WHAT ARE YOUR WHEELS ACTUALLY LOAD RATED TO?

When it comes to vehicle modifications, wheels are often at the top of the list. Whether you're upgrading for style, performance, or off-road capability, a crucial factor to consider is the load rating capacity of your wheels. One of the main elements in load rating a wheel is the tyre size the wheel is load tested on. It is important to ensure that your wheels are being load tested on a tyre that is relevant to, or larger than, the tyre size you are using.

To put it simply, the larger the tyre the harder it is to achieve high wheel load carrying capacities, which are a common requirement on any upgraded vehicle. This is why Method Race Wheels exceed the industry standard by load testing ALL of our wheels on a 37inch tyre. By going against the industry norm, we ensure that all of our customers can confidently say that their wheels are actually load rated to what is stated. 

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WHY IS IT SO IMPORTANT TO HAVE LOAD RATED WHEELS?


Safety

Your vehicle’s wheels bear the full weight of your car, its passengers, vehicle modifications, and any additional cargo. All wheels are marked with their load carrying capacity, it is important to know this information to ensure they can support the weight of your vehicle safely. All wheels wheels are specifically designed to handle a certain weight carrying capacity, ensuring they can support the weight of the vehicle safely. Without proper load ratings, wheels may fail under pressure, leading to dangerous situations on or off the road. 

Legal Compliance

Though laws do vary per region, one thing remains the same which is that by law it is a requirement that your wheels match or exceed the required Rear Axel Load Carrying Capacity of your vehicle. This is especially crucial if your vehicle has a GVM Upgrade (Gross Vehicle Mass). Installing wheels that don’t meet these requirements could not only result in fines but also complicate matters if you ever need to make an insurance claim.

Vehicle Performance

Correctly load-rated wheels aren’t just about safety; they’re about performance too. These wheels are engineered to handle the stresses of carrying heavy loads, ensuring your vehicle remains stable and handles well, even under duress. Whether you're driving on the highway or tackling tough off-road trails, having correctly load-rated wheels provides the confidence that your vehicle will perform as expected and deliver peace of mind.

Durability 

Wheels that aren’t correctly load-rated may not stand the test of time, especially under heavy use. They can crack, bend, or suffer from wear and tear ulitmately leading to complete wheel failure. Having wheels with the correct load carrying capacity, on the other hand, are built to withstand heavy-duty use, offering better durability and longevity.

Warranty and Insurance

Installing wheels that are not correctly load-rated can void your vehicle’s warranty and may even lead to insurance issues. Many manufacturers and insurance companies require that your wheels meet specific load carrying capacity requirements to ensure the vehicle remains covered. By choosing correctly load-rated wheels, you’re protecting your investment.

Essential for Off-Roading and Towing

If your adventures take you off the beaten path or you regularly tow heavy loads, wheels that offer an exceptionally high load rating is a must. Off-roading puts intense pressure on your wheels, and towing adds significant weight. Correctly load-rated wheels are designed to handle these conditions, reducing the risk of damage and ensuring your vehicle can safely perform in tough environments.

Choosing the right wheels for your vehicle is more than just a matter of aesthetics. Correctly load-rated wheels are essential for safety, legal compliance, performance, durability, and maintaining your vehicle’s warranty and insurance coverage. Whether you're cruising down the highway, tackling rugged off-road tracks, or towing heavy loads, correctly load-rated wheels ensure you can do it all with confidence. If you are unsure of what your current wheels load carrying capacity is, simply reach out to your installer who can request this information from the manufacturer.

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