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what is the difference between p and lt on tires

by Ashlee Bernhard Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Summary:

  1. P tires refer to Passenger tyres and LT refers to Light Truck tires.
  2. LT tires are not as flexible as the P tires.
  3. LT tires ride rougher than the P tires, which ride smoother on the roads.
  4. The Light Truck tires are stronger when compared to the Passenger types.
  5. Unlike the Passenger tires, the Light Truck tires come with maximum inflation.

More items...

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.Jan 22, 2020

Full Answer

What is the difference between LTLT and P tires?

LT tires ride rougher than the P tires, which ride smoother on the roads. Another difference that can be seen between the two types, is that the Light truck tires come with maximum inflation. Unlike the Passenger tires, the Light Truck ones are used for carrying more loads.

What is the difference between light truck tires and passenger tires?

This allows for the movement of the vehicle. The main difference between light truck tires and passenger tires is in their load range, where LT tires have a load range of 10 plies, passenger tires only have a load range of 4 plies. This points to the fact that LT tires are more strong and durable than passenger tires.

What does p mean in tire size?

A "P" listed in front of the tire size indicates that it is "P-metric" size. P-metric stands for passenger vehicle. Passenger vehicles are cars (for example sedans and coupes), minivans, or CUVs, but can also be trucks that do not carry extra heavy loads or run on gravel roads.

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.

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Can you put LT tires on P?

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. If you drive your truck heavily loaded or pull heavy trailer loads frequently, you should consider replacing your p-metric tire with an LT tire.

Are LT tires bigger than P tires?

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).

Can I put P tires on my truck?

They aren't designed to support, tow, or haul heavier loads, so they shouldn't be used on heavy duty light trucks, large SUVs or commercial vans. While they're the perfect choice for the average vehicle, using passenger tires incorrectly can cause pretty serious issues.

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.

Do LT tires get worse gas mileage?

Registered. The main difference that will cause you lost MPG is the weight and size of the tire. Some LT tires are lighter than others, P's even more.

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.

Are P rated tires OK for towing?

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

Does the P in tire size matter?

The "P" is short for "P-metric," which is a designation by the Tire and Rim Association for a "passenger car" tire type. A "P" signifies the tire was designed to primarily be used on passenger vehicles, which can include cars, minivans, SUV's and other light-duty pickup trucks.

What does the P mean in tire size?

Passenger TireP identifies your tire as a Passenger Tire. The P stands for PMetric. If your tire size starts with LT rather than a P than it identifies the tire as a Light Truck tire. 225 identifies the tire section width, which is the measurement of the tire from sidewall to sidewall in millimeters.

What is LT in tire size?

P 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.

Why do LT tires need more pressure?

Heavier body plies and larger bead bundles allow LT tires to be inflated to higher pressures, increasing the tire's load capacity and allowing them to carry a heavy load continuously (not just occasionally) without overheating and failing.

Which is stronger, LT or P tires?

LT tires are stronger. P tires are less strong and durable. Inflation. LT tires are inflated to their maximum potential. P tires are less inflated than LT tires. Load Range. These tires have a load range of 10 ply, which is more as compared to P tires.

Which is less inflated, passenger or LT tires?

Passenger tires are less inflated in comparison to LT tires.

What are P Tires?

Passenger tires are also known as P tires. These kinds of tires are used in SUVs and other lighter vehicles. Passenger tires were originally designed for cars and station-wagons. Nowadays, they are also used for pickup trucks, vans and other vehicles.

Why are tires important?

Tires are a very important part of vehicles and without them, transport would be impossible. They support the vehicle and help them move. Light truck tires and passenger tires are durable and tough to different extents and are used in different vehicles. Both types of tires are flexible and adequately inflated.

What is passenger tire?

Passenger tires, as the name suggests, are intended for the purpose of carrying passengers (people) instead of cargo. The tires are light in weight, have a low resistance to rolling and less compact tread designs. Their design is more suitable for normal terrains and they cannot be relied on for off-roading.

What is a light truck tire?

Light Truck tires can carry heavy loads, tow other vehicles and have off-roading durability. These tires are specially designed to work efficiently under extreme conditions and doing it while carrying a heavy weight. The high amount of inflation and the air pressure inside the tires ensure that they are capable to do so.

What is a tire on a road?

On-road vehicles make our purpose fast and hassle-free. Tires are ring-shaped rubber components that surround a wheel’s rim. They are made to transfer the load of the vehicle from the axel, through the wheel and finally to the group for the required traction. This allows for the movement of the vehicle.

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.

Which is better, a P-metric or LT tire?

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.

Why are LT tires so expensive?

They are more expensive 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.

What does the P on a tire mean?

A "P" listed in front of the tire size indicates that it is "P-metric" size. P-metric stands for passenger vehicle. Passenger vehicles are cars (for example sedans and coupes), minivans, or CUVs, but can also be trucks that do not carry extra heavy loads or run on gravel roads.

What type of tires are best for a half ton truck?

Which type of tire is right for you depends on how you use the truck. P-metric tires are perfectly adequate for 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.

Can you replace LT tires with P-metric tires?

If you drive your truck heavily loaded or pull heavy trailer loads frequently, you should consider replacing your p-metric tire with an LT tire.

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.

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.

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 ...

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.

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.

Is a LT tire a P-metric?

Tire sizes that have a “p” in front of the numbers in the size description, or no letter at all, are p-metric. If there is an LT in front of the size, then it is an LT tire. Which tire type is right for you depends on ...

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.

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.

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.

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.

What is the difference between LT and P tires?

One of the main differences that can be noticed between the two types of tires is that the LT tires are not as flexible as the P tires. When comparing their durability, the LT tires are more durable than the P type tires.

What is LT tire?

Light Truck tires are made of more aggressive treads than the Passenger type tires. LT tires will give a more stable feeling on the roads. 1. P tires refer to Passenger tyres and LT refers to Light Truck tires. 2. LT tires are not as flexible as the P tires. 3.

How many ply tires are in a light truck?

6. Light Truck tires have a load range of 10 ply, whereas Passenger tires only have a 4 ply load range.

What are the letters on a truck's tires?

The tires differ in their size and air pressure. Well, in order to differentiate between truck and passenger vehicle tires, the letters LT and P are placed in front of the tire size.

Which is stronger, LT or P?

Moreover, LT tires are stronger when compared to the P types. LT tires ride rougher than the P tires, which ride smoother on the roads. Another difference that can be seen between the two types, is that the Light truck tires come with maximum inflation.

Is LT as flexible as P?

2. LT tires are not as flexible as the P tires.

What Does LT Mean On A Tire?

Manufacturers often use Latin letters to classify their products. So what does LT stand for on a tire? The answer is simply that this character sequence shows the recommended uses for light trucks. In other words, some vehicles that often utilize LT tires include light truck, vans, heavy-duty pickups (with a payload of 1 ton or less), and SUVs.

The Differences Between LT Tires And P-Metric Tires

You can find some other distinguishable characters on tires, such as P-metrics. The distinct classification shows the clear intention of the manufacturer towards different customer groups. Unfortunately, many people do not have general knowledge about these features.

David Barlow

Hi everyone, I’m David (Tireguy). I believe that finding tires can lead to a lot of confusion and frustration for almost every driver. That’s why I would like to bring my experiences and knowledges to develop World Tire Review blog, it will give people a deeper understanding of what choosing the right tire is really like!

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.

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.

How to get a full LT size?

All you need to do to get a full LT size is convert the section width into inches. Luckily, you already have all the information you need! You just take the first number of your metric size and divide by 25.4.

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1.The Differences Between Light Truck and Passenger Tires

Url:https://www.firestonecompleteautocare.com/blog/tires/differences-light-truck-passenger-tires/

11 hours ago Web · The difference between passenger (P-metric) and light truck (LT-metric) tires comes down to how the tire is engineered. 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, …

2.Difference Between LT and P Tires - Ask Any Difference

Url:https://askanydifference.com/difference-between-lt-and-p-tires/

36 hours ago WebThe 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).

3.The Difference Between P-Metric Tires and LT Tires

Url:https://www.tires-easy.com/knowledge-center/tire-basics/difference-between-p-metric-and-lt-tires

18 hours ago Web · 1. P tires refer to Passenger tyres and LT refers to Light Truck tires. 2. LT tires are not as flexible as the P tires. 3. LT tires ride rougher than the P tires, which ride smoother on the roads. 4. The Light Truck tires are stronger when compared to the Passenger types. 5. Unlike the Passenger tires, the Light Truck tires come with maximum …

4.P-metric tires or LT tires: Which Is Right for My Truck?

Url:https://www.tires-easy.com/blog/p-metric-tires/

11 hours ago WebThe answer really depends on your driving style, the vehicle itself, and the terrain on which you drive. LT tires will last longer on a light truck than passenger tires will, that's for sure. In short, LT tires are more ruggedly constructed, built to carry heavier loads and to perform under more harsh driving conditions, including off-road driving.

5.Passenger Vs. Light Truck tires | TireBuyer.com

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24 hours ago Web · The Differences Between LT Tires And P-Metric Tires. P-metrics are recommended for passenger vans. The plus point of this tire is that it allows the driver to handle it gently, run smoothly, and save fuel. However, you should know that it only works well with vehicles that rarely run on muddy roads or with lots of cargo.

6.Difference Between LT and P Tires

Url:http://www.differencebetween.net/object/auto-object/difference-between-lt-and-p-tires/

25 hours ago WebPassenger tires boast several advantages over LT tires that mainly have to do with economic gains. First, passenger tires are much lighter in weight, and therefore, provide fuel economy advantages. Also, passenger tires generally can be accommodated onto most vehicles without the need of a lift or other work on the suspension system, axles, or …

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