The tire world is very diverse and we are seeing more and more vehicles coming out of assembly plants with "LT" rated tires. We've had several questions about this. Here are some answers!

An "LT" or "light truck" tire is a tire that has several additional layers. In fact, "normal" or "P" passenger car tires are made up of 4 ply, be it steel mesh, kevlar etc. Their design is based on these 4 ply of material that serve as the basis of the tire carcass. LT tires can come with several differences:

• LRC: A light delivery truck tire. This category is composed of 6 ply of material.
• LRD: An intermediate tire that has 8 ply of material. Often used for heavier trucks.
• LRE: Often THE tire required for many pickup trucks or models. This tire is composed of 10 ply that reinforce the structure. It is used for trucks that have to haul heavy loads or for vehicles with off-road capabilities like a Jeep Wrangler or a Ford Bronco.

How do I know if I need an LT tire on my vehicle?

The answer can be found in your owner's manual or on the sticker in the driver's door of your vehicle. If you see that the measurement does not include the letters "LT" or has a "P", you do not need this type of tire. However, if it is mentioned, you do need.

Can I put standard tires on my truck?

The answer is no. It is really not advisable to go with a standard tire if your vehicle needs high load capacity tires. Indeed, the weight of the vehicle itself can have an instance on the necessary rigidity. Having regular tires, could increase the risk of punctures or simply wear out the tires prematurely. Let's never forget that a 1.5 ton truck must first support its own weight before attaching a trailer or loading it.

Furthermore, the vehicle was designed and calibrated to have rigid tires. Opting for non-conforming tires could affect the vehicle's handling.
Want to save money on tires? Try to see if it is possible to reduce the diameter of your wheels by 1 or 2 inches. You'll save on the purchase of tires and, in the long run, the installation. In addition, you will preserve the appearance of your beautiful wheels.

Finally, know that if you go off-road, these tires are much more resistant to side impacts. Don't leave home without them!

I want to put LT on my car! Is this possible?

On the other hand, a vehicle that was not designed to have LT's will have its road behavior changed. In addition, some sizes are simply not made. Keep in mind that these types of tires are very rigid and that your suspension was not designed to absorb this type of impact on the road. The behavior will therefore be unpleasant.

In short, vehicles requiring high-capacity tires should always be equipped as per the manufacturer's standards. It's a question of safety and performance. Before opting for tires that are not recommended, ask your advisor. They will do the research and tell you if it is possible and safe to do so.

Happy shopping!