Do I really need LT tires?

Because of their stiffer sidewall, LT tires don't absorb bumps very well, causing more vibrations and road noise, particularly in lighter trucks and SUVs. That's why we typically only recommend using LT tires on larger trucks, SUVs and vans, or for use in off-road conditions.

Are LT tires necessary?

Vehicles like ¾ ton or larger pickup trucks, work vans and trucks, and other large vehicles that regularly carry heavy loads or pull heavy trailers will need Light Truck (LT) tires.

Can I put non LT tires on my truck?

Passenger tires were originally designed for use on sedans, crossovers, coupes, and other lighter vehicles—but they can also be used on trucks, under the right driving conditions.

Does LT matter on tire size?

If a tire size reads, LT235/75R15 104/101S, the LT indicates that this tire is meant for Light Truck use. These tires are made for light-duty and heavy-duty pickup trucks (typically ½ ton, ¾ ton, or 1-ton load capacity), SUVs and vans.

Should I get LT tires for towing?

In general, yes LT (Light Truck) tires are designed for heavy towing and feature heavier body plies, bigger beads, more tread depth and an overall heavy-duty design made for higher inflation pressures for heavier loads.

What is the Difference Between a Passenger Tire and Light Truck Tire?

Can I tow with 8 ply tires?

That may not sound like much, but the 8 ply tire is much better in overall towing performance. It holds up to the stresses better. The sideway is also stiffer, I think these have 3 ply sidewalls, which also holds up better. Truck manufacturers really should never put passenger tires on any full-size truck.

Are LT tires more puncture resistant?

LT tyres have stronger carcasses, resulting in less sidewall flex, better handling, fewer punctures, and more resistance to off-road deflation. LT tyres have a higher load index, which means that they can carry more weight and therefore stand less chance of overheating, or rupturing in a pothole.

Are LT tires heavier?

In addition to a concern for load carrying capacity, LT tires feature heavier construction in sidewall, shoulder, and tread areas to better withstand rough-terrain exposure.

Are all LT tires 10 ply?

LT tires are usually 8-ply (Load Range D) or 10-ply (Load Range E). Passenger Tires usually have a 4-ply or 6-ply equivalent sidewall. The performance trade-off of this added weight is a harsher ride, less fuel efficiency, and less responsive handling.

Are LT tires good for snow?

However, the rubber compound in LT and high flotation sizes intended for commercial or heavy off-road use is “tougher” in order to deal with heavy loads and difficult terrain. “They are maximized for snow and ice traction, always keeping in mind the job they need to do,” says Golab.

What does LTX mean on tires?

The LTX of the LTX indicates that this all-season tire is designed for light trucks and SUVs. When purchasing tires, it's very important to know the exact dimensions necessary for your vehicle.

Can I tow with P rated tires?

P Rating doesn't matter as far as weight is concerned. The weight is in the trailer. Where the tires come into play is trailer sway.

What is the difference between LT and AT tires?

That's right: because LT tires have thicker, reinforced sidewalls for heavy-duty use and challenging driving conditions, they're a great choice for off-road use. That's why most all-terrain tires and mud tires are LT rather than the standard p-metric designation.

What is the purpose of a Sipe?

Siping reduces friction heat and its effect on your tire by allowing the tire to cool. The sipes act by isolating heat into small “corrals” and allowing air to pass between them, thereby dispersing the heat and naturally cooling the tire.

When should you use all-terrain tires?

All-terrain tires, or A/T tires, are designed to perform on- and off-road, providing traction and comfort in wet, dry, and lightly snowy conditions. They're a sort of hybrid between highway and mud tires, providing a smooth ride on the road and reliable traction on the rocks!

What's the best speed rating for tires?

As manufacturers developed bigger and better tires, it became necessary to regulate performance at standardized speeds to ensure safety. The "Limited V" category of 250 km/h (149 mph) was then created, and eventually the "Z" speed rating was added as the top speed rating.

Does a 3/4 ton truck need 10 Ply tires?

Understanding the tire ply rating system helps you understand how your tires support the weight of your vehicle (called load range or load index). If you drive a ¾ ton, one ton or even larger pickup or SUV (or haul a trailer) then you require 10-ply tires.

Is a 10 Ply tire good for towing?

A 10 Ply tire rating or more is what classifies a tire as being towing-ready. In addition, using a tire with anything less than a 10 Ply tire rating is going to cause the tire to degrade at a faster pace and cause much worse high-speed stability.

Do 10 Ply tires ride rough?

Yes, it will. The other downside is 10-plies are substantially heavier, which will drop your fuel mileage (you're going from low 40s lbs/tire to mid 50s). There are a fair number of P-metric 275/60R20s out there (with the Defender LTX M/S being one of the best options).

Do LT tires need more air pressure?

Size-for-size, compared to P-metric tires, LT tires require higher air pressures to carry equivalent loads. Failure to adjust air pressures to achieve the vehicle's load requirement will result in tire fatigue and eventual tire failure due to excessive heat build-up.

Do heavier tires ride better?

As a general rule, bigger wheels result in a rougher ride. Switching to a smaller wheel and a thicker tire can give you a smoother ride without any major modifications to your car. However, if you go too crazy and change your wheel size too much, it can cause some problems.

Are lighter tires better?

Lighter wheels can go faster because there is less weight to control. They'll help you speed up your acceleration while decreasing the time it takes you to come to a full stop. They can also contribute to greater fuel efficiency because lighter vehicles use less fuel.

Are all-terrain tires good for highway driving?

If you're taking your vehicle off-road, you'll certainly need an all terrain tire. They are made for smooth driving on the highway with enough bite to grip harsh landscapes like beaches, gravel and snow.

What size tire is best for off-road?

For off-road performance, we prefer to stick to the rule of thumb of running a wheel diameter no bigger than half the tire height. That typically means 15 or 16-inch wheels for 33s and 17-inch wheels for 35s or so. If you want sufficient sidewall flex on the trail, stay away from lower-profile tires.

Do all-terrain tires get louder as they wear?

As stated by U Tires, the tread design on all-terrain tires typically leads to a louder sound. This process is caused by the chunky pattern that's very uneven compared to traditional nearly flat tires. It can be amplified when you're driving on gravel, rough roads, and other hard surfaces.