Vehicles are machines that help in the transportation of people or goods. On-road vehicles are the most popular ones among all modes of transportation.
They can be used to travel short as well as long distances. On-road vehicles make our purpose fast and hassle-free.
Tires are ring-shaped rubber components that surround a wheel’s rim.
They are made to transfer the vehicle’s load from the axle through the wheel and finally to the group for the required traction. This allows for the movement of the vehicle.
Key Takeaways
- LT (Light Truck) tires are designed for vehicles that carry heavy loads and tow trailers, while P (Passenger) tires are designed for lighter vehicles that carry fewer passengers.
- LT tires have a higher load-carrying capacity than P tires and are made with more durable materials to withstand heavier use.
- P tires are less expensive than LT tires and provide a smoother, more comfortable ride for passenger vehicles.
LT vs P Tires
LT tires are designed to provide better traction and stability under heavy loads or in off-road conditions. P (Passenger) tires are designed for passenger cars, minivans, and other lighter vehicles and are smaller and have a lower load-carrying capacity than LT tires.
LT tires are bigger than P tires and have higher air pressure than the latter. To set light truck tires and passenger tires apart, ‘LT’ and ‘P’ are placed in front of tires of different sizes.
Comparison Table
| Parameters of Comparison | LT Tires | P Tires |
|---|---|---|
| Full-Form | LT tire stands for Light Truck Tires. | P Tire stands for Passenger Tires. |
| Flexibility | LT tires are less flexible. | P tires are more flexible. |
| Smoothness of Driving | LT tires drive roughly. | P tires drive smoothly. |
| Strength | LT tires are stronger. | P tires are less strong and more durable. |
| Inflation | LT tires are inflated to their maximum potential. | P tires are less inflated than LT tires. |
| Load Range | These tires have a load range of 10 plies, more than P tires. | These tires have a load range only of 4 play, which is much less than LT tires. |
| Terrain | LT tires can travel on rough and aggressive terrain. | P tires are made for smooth roads and highways. |
| Stiffness | These tires are stiffer. | These tires are less stiff than LT tires. |
What are LT Tires?
Light Truck tires can carry heavy loads, tow other vehicles and have off-roading durability.
These tires are designed to work efficiently under extreme conditions while carrying a heavy weight.
The high amount of inflation and the air pressure inside the tires ensure that they can do so.
It is the air inside the tires that enables them to carry the load of the vehicle. Light truck tires have more area inside them that can be filled with air, increasing their load capacity.
They have deep tread depths and better off-roading capabilities. They also have heavy construction of the sidewall and the shoulder region.
When the LT tires are to be changed in a vehicle, they should always be replaced with LT tires. If replaced with P tires, one should ensure they have an adequate load-carrying capacity.
Due to the LT tires’ toughness, they are also much safer than P tires.
What are P Tires?
Passenger tires are also known as P tires. These kinds of tires are used in SUVs and other lighter vehicles. Passenger tires were originally designed for cars and station wagons.
They are also used for pickup trucks, vans and other vehicles.
As the name suggests, passenger tires are intended to carry passengers (people) instead of cargo.
The tires are light in weight, have a low resistance to rolling and have less compact tread designs. Their design is more suitable for normal terrains, and they cannot be relied on for off-roading.
P tires are designed for human comfort, which shows in their driving. The tires also provide better fuel economy and expel less noise. The same cannot be said for light truck tires.
The passenger tires are made for smooth and paved roads and should be used for the same; if they aren’t, there are more chances of them being worn out sooner rather than later.
Main Differences Between LT and P Tires
- LT tires are used in light trucks, while P tires are used in passenger vehicles.
- Light truck tires are heavier and rougher than passenger tires.
- Passenger tires are less inflated in comparison to LT tires.
- Passenger tires are seen in cars, bikes, etc. and are more flexible than light truck tires.
- As light truck tires perform the heavy-duty task of moving heavier vehicles, they are more durable and stiff than passenger tires.
- LT tires have a load range of 10 plies as opposed to P tires, which have a load range of 4 play.
- LT tires are made for rough terrains like mountains, rocky roads, etc., while P tires are for smooth terrains.
- https://www.sae.org/publications/technical-papers/content/2003-01-1272/
- https://meridian.allenpress.com/tst/article-abstract/39/2/125/187130
- https://www.sae.org/publications/technical-papers/content/670174/
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