What Does 113T Mean on a Tire? Load, Speed & Rating Guide
A tire marked 113T is giving you two safety ratings in one short code. The number 113 is the tire’s load index, and the letter T is its speed rating. Together, they tell you how much weight the tire can carry and the maximum sustained speed it is designed to handle when it is properly inflated, undamaged, and matched to the vehicle.
Quick Answer
113T means the tire has a 113 load index, rated for up to 2,535 pounds per tire, and a T speed rating, rated for sustained speeds up to 118 mph (190 km/h). Always match or exceed the load index and speed rating listed on your vehicle placard or owner’s manual.
Key Takeaways
- 113 is the tire load index, which equals 2,535 pounds or 1,150 kg per tire.
- T is the speed rating, which means the tire is rated up to 118 mph or 190 km/h under proper service conditions.
- Do not choose tires by the sidewall code alone; compare the tire size, load index, speed rating, and inflation pressure with the vehicle placard and owner’s manual.
- A higher load index can be acceptable, but it does not increase your vehicle’s legal payload, GVWR, or axle ratings.
- Avoid lower-rated tires unless the vehicle manufacturer or a qualified tire professional confirms they are safe for your specific use.
At a Glance
| Time Required | About 5 minutes to check the tire sidewall, door placard, and owner’s manual |
| Difficulty | Easy, as long as you compare the full tire size and service description |
| Tools Needed | Tire sidewall, vehicle tire placard, owner’s manual, and a tire pressure gauge |
| Cost | Free to check; tire replacement cost depends on size, brand, tire type, and installation |
What Does 113T Mean on a Tire?
A tire marked 113T has a service description. In that service description, 113 is the load rating or load index, and T is the speed rating. The load index tells you the maximum weight one tire can support when it is correctly inflated. The speed rating tells you the maximum sustained speed the tire is designed to handle under specified load and inflation conditions.
| Code | Meaning | 113T value |
|---|---|---|
| 113 | Load index | 2,535 lb per tire, or 1,150 kg |
| T | Speed rating | 118 mph, or 190 km/h |
You usually see the service description at the end of the tire size, such as 275/55R20 113T. That full code matters because the tire width, aspect ratio, construction, rim diameter, load index, and speed rating all work together. According to Michelin, standardized tire markings help identify the tire’s size, construction, load rating, speed rating, and operating limits, and replacement tires should follow the vehicle manufacturer’s specifications.
Note: The tire’s maximum load rating is not the same as your vehicle’s payload rating. Your vehicle is still limited by its GVWR, GAWR, suspension, wheels, brakes, and manufacturer specifications.
How Much Weight Can 113T Carry?
A 113 load index means one tire can carry up to 2,535 pounds when it is properly inflated for the load. Four 113-rated tires add up to 10,140 pounds of tire load capacity in simple math, but that does not mean your vehicle can safely carry 10,140 pounds. The real limit comes from the vehicle placard, owner’s manual, axle ratings, tire pressure, wheel rating, and the vehicle’s overall design.
A 113 load index gives each tire a 2,535-pound rating, but your safe carrying limit is still set by the vehicle manufacturer, not by tire capacity alone.
To check whether a 113T tire is right for your vehicle, use this order:
- Find the tire and loading information placard, usually on the driver’s door jamb or B-pillar.
- Confirm the original tire size, recommended cold inflation pressure, and service description in the owner’s manual.
- Compare the tire’s load index with the vehicle’s required load rating and axle needs.
- Do not use a tire with a lower load index unless your vehicle manufacturer or a qualified tire professional confirms it is allowed.
- If you tow or haul cargo, stay within the vehicle’s payload, tongue weight, GVWR, and GAWR limits.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration emphasizes proper tire pressure, load limits, tire inspection, and maintenance as core tire-safety practices. Federal tire placard rules also require vehicles to show key information such as vehicle capacity weight, recommended cold tire inflation pressure, and original tire size.
Warning: Underinflation and overloading can create excess heat inside the tire. That heat can lead to rapid wear, tread damage, blowouts, and loss of vehicle control. Check pressure when tires are cold and never exceed your vehicle’s load limits.
What Does the T Speed Rating Mean?
The T speed rating means the tire is rated for sustained speeds up to 118 mph (190 km/h) under proper conditions. Tire Rack notes that speed ratings apply to tires that have not been damaged, altered, driven underinflated, or driven while overloaded. Treat that rating as a safety ceiling, not a target.
| Speed rating | Maximum speed | Common use |
|---|---|---|
| S | 112 mph / 180 km/h | Many family cars and vans |
| T | 118 mph / 190 km/h | Everyday highway use on many passenger, SUV, and light-duty applications |
| H | 130 mph / 210 km/h | Sport sedans, coupes, and some touring tires |
| V | 149 mph / 240 km/h | Higher-performance passenger vehicles |
| W | 168 mph / 270 km/h | High-performance vehicles |
| Y | 186 mph / 300 km/h | Ultra-high-performance vehicles |
| ZR | Over 149 mph / 240 km/h, with W or Y often giving the exact tested limit | Modern high-speed performance tires |
A T-rated tire can be perfectly appropriate when your vehicle calls for it. A higher speed rating, such as H, may offer a higher tested speed capability, but that does not automatically make it the best tire for your vehicle. Ride comfort, tread life, rolling resistance, winter traction, load capacity, and manufacturer fitment still matter.
Pro Tip: When replacing tires, match the lowest rating shown on your vehicle placard or owner’s manual. Going higher in load index or speed rating is often acceptable, but going lower can affect handling, heat resistance, and safety.
How to Read Tire Size and Fitment
To understand a tire marked 275/55R20 113T, read it from left to right:
| Code part | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 275 | Nominal tire section width in millimeters |
| 55 | Aspect ratio; the sidewall height is 55% of the tire width |
| R | Radial construction |
| 20 | Wheel diameter in inches |
| 113 | Load index: 2,535 lb per tire |
| T | Speed rating: 118 mph / 190 km/h |
Continental and Michelin both explain that tire sidewall markings include the tire size, construction, load index, speed rating, and other important details. The key is not just reading one part of the code. You need the complete tire size and service description to confirm fitment.
Load Index vs. Load Range, XL, and LT
Load index and load range are related, but they are not the same thing. The load index is the numerical code, such as 113, that tells you the maximum load for one tire. Load range is a separate strength category often used on light-truck and trailer tires, such as Load Range C, D, or E.
- 113 load index: A specific load rating of 2,535 lb per tire.
- XL or Extra Load: A reinforced passenger tire designed to carry more load than a standard-load tire of the same size when inflated to the required pressure.
- LT tire: A light-truck tire type intended for heavier cargo and towing applications when the vehicle calls for it.
- P-metric or metric tire: Passenger-style sizing used on many cars, crossovers, SUVs, and light-duty pickups.
Do not assume that every 113T tire is an LT tire, an XL tire, or the right tire for towing. The full sidewall code and the product specifications must match the vehicle’s required size, load, speed, rim width, and inflation needs.
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EVOULTES heavy duty tire inflator with an integrated gauge delivers accurate pressure readings from 10–120 PSI, helping you inflate, deflate, and check tires in one tool. The 16.5-inch extended dual-head air chuck with swivel base reaches hard-to-access dual wheel valves on trucks and RVs. A brass trigger core and side-mounted air release valve make operation smooth, with standard 1/4" NPT threading and quick-connect compatibility for easy setup.
The AstroAI 2 pack air chucks provide a heavy-duty, closed-flow locking design that helps keep air flowing during inflation while securely attaching to the valve stem. Built with 250 PSI rated brass components and compatible with Schrader valves, they feature 1/4" female NPT threads for a wide fit with common inflators. The straight tip and locking clip make filling tires and monitoring pressure more convenient.
The JACO FlowPro Tire Inflator measures, inflates, and airs down tires up to 100 PSI with battery-free operation and ±2% accuracy after calibration. It features a glowing pressure dial for night visibility, a heavy-duty steel build with a hybrid hose, and a precision push-to-inflate thumb trigger. The patented Lightning Air Chuck locks on for a secure seal, and the kit includes quick-connect hardware for easy inline use with your air compressor.
How to Choose the Right 113T Tire
When you choose a 113T tire, start with your vehicle instead of the tire shelf. The correct tire is the one that matches your vehicle’s required size, load rating, speed rating, tire type, and cold inflation pressure.
- Check the vehicle placard. Look on the driver’s door jamb or B-pillar for the original tire size and recommended cold pressure.
- Check the owner’s manual. Confirm whether the vehicle requires a specific load index, speed rating, XL tire, LT tire, or winter tire guidance.
- Match the full size. For example, do not treat 275/55R20 113T as interchangeable with another 20-inch tire unless the full size and ratings are approved.
- Match or exceed the load index. A 113 tire can carry 2,535 lb per tire, but your axle and vehicle ratings still control the safe load.
- Match or exceed the speed rating. A T rating is 118 mph. If the vehicle calls for H, V, or another rating, do not step down without expert confirmation.
- Choose the right tire category. Highway, touring, all-season, all-terrain, winter, and LT tires behave differently.
- Consider real use. Towing, hauling, gravel roads, snow, heavy cargo, and hot climates can change what tire design makes sense.
- Verify inflation pressure. Use the vehicle’s recommended cold pressure, not the tire sidewall’s maximum pressure, unless the vehicle manufacturer tells you otherwise.
For SUVs and pickups, a 113T tire may be common in certain sizes, but it is not automatically correct for every trim, load package, or towing setup. An all-terrain tire such as the Pirelli SCORPION™ ALL TERRAIN PLUS may suit drivers who need more off-road traction, but the exact tire size and service description still need to match the vehicle’s requirements.
Note: The maximum PSI molded on a tire sidewall is not usually the recommended daily driving pressure for your vehicle. Use the vehicle placard and owner’s manual for normal cold inflation pressure.
[Products Worth Considering]
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This portable cordless tire inflator delivers up to 160 PSI with fast 17 L/min airflow to help you quickly top up tires and get back on the road. It features dual power mode, running on a 21V rechargeable battery or a 12V DC adapter for convenient roadside use. An automatic shut-off with digital pressure gauge helps prevent overinflation, and a built-in LED light improves visibility in low-light conditions.
Size: 275/55R20, Tire Only - Wheel/Rim Not Included. We offer a complimentary Road Hazard Warranty for each of our tires--Coverage applies to specific failures such as bulges, air leaks, or blowouts occurring within 3 years of purchase and and within the first 4/32nds of an inch of tread wear (Since October 1, 2025).
Can You Use a Higher or Lower Rating Than 113T?
You can often use a tire with a higher load index or higher speed rating if the tire is otherwise correct for the vehicle. For example, replacing 113T with 115T may increase the tire’s load capacity from 2,535 lb to 2,679 lb per tire, but it does not increase the vehicle’s payload or axle rating.
Using a lower rating is different. A lower load index may not support the vehicle properly, and a lower speed rating may reduce heat resistance and handling performance. Michelin recommends verifying and following the ratings specified by the vehicle manufacturer. Tire Rack also notes that speed ratings apply only under proper tire conditions, not to damaged, overloaded, or underinflated tires.
Mixing tire ratings can also create uneven handling. If one tire has a lower speed rating than the others, the vehicle should be treated as limited by the lowest-rated tire. For best control, replace tires in matching sets when possible, especially on all-wheel-drive vehicles.
[Products Worth Considering]
50,000 mile warranty
Tire Only - Wheel Not Included
Designed for use on SUVs, pickups, and vans
Common 113T Mistakes to Avoid
- Only checking “113T” and ignoring the full size. A 113T tire still has to match width, aspect ratio, rim diameter, and approved fitment.
- Multiplying tire capacity by four and calling it payload. The vehicle’s GVWR, GAWR, and placard limits still apply.
- Using tire max PSI as normal PSI. The vehicle placard gives the recommended cold inflation pressure for normal use.
- Buying a lower speed rating to save money. Always follow the vehicle manufacturer’s minimum speed rating unless a qualified professional confirms an approved exception.
- Assuming 113T means heavy-duty. It gives a specific load and speed rating, but it does not automatically mean LT, Load Range E, or towing-approved.
- Ignoring tire condition. Cracks, bulges, puncture damage, uneven wear, and age can make a tire unsafe even if its load and speed ratings look correct.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Difference Between 113T and 117T Tires?
The main difference is load capacity. A 113T tire carries up to 2,535 lb per tire, while a 117T tire carries up to 2,833 lb per tire. Both have the same T speed rating of 118 mph if both are marked with the letter T. Do not switch sizes or load ratings unless the full tire size and vehicle fitment are approved.
Which Tire Rating Is Better, H or T?
An H rating is higher than a T rating because H is rated up to 130 mph, while T is rated up to 118 mph. That does not automatically make H better for every vehicle. The better choice is the tire that meets or exceeds your vehicle manufacturer’s required size, load index, speed rating, and tire type.
What Is the Difference Between 113T and 115T?
The difference is load capacity. A 113T tire supports 2,535 lb per tire, while a 115T tire supports 2,679 lb per tire. Both are T-rated for 118 mph. A 115T tire may be acceptable if it matches the approved size and fitment, but it does not increase your vehicle’s GVWR or payload rating.
What Does 275/55R20 113T Mean?
275/55R20 113T means the tire is 275 mm wide, has a sidewall height equal to 55% of its width, uses radial construction, fits a 20-inch wheel, has a 113 load index rated at 2,535 lb per tire, and has a T speed rating of 118 mph.
Is 113T a Light-Truck Tire?
Not necessarily. 113T only tells you the load index and speed rating. A tire is light-truck rated only if the full tire size or specification indicates it, such as an LT prefix or an LT-type load range. Always check the complete sidewall code and product specifications.
Can Four 113T Tires Carry 10,140 Pounds?
Four 113-rated tires have a simple combined tire capacity of 10,140 lb, but that number is not your vehicle’s safe payload. The vehicle’s GVWR, GAWR, wheel ratings, suspension, brakes, and manufacturer placard still set the safe operating limits.
Can I Replace 113T With 113H?
A 113H tire has the same 2,535-lb load index as 113T, but a higher speed rating of 130 mph. It may be acceptable if the tire size, load index, rim fitment, tire type, and vehicle requirements all match. Confirm the change against the placard, owner’s manual, and a tire professional.
What Happens If I Use a Tire Below the Required Load Index?
Using a tire below the required load index can overload the tire. Overloaded tires flex more, build heat faster, wear unevenly, and have a higher risk of failure. Always use a load index that meets or exceeds the vehicle manufacturer’s specification.
Conclusion
When you see 113T on a tire, read it as a safety specification: 113 means the tire can carry up to 2,535 pounds per tire, and T means it is rated up to 118 mph. That code is useful, but it is only one part of choosing the right tire. Match the full tire size, load index, speed rating, tire type, and cold inflation pressure to your vehicle placard and owner’s manual before buying. If you haul, tow, drive in severe weather, or are unsure about fitment, have a qualified tire professional confirm the choice.
Sources
- Michelin — Understanding Tire Load Rating and Speed Rating — supports load index, speed rating, placard, and replacement guidance.
- Tire Rack — How Do I Check a Tire’s Speed Rating? — supports T, H, V, W, Y, and ZR speed-rating explanations.
- Goodyear — Tire Load Index & Chart — supports load index chart usage and load-rating interpretation.
- NHTSA TireWise — Tire Safety Ratings and Awareness — supports tire safety, maintenance, and consumer tire-rating guidance.
- eCFR — 49 CFR 571.110 Tire Selection and Rims — supports vehicle placard, tire size, load, and recommended cold inflation pressure requirements.
- Pirelli — Scorpion Tire Family — supports the all-terrain tire example and Scorpion product-family description.
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