One part of the string of information on the side of your car's tires is the load index, which is critical for your safety. Here's why it's important.

For example, my 2022 Kia Soul GT-Line calls for 235/45R18s (I run Coopers, if you're curious) with a load rating of 94. Looking at this chart, 94 is 1,477 pounds. Multiplied by four, that's a ...