A ply rating is used in order to determine whether a tire is made for off-road driving or standard driving. It shows the strength and the weight capacity of a tire.
Back in the day, ply ratings were actually used to indicate the number of layers used to manufacture tires.
However, today, tires are strengthened by different methods that relate to the load range of the tires.
Tires with higher plys are thicker and designed for rugged terrain, while tires with lower plys are standard tires that are designed for routine use on common roads.
These days, it is quite common to use the term “load range” in place of ply count.
Table of Contents
Load Range:
The tire load range, an alternative to the tire ply rating, indicates a tire’s strength and load capability.
The table below shows the tire’s ply rating and load range are related in the following ways:
| Load Range | Ply | Maximum Load Pressure |
| B | 4-Ply | 35 psi (240 kPa) |
| C | 6-Ply | 50 psi (350 kPa) |
| D | 8-Ply | 65 psi (450 kPa) |
| E | 10-Ply | 80 psi (550 kPa) |
| F | 12-Ply | 95 psi (650 kPa) |
Here we can see that both 4-ply and 10- ply have different load ranges.
Load Bearing Capacity for both:
4-ply tires belonging to the B load range rating can bear a maximum load pressure of 35 psi (240 kPa).
Whereas the 10ply belonging to the E range has a significantly greater maximum pressure capacity of 80 psi or 550 kPa.
It is obvious from the load capacity that 10-ply tires are made to support greater loads and are the best choice for load towing and hauling.
Where are they both used?
Typically, 4-ply tyres are used on passenger automobiles for city driving.
The tires provide a quiet and smooth ride while being ideal for all weather conditions, flat, dry terrain, and carrying small loads.
10-ply tires, on the other hand, are tough and great for pulling and towing heavy loads.
These tires withstand rough roads, difficult terrain, and environmental changes with ease.
For rigorous rock climbing, huge load handling, and product delivery, opt for 10-ply tires.
Which of them is more durable?
Since both tires are built differently, they have differing levels of durability.
Tires with 10 plies have roughly 6 more layers of rubber than tires with 4 plies.
10-ply tires are also made of stronger, thicker materials to support more weight.
As a result, this tire’s sidewall strength is stronger than that of a 4-ply tire.
The 10-ply can survive road abuse for a longer period of time, thanks to its beefier construction.
4-ply tires can also withstand weather changes and wear on dry roads.
Top-tier brands extend the life of their tires by using premium rubber.
Which tire provides better overall handling performance?
4-ply is made specifically for everyday use and dry environments.
It is made of softer, typically thinner materials, making it very easy to handle.
Therefore, 4-ply tires are more nimble when steering, braking, and accelerating.
They also provide improved traction.
On the other hand, 10-ply tires are stiffer due to the additional thickness, which has an impact on handling.
However, these tires are more stable and easier to handle when it comes to handling uneven terrain.
4 vs 10 ply – Economy Friendliness test:
In general, you’ll obtain less fuel economy the more weight you put on a tire.
The load rating for 4-ply tires is lower.
Since they also have no extra belting layer, they are lighter and have less rolling resistance.
Thus, a 4-ply product will provide you with better mileage and fuel economy.
10-ply tires, on the other hand, are often made for heavy transport activities and offer less fuel economy.
Performance Comparison – on Road:
The ideal tires for on-road driving are 4-ply tires.
They are flexible over dry, level ground because of the thin layers and soft rubber substance.
They also provide a smoother and more flexible ride.
Therefore, 4-ply tires make it simpler to move the car along flat, slick, and rainy roads.
Regarding 10-ply tires, their rigid structure makes them completely inappropriate for dry terrain.
Performance Comparison – Off Road:
10-ply tires are the best option to pick if you’re used to riding in muddy areas, on construction sites, or when rock climbing, as they are specifically designed for that purpose.
Ten-ply tires include additional layers of belt reinforcement in the inside design.
So, over rocky, uneven terrain, these tires are thicker, more shock-absorbing, grippy, and extremely stable.
However, 4-ply terrain does not provide the necessary traction for comfortable off-roading.
Which ones is more puncture resistant?
A 10-ply tire’s sidewall is thicker, which prevents the tread from quickly spreading out and puncturing on rocky potholes.
Sharp things cannot readily penetrate into the additional layers and sturdy building materials of 10-ply.
However, 4-ply tires are unfavorable in this case, due to their soft and flexible material composition.
10-ply tires are less likely to result in a blowout as compared to 4-ply tires.
Which out of them causes more noise on road?
Thanks to the thinner construction and soft material of 4-ply tires, they don’t create much friction and ensure less road noise.
They also offer improved traction.
Whereas, the extra stiff rubber layers of the 10-ply tire grind against the road surface as the tire rotates, increasing friction and generating louder noises.
As a result, this tire makes a lot more unpleasant noises on both smooth and challenging terrain than the 4-ply.
Quick Summary
4-Ply Pros:
- Affordable price
- Best fuel economy
- Better traction
- It effectively reduces noise
- Good overall performance
- On-road ride is smooth and flexible
4-Ply Cons:
- Less durability
- Not for off roads and uneven terrain.
10-Ply Pros:
- Strong operating system and built
- More durable
- Ideal for construction purposes.
- Perfect for off-road and uneven, muddy terrains.
10-Ply Cons:
- Poor traction
- low fuel efficiency
- Unfit for On-road use.
- Generates more noise, due to greater friction.
