There are several different types of car tires that vary in size and purpose. If you own a SUV, truck, or van, you’ve probably heard the term “light truck tires” or “LT tires.” Light truck tires are built and designed for navigating rough roads and hauling heavy loads.
These tires have better grip and provide better handling when transporting heavy supplies and equipment than traditional passenger tires. This article will cover everything you need to know about light truck tires so you can decide if they are right for you.
What is a light truck tire?
If you’ve ever seen an “LT” on your sidewall before that string of numbers and letters denoting tire size, it means the tire is a “light truck-metric.” In simplest terms, this indicates that it’s designed for use on a vehicle that tows a trailer or carries heavy loads.
A tire size ending with an LT means it’s a kind of “flotation light truck” tire. This not only means it can handle heavy materials but the tread pattern is engineered for off-road traction. These tires will “float” over loose sediment and sandy surfaces. These features come at the expense of maximizing on-road traction and tire longevity. Our team at Sailun Tires won’t recommend light truck tires unless you’re regularly off-roading or need to carry heavy loads.
The basics of light truck tires
Light truck tires are built with a rugged carcass that includes thicker plies and sidewall reinforcements. They’re engineered to support the weight of SUVs and trucks, as well as the higher carrying demands those vehicles come with.
Since LT tires are built with a more robust construction, they’re more durable than your average tire. The tradeoff here is that their stiffer sidewalls make bumps harder to absorb. This further causes more vibrations when driving and road noise on the highway.
Most all-terrain tires and mud tires are LT rather than the standard passenger tire design. The thicker walls make them an outstanding choice for off-road use.
When installing LT tires on your off-road rig, pay attention to the tire’s load range. While the LT designation means you have a tougher tire, unless you’re dealing with hauling or towing, you likely don’t need the highest load range. A lower load range can still provide the durability you need while keeping your ride relatively comfortable during your commute to the trail.
Light truck tires versus passenger tires
There are a number of differences between passenger tires and light truck tires, but the main distinction boils down to construction. Light truck tires are built with fortified cords and internal belts that enable them to shoulder the extra load. The rubber compound of LT tires also differs from passenger tires as they’re built to endure more heat generated from carrying more weight.
On the outside, LT tires tend to have a more squared-off shoulder and aggressive tread pattern than the smooth passenger tire. They also generate more road noise and offer a stiffer ride due to higher inflation specifications and heavy-duty construction. Lastly, light truck tires take more energy to turn than a passenger tire, affecting fuel mileage.
Get the right tires for your vehicle
When deciding what type of tire your vehicle needs it’s vital to evaluate your environment and lifestyle. If you’re still unsure whether or not light truck tires are for you, come visit a Sailun Tire dealer near you.
Our tire experts can make recommendations on what the most affordable and quality option is for your vehicle. At Sailun Tire, we’re here to help you through every turn.