts vehicles and passengers at risk.
Consult the tire sidewall and vehicle documentation to determine the proper rim width before mounting new LT tires. This ensures optimal tire performance, safety, and longevity.
Snow Tires
Winter driving conditions call for tires that can handle snow, slush, and ice.
While all-season LT tires work in light snow, special LT snow/ice tires are available for those who routinely drive in heavy winter conditions.
These tires contain additional siping (thin slots cut into the tread blocks), which helps provide extra grip on packed snow and ice.
The compound rubber used in LT snow tires remains flexible at very cold temperatures for better traction.
The tread design features chunky blocks that eject snow out of the tread pattern. This helps maintain grip instead of sliding on compact snow and ice.
Popular brand names of LT snow/ice tires include the Michelin X-Ice Xi2, Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2, Goodyear Ultra Grip Ice WRT, and Continental VikingContact 7.
These tires meet the Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA) definition of a snow tire with a snowflake symbol on the sidewall.
Drivers who face extreme winter driving conditions should consider LT snow/ice tires for maximum traction and mobility.
They provide superior starting, stopping, and cornering ability compared to all-season options when it snows.
Conclusion
LT tire markings provide vital information for drivers when selecting tires for light trucks, SUVs, and other vehicles that require heavier duty tires than passenger cars.
The key points to remember are:
- LT stands for “Light Truck” and indicates the tire is designed for light trucks, vans, SUVs, and other vehicles that carry heavy loads or need enhanced traction.
- Compared to passenger tires, LT tires have a stronger construction, thicker tread, sturdier sidewalls, and can handle higher inflation pressures.
- The load range rating on LT tires shows how much weight they can support at various pressures. Common load ranges are C, D, E, and F, with higher letters able to carry more weight.
- Max load rating specifies the maximum load the tire is designed to carry at a certain pressure. This important number helps match the tire to the vehicle’s weight and requirements.
- LT tires have deeper tread than passenger tires, improving traction and longevity. Most have treadwear warranties around 60,000 to 80,000 miles.
- The rim width range printed on the tire indicates the approved rim widths it can be safely mounted on.
- Some LT tires have additional traction features and mountain/snowflake symbols for use in winter conditions.
In summary, the LT designation on tires signifies they are engineered for transporting heavier loads and operating under more demanding conditions than standard passenger vehicle tires.
Checking the full LT tire codes ensures proper tires are selected for the loads the vehicle will carry.
