A 111S tire rating means the tire can carry 2,403 pounds and is rated for speeds up to 112 mph when properly inflated.
If you spot 111S on a tire sidewall, you’re looking at the tire’s service description. The number and letter work as a pair. They tell you how much weight one tire can carry and the top speed tied to that load rating under set test conditions.
That little code can save you from buying the wrong replacement tire. A tire may match your size and still be a bad fit if its load index or speed symbol falls below what your vehicle calls for. That’s why the code matters more than many drivers think.
What 111S On A Tire Means In Plain English
111 is the load index. On the standard load chart, that equals 2,403 pounds for one tire when inflation is correct. S is the speed symbol. It marks a top rated speed of 112 mph.
Put them together and 111S means this tire is built to carry a fairly heavy load and run at normal road speeds for many SUVs, vans, and light trucks. You’ll often see it on touring, all-season, or highway-terrain tires rather than on sport-focused rubber.
There’s one catch. The code is not a free pass to load a vehicle right up to the math limit and drive at that speed. Real-world limits still come from your vehicle door-jamb placard, axle rating, tire pressure, and the tire maker’s rules.
Breaking Down The Two Parts
- 111: the load index for one tire.
- S: the speed symbol.
- Together: the service description that helps match a replacement tire to your vehicle.
Where You’ll Find 111S On The Sidewall
The marking usually appears right after the tire size. A sidewall might read something like 255/60R18 111S. In that string, 255 is the width in millimeters, 60 is the aspect ratio, R shows radial construction, 18 is the wheel diameter, and 111S is the load-and-speed part.
This matters because many tires share the same size but not the same service description. Two tires can both be 255/60R18, yet one may be 111S and another may be 108H or 113T. Same size does not always mean same carrying ability or same speed class.
Why Drivers Misread It
A lot of people assume the letter is a trim code or model code. Others think the number is treadwear or a factory batch mark. It’s neither. The 111S code is one of the more useful markings on the tire because it tells you what the tire is rated to do.
It also gets mixed up with load range, especially on truck tires. Load index is a numeric chart value tied to weight. Load range is a different marking tied to the tire’s strength class and inflation pattern. They relate, but they are not the same thing.
Why 111S Matters When You Replace Tires
When you shop for replacements, size is only half the job. The new tire also needs a load index and speed symbol that meet or exceed what the vehicle maker specifies. Drop below either one and you may lose carrying capacity, change ride feel, or create wear and heat issues.
Goodyear’s load index chart shows that load index 111 equals 2,403 pounds, and Goodyear’s speed rating guide lists S as a 112 mph rating while noting that replacement tires are usually best matched with an equal or higher speed symbol than the original tire.
That doesn’t mean you must chase a higher rating every time. A higher number or a faster letter can be fine if the size and fitment still work, but it won’t always make the ride better. In some cases it can change comfort, price, and tread life. The sweet spot is a tire that matches your vehicle’s spec and how you drive.
| Marking | What It Means | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 111 | Load index equal to 2,403 lb per tire | Shows how much weight one tire can carry |
| S | Speed symbol for 112 mph | Shows the tire’s rated top speed under test conditions |
| 255 | Tire width in millimeters | Affects fitment and footprint |
| 60 | Aspect ratio | Shapes sidewall height and ride feel |
| R | Radial construction | Standard build for modern road tires |
| 18 | Wheel diameter in inches | Must match the wheel exactly |
| XL or Reinforced | Higher-load version of the same size in some cases | Can change carrying ability within a size |
| DOT code | Production plant and build date info | Helps you check tire age |
How Much Weight A 111 Tire Rating Carries
The number 111 equals 2,403 pounds per tire. Multiply that by four and you get 9,612 pounds across a full set. Still, don’t treat that as your vehicle’s legal or safe loaded weight. The vehicle’s own gross vehicle weight rating and axle limits come first.
That’s a big reason people get tripped up. The tire may be able to carry more than the vehicle is allowed to carry, or the reverse can be true if someone installs the wrong tire. The smartest move is to compare the tire sidewall, the driver-door placard, and your owner’s manual before you buy.
Quick Checks Before You Buy
- Read the tire size and service description on your current tire.
- Check the placard on the driver’s door jamb.
- Match the load index and speed symbol to the vehicle spec or go higher, not lower.
- Stay with the right inflation pressure once the tires are installed.
What The S Speed Rating Tells You
S means the tire is rated for speeds up to 112 mph when it is carrying its rated load under set conditions. That does not mean the tire should be driven at 112 mph on public roads. It’s a lab-based rating tied to heat control and durability, not a driving target.
For many daily drivers, S is a normal, sensible speed class. It suits plenty of family vehicles, crossovers, vans, and some light trucks. If your vehicle came with an H, V, or W tire from the factory, dropping to S is usually not the right move. The tire may fit the wheel, yet still fall short of the spec the vehicle was tuned around.
| Speed Symbol | Rated Speed | Common Use |
|---|---|---|
| Q | 99 mph | Some winter tires |
| R | 106 mph | Some heavy-duty light truck tires |
| S | 112 mph | Sedans, vans, SUVs, light trucks |
| T | 118 mph | Mainstream passenger vehicles |
| H | 130 mph | Sport sedans and some touring tires |
| V | 149 mph | Performance vehicles |
Common Mistakes With A 111S Tire Code
The first mistake is reading only the size and skipping the service description. A tire that looks right on the shelf can still be wrong for the vehicle.
The second mistake is mixing ratings across the car. Some shops will allow mixed speed symbols in a pinch, yet matching pairs on the same axle is the bare minimum, and a full matched set is the cleaner fix for steady handling and wear.
The third mistake is ignoring inflation. A 111 load index reaches its stated carrying figure only when the tire is inflated as required for that load. Run it soft and the real carrying ability drops while heat builds up.
When You Should Ask A Tire Shop To Double-Check
- Your current tire and door placard show different service descriptions.
- You’re switching from passenger tires to XL or light-truck tires.
- You tow, haul heavy cargo, or run your vehicle close to its rated weight.
- You’re changing wheel size at the same time.
So, What Does 111S Mean On A Tire?
It means one tire is rated to carry 2,403 pounds, and the S speed symbol rates it for up to 112 mph under set conditions. That’s the short read. The longer read is that 111S is a match-check code. It helps you tell whether a tire is suited to your vehicle before you spend money on a set that only looks right.
If you’re buying replacements, match the size, load index, and speed symbol against the door placard and owner’s manual. That small step can save you from a rough ride, odd wear, or a tire that falls short when the vehicle is full of people or cargo.
References & Sources
- Goodyear.“Tire Load Index & Chart.”Explains what a tire load index means and shows the standard chart where load index 111 equals 2,403 pounds.
- Goodyear.“Tire Speed Rating.”Lists S as a 112 mph tire speed symbol and notes that an equal or higher speed rating than the original tire is generally recommended.