What Does 94W Mean on a Tire? [ Code Breakdown ]

The Short Answer:
The “94” represents the tire’s load index, indicating it can support up to 1,477 pounds (670 kg) at maximum air pressure.
The “W” is the speed rating, showing the tire is designed to handle speeds up to 168 mph (270 km/h) under optimal conditions.

Load index is the maximum weight the tire can safely carry while speed rating is the maximum speed the tire can handle under optimal conditions.

What Does the Number 94 Mean on a Tire?

The number 94 on a tire is part of the load index rating. It shows the weight a tire can carry when fully inflated. A proper load index helps keep your vehicle safe on the road.

Using a tire with a load index that is too low means the tire might not handle the vehicle’s weight well. It could lead to faster tire wear or even failure while driving.

For example, a tire with a 94 load index supports up to 1,477 pounds (670 kg) per tire. If a car weighs 4,000 pounds (1,814 kg) with four tires, the combined load capacity must be enough to support the vehicle, passengers, and luggage.

Four tires with a 94 load index can carry up to 5,908 pounds (2,680 kg) in total, making them suitable for the car’s weight.

What is ‘W’ in the 94w Code

The ‘W’ in the 94w code indicates the tire’s speed rating. A speed rating shows the maximum speed a tire can handle safely while carrying its rated load. The ‘W’ rating means the tire can perform safely at speeds up to 168 mph (270 km/h). This rating is often found on high-performance tires, where stability and control at higher speeds matter the most.

For instance, if a sports car comes equipped with tires rated ‘W,’ it means the tires can handle the car’s higher speed capabilities. Using tires with a lower speed rating on such vehicles can reduce performance and safety. It might also cause issues like overheating, especially during high-speed driving, which could lead to tire damage.

Speed ratings like ‘W’ help match tires to specific driving needs. For daily city driving, a high-speed rating like ‘W’ might not be necessary.

But for a vehicle often driven on highways or performance cars, a higher rating like ‘W’ ensures better stability, grip, and safety during faster drives.

How is tire speed rating formed?

The speed rating is stated under optimal conditions if the tire is verified as capable of safely running up to the indicated distance. 

Speed Rating	Miles/Hour	KM/Hour
L	75	120
M	81	130
N	87	140
P	93	150
Q	99	160
R	106	170
S	112	180
T	118	190
U	124	200
H	130	210
V	149	240
W	168	270
Y	186	300

How load rating index is given?

Here’s a table that shows some common load index codes:

load index	Pounds (lbs)	Kilograms (kg)
91	1,356	615
92	1,389	630
93	1,433	650
94	1,477	670
95	1,521	690
96	1,565	710
97	1,609	730

Load Index 94 vs. Other Load Index Ratings

Load index numbers represent the weight capacity of a tire. Choosing the right load index ensures that the tire can handle the weight of the vehicle, passengers, and any additional cargo. Different load index ratings can affect how a vehicle performs and handles different weights.

Load Index	Weight Capacity (lbs)	Recommended Use
94	1,477 lbs (670 kg)	Ideal for most midsize sedans and small SUVs.
92	1,389 lbs (630 kg)	Suitable for smaller cars and lighter vehicles.
96	1,565 lbs (710 kg)	Good for larger sedans, small trucks, and crossovers.
98	1,653 lbs (750 kg)	Suitable for larger SUVs and vans, providing more support for heavier loads.
100	1,764 lbs (800 kg)	Designed for heavier vehicles, including trucks and larger SUVs.

A tire with a 94 load index can support 1,477 lbs per tire, making it suitable for most midsize sedans and small SUVs. In contrast, a load index of 92 supports slightly less weight, which might be better for smaller vehicles. A 96 load index can handle up to 1,565 lbs, offering more support, making it a better choice for vehicles carrying more weight or with additional passengers.

A load index of 98, with a capacity of 1,653 lbs, is ideal for larger SUVs or vans, which need more support. Moving up to a load index of 100 allows up to 1,764 lbs per tire, providing durability and stability for heavier trucks and SUVs. Selecting the right load index ensures that the tires can manage the vehicle’s weight without risking safety or tire wear.

FAQ

1. Can I use a tire with a different load index than 94?
Yes, you can use a tire with a different load index, but it must match or exceed the load capacity recommended by your vehicle manufacturer. A lower load index than required can lead to safety risks, like tire failure, while a higher load index might provide extra stability but could result in a stiffer ride.

2. What happens if I use a tire with a lower speed rating than ‘W’?
Using a tire with a lower speed rating than ‘W’ can affect your vehicle’s high-speed performance. It may not handle the same speeds safely and could overheat during extended high-speed driving.

3. Is a higher speed rating like ‘W’ necessary for everyday driving?
No, a higher speed rating like ‘W’ is not always necessary for everyday driving. The ‘W’ rating is more suitable for performance vehicles or those frequently driven at high speeds.

4. Does a 94w tire improve fuel efficiency?
A 94w tire itself does not directly impact fuel efficiency. However, using the right load index and speed rating for your vehicle ensures optimal performance, which can contribute to better fuel economy.

5. Can I replace a 94w tire with a higher load and speed rating?
Yes, replacing a 94w tire with one that has a higher load index or speed rating is usually safe. It can provide more durability and stability, especially for heavier loads.