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PIRELLI
197
For Example:
Load Index Number: a numeric code which indicates the maximum 
load carrying capacity of a tire at the maximum cold inflation pressure.
Speed Symbol: an alphabetical code which indicates the maximum 
speed at which the tire can carry a load corresponding to its Load 
Index when properly inflated. These two items together are known as 
the “Service Description”.
Speed Symbol Chart
*For tires having a maximum speed capability above 149 mph, a “ZR” 
may appear in the size designation; above 186 mph, a “ZR” must 
appear in the size designation, and a Service Description, including the\
 
“Y” speed symbol, must be included in brackets.
Other Markings
•
 P - As part of the tire size designation (e.g., P205/65R15), is used 
to indicate tires intended for service on passenger cars.
•
 LT - As part of the tire size designation (e.g. LT235/75R15), is used 
to indicate the tires are intended for service on light truck vehicles.
•
 M&S, M+S, M/S - Letters used to indicate a tire suitable for Mud 
and Snow and/or All Season usage.
•
 XL - As part of the size designation (e.g. P235/75R16 XL), is used 
to indicate the tire can carry more load as the maximum inflation  
     
        
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PIRELLI
202
On all wheel drive or four wheel drive vehicles the tires must always 
be replaced in sets of four. When replacing tires, you should always 
follow the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations. Passenger and 
light truck tires are not interchangeable, due to differences in their 
pressures and load carrying capacity.
P-Metric and Euro-Metric Interchangeability: Euro-Metric (Example: 
225/45R17) tires have a load index which is equal to or greater than 
that of the same size P-Metric (Example: P225/45R17) tire. Therefore, 
they have the same or higher load carrying capacity at the maximum 
rated inflation pressure. Always check with your tire dealer or Pirelli 
Tire Consumer Affairs to check interchangeability to maintain proper 
vehicle dynamics.
Please be aware that it is important, before fitting the suggested tires, 
to confirm that the fitment is allowed by the technical specifications of 
the vehicle, the vehicle manufacturer and the relevant homologations. 
Pirelli does not express any view as to the compatibility of the wheel/
tire combination with the technical specifications for the chassis  
and vehicle.
TO MAINTAIN VEHICLE DYNAMICS AND LOAD CARRYING 
CAPACITY, REPLACEMENT TIRES MUST ALWAYS HAVE A LOAD 
INDEX AND SPEED SYMBOL EQUAL TO OR GREATER THAN 
THOSE FITTED AS ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT.
When installing plus size fitments, you should consult with the dealer 
regarding any suspension or braking system modifications which may 
be recommended for the vehicle.
Tire Inspection
As a minimum, tires should be examined and air pressure checked 
monthly and always prior to long trips. They should also be examined 
if you strike any unusual object on the road. Tires showing bulges, 
cracks, cuts, penetrations or uneven wear must be dismounted and 
examined by an authorized Pirelli dealer and replaced if necessary. 
Pirelli tires have treadwear indicators in the tread grooves, which 
clearly show when the tread has worn to 2/32” remaining. At this point, 
your tires must be replaced because they do not meet the federal  
     
        
        Page 224 of 260

TOYO TIRE
222
Replacement tires for any vehicle must be of a size, load range, and 
load capacity (by inflation) that is capable of supporting the same load 
as the vehicle’s originally installed (OE) tires. Avoid installing used tires 
on a vehicle. There is no way to determine what road hazards or abuse 
a previously owned tire may have incurred.
The following procedures concerning replacement tires must  
be followed:•
 Confirm that the load-carrying capacity is greater than or equal 
to the load-carrying capacity of the OE tire size at the pressure 
indicated on the vehicle Tire Information Placard.
•
 Carefully note any differences between recommendations for  
front and rear axle positions regarding the tire size and/ or  
inflation pressure.
•
 The speed rating must be equal to or greater than what is specified 
by the vehicle manufacturer if the speed capability of the vehicle is 
to be maintained.
•
 Tires should be mounted on approved wheel widths. If changing 
tire sizes, check to make sure the wheel has adequate load and 
inflation pressure capacity.
•
 Body and chassis clearance must be checked on the vehicle’s 
front and rear axles.
In addition to the above, light truck tire replacements should take into\
 
consideration the following: 
     
        
        Page 241 of 260
TOYO TIRE
239
at speeds in excess of 65 mph may be required, then the following 
adjustments or recommendations should be followed:•
 At speeds from 66 mph through 75 mph, cold inflation pressure 
must be increased 10 psi above the recommended pressures for 
the load being carried.
•
 Do not exceed the maximum inflation pressure of the wheel (all 
wheels have maximum allowable inflation pressures).
Replacement Tires for Light Trucks – P-Metric vs. LT-Truck
Tire installers should exercise extreme caution when replacing tires on 
light trucks.
The maximum load capacity stamped on the sidewall of a P-metric tire 
is reduced by a factor of 1.1 when used on a light truck, a sport utilit\
y 
vehicle, or a trailer. 
     
        
        Page 242 of 260
TOYO TIRE
240
When a P-metric or metric tire is installed on a light truck (SUV, 
pickup, minivan), the load rating is reduced by dividing by 1.1. (This 
load reduction factor is prescribed by Federal Motor Vehicle Safety 
Standards (FMVSS) and is based on the expectation that passenger-
type tires may experience more severe loading and usage conditions 
when applied to light trucks.) For example, 305/50R20 has a maximum 
load capacity of 3086 lbs. If this tire is fitted to a light truck, the actual 
allowable load for the tire is 2805 lbs. (3086 lbs. divided by 1.1).
Consult the load and inflation charts that can be found at   
www.toyotires.com. Contact Toyo Tires Technical Service with any 
tire replacement questions:  (800) 442
-8696 (Pacific Time) or (888) 
444
-8696 (Eastern Time).
VEHICLES WITH MODIFIED SUSPENSION