What are Lt tires and are they worth it?
Because LT tires come with higher load carrying capacities and a more robust construction, they’re far more rugged and durable than your average passenger tire, making them perfect for extra weight and tough road conditions. However, there are some tradeoffs.
Are P-Metric tires better than Lt?
If you own a half ton pick-up truck or full-size SUV and rarely if ever carry a load or go off pavement, then a p-metric tire will be a better choice for your replacement tire. They will ride smoother, last longer, and be more fuel efficient than a LT rated tire in the same size.
Are Lt tires good for off-road?
However, there are some tradeoffs. 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.
Can you put Lt tires on passenger tires?
Passenger tires simply aren’t built to handle the weight of large vehicles, and using them for this application could potentially be dangerous. Some people ask us the opposite question – if they can put LT tires on their small SUV or pickup. This can also cause some issues.
What are LT tires good for?
LT-metric tires are used for rougher driving conditions. You'll find these tires on SUVs, pickups, and vans that tend to haul a heavier load and travel in more off-road conditions. P-metric tires offer a quieter, smoother, and more comfortable ride.
Do I really need a LT tire?
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 more puncture resistant?
LT tyres have stronger carcasses, resulting in less sidewall flex, better handling, fewer punctures, and more resistance to off-road deflation.
Do I need an LT tire on my truck?
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.
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.
Why do LT tires have deeper tread?
Heavier body plies and larger bead bundles allow LT tires to be inflated to higher pressures, thereby increasing the tire's load capacity. It is the air inside the tire that carries the load. Usually, LT tires have deeper tread depths than their P-Metric counterparts.
Can I put LT tires on my car?
Light truck (LT) and passenger (P) tires are not interchangeable. Each type differs in its design, construction and intended applications. The automotive manufacturer took all of this into consideration when it specified the original equipment (OE) tires that came with your vehicle.
Are LT tires good for off-road?
Another good reason for an LT tire is because of its more robust construction it will be better able to withstand punctures and tears while off-road, and will better handle being aired down for extended off-road trips.
How often do you need to replace tires?
every six yearsThe NHTSA recommends that tires be replaced every six years regardless of the number of miles driven. Proper inflation is the Holy Grail of tire maintenance. Too much or too little air in your tires is guaranteed to cause you trouble and uneven or excessive wear over time.
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.
Are LT tires bigger?
The cords in a LT tire are a larger gauge than P-metric tires so the tire can carry heavier loads. Very often LT tires will have an extra steel belt, a deeper tread and thicker rubber in the sidewall for more protection vs a p-metric tire. LT tires are usually 8-ply (Load Range D) or 10-ply (Load Range E).
Are 10-ply tires more puncture resistant?
This is not the only difference between 6-ply and 10-ply tires because a lower ply rating typically means that a tire is more comfortable, better performing, and usually longer lasting. On the contrary, a 10-ply tire is more durable, it can tow more, and it can haul more.
Is a higher ply tire better?
PLY RATING This number correlates to the maximum safe carrying capacity of the tire when it's inflated to its maximum pressure. Higher load index ratings mean your tires may be able to handle a heavier load.
Can I put LT tires on my SUV?
If your truck or SUV is ¾ or 1 ton capacity then it likely came from the factory with LT type tires. OE LT tires should never be replaced with passenger type tires, they do not have enough load capacity and are not designed to have the same load handling characteristics that your vehicle was intended for.
What does LT mean on my tire size?
light truck tireP stands for passenger vehicle tire. P-class tires include cars, SUVs, crossovers, minivans and smaller pickup trucks. LT means light truck tire, designed for vehicles that are capable of carrying heavy loads, towing trailers, or for those looking for an extra heavy duty option.
Are 10 ply tires better?
Better for construction purposes 10-ply tires are way beefier than 4-ply tires which means that they ought to last a lot longer if used for off-roading, hauling, or towing purposes. 10 ply tires excel when it comes to towing and hauling because they are better able to control the load without swaying at speed.
Can I use Passenger Tires on my truck or do I have to use Light Truck tires?
Here at TireBuyer.com headquarters, our sales reps are frequently asked this question. Many people are interested in using Passenger Tires because they’re less expensive than Light Truck tires and generally offer a smoother ride.
Why do you need a light truck tire?
If you have a ¾-ton or 1-ton pickup truck, you need Light Truck tires, because they offer the proper load carrying capacity for your heavy vehicle and its cargo.
What is passenger rated tire?
Passenger Tires are for vehicles that are designed for personal use – like hatchbacks, sedans, coupes, and crossovers. Many SUVs, minivans, and smaller pickup trucks (under ¾ ton) also use passenger-rated tires.
How to contact tire experts?
If you have questions, you can always call our tire experts at (866) 961-8668. They’ll help you identify which type of tires you need, and can show you plenty of options that work for your vehicle’s requirements, as well as the way you like to use it.
Can you put LT tires on a pickup?
LT tires are built for heavy vehicles, so their stiffness can give your vehicle a harsh ride, and since they require higher tire pressure, they can throw off your vehicle’s TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System, a safety feature that alerts you to improper pressure in your tires). For these reasons, we don’t recommend using LT tires if your vehicle doesn’t require them.
Why are LT tires heavier than P-metric tires?
This is because LT tires have extra material in the sidewall and under the tread that protects the tire from damage. The cords in a LT tire are a larger gauge than P-metric tires so the tire can carry heavier loads. Very often LT tires will have an extra steel belt, a deeper tread and thicker rubber in the sidewall for more protection vs ...
Why use LT tires instead of P-metric?
If used on gravel roads, you should consider an LT tire instead of p-metric because the tread rubber in LT tires is usually especially formulated to resist chipping from stones. On paved highways, p-metric tires typically have better wet and dry traction on pavement. See Prices.
What is the difference between LT and P-metric tires?
Very often LT tires will have an extra steel belt, a deeper tread and thicker rubber in the sidewall for more protection vs a p-metric tire. 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.
What does the P in a tire mean?
Occasionally tires have a “p” listed in front of the tire size. The “P” in “p-metric” stands for passenger vehicle. Passenger vehicles are cars (for example sedans or coupes), minivans, or CUVs, but can also be trucks that do not carry extra heavy loads or run on gravel roads.
Do half ton trucks have p-metric tires?
There are some pick-up truck owners that rarely go off paved roads, carry heavy loads, or tow a trailer. Many half ton trucks come equipped from the factory with p-metric tires for this very reason. If you own a half ton pick-up truck or full-size SUV and rarely if ever carry a load or go off pavement, then a p-metric tire will be ...
Is tread wear the same as LT?
Tread-wear or tire mileage is typically about the same for LT and P-metric tires, except if used often on gravel roads. If used on gravel roads, you should consider an LT tire instead of p-metric because ...
Can you replace LT tires with P-metric tires?
P-metric to LT is acceptable, but never replace original equipment LT tires with P-metric tires due to them having lower load capacity ratings at maximum air pressure.
What is Falken Wildpeak AT Trail?
One exception to this rule is the Falken Wildpeak AT Trail, an all-terrain tire designed to give crossovers and smaller SUVs reliable off-road grit without compromising their on-road performance.
Why are LT tires so durable?
Because LT tires come with higher load carrying capacities and a more robust construction, they’re far more rugged and durable than your average passenger tire, making them perfect for extra weight and tough road conditions.
Why are passenger tires not puncture resistant?
Because they’re designed for comfort, passenger tires don’t perform well in aggressive off-road conditions, and they’re usually not as puncture resistant as light truck tires.
Why are SUVs engineered?
Because they’re engineered to support not only the weight of larger trucks, SUVs and vans, but also the higher carrying demands that those vehicles come with. That means you can wrangle heavy loads and tow without a worry.
Why are LT tires better than P-metric?
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.
Why use LT tires on trucks?
Reinforced sidewalls can cause the ride stiffness to become more apparent on lighter trucks and SUVs, which is why we typically only recommend using LT tires on larger trucks, SUVs, and vans, or for use in off-road conditions. LT tires have thicker, reinforced sidewalls for heavy-duty use and aggressive off-road driving.
What is LT tire?
Passenger tires are designed for use on lighter weight vehicles such as regular passenger cars, minivans and CUVs. LT tires are designed for heavier vehicles like larger trucks, SUVs, and vans.
What is an LT Tire Size?
The first thing you should know about LT sizes is it has many names. You can hear it referred to as LT, Numeric, Wide Base or Floatation sizes. We’ll get into the reasons for this in just a bit. The second thing you should know is they’re measured in inches, so this isn’t going to be the same thing as a metric size with an “LT” in front of it. In fact, in this case the “LT” notation usually follows the size instead of preceding it.
Why are LT tires used?
It’s still used in a lot of commercial tires now, but it’s also used for off road tires, heavy cargo or trailer tires or tires higher sidewall ratios than standard.
What does 12.50 mean in tires?
12.50: The second number in the size, this represents the section width, or how wide the tire is from sidewall to sidewall. (This is what the first number in metric sizes tells you). In this case it’s 12 and a half inches wide.
What size tires are used for passenger?
Most passenger tires today have metric or “P-metric” sizes. These are the sizes most of you are probably familiar with, such as 205/55R16. But there’s another system of sizing out there, LT Sizing, used primarily for light truck and off road tires.
What is a wide base?
Wide Base is for tires that have a 16.5 inch rim or higher or are higher (so these would fall under the higher sidewall ratio).
Why is it important to know the diameter of a tire?
Having the diameter lets you figure out how much clearance the tire will have in your wheel well. This is especially handy with the off road tires, as they tend to have a deeper, chunkier tread than other tires. This is also why it’s important to understand overall diameter, or the number measured in the first part of the tire size.
What does overall diameter mean on a tire?
You see, overall diameter measures the diameter of the tire after it’s inflated but before it’s put on a vehicle. This means that the tire is on a rim and inflated to pressure, but without any weight on it. It also means that the overall diameter will be different from the diameter of the tire when it’s not inflated.
