Extra Load
Generally speaking, the tyre name XL is used for heavy duty tyres. However, the labelling varies between tyre manufacturers. Sometimes you might have XL tyres that are also labelled “reinforced” (RF or RFD), or models labelled EL (Extra Load).
What are XL tyres?
The acronym XL stands for Extra Load. But it doesn’t apply to cars carrying a heavy load ‑ although they’ll probably need XL tyres. It refers to the weight of the vehicle the tyre will have to support. It’s worth checking whether your car needs these.
Why do XL tyres need higher air pressure?
The load capacity of a reinforced tyre also decreases with decreasing air pressure, so XL tyres need higher air pressure. This is the only way to ensure a higher load-bearing capacity. The stipulated tyre speed rating and load index of your XL tyres can normally be found in the last characters on the sidewall.
Can You exceed the maximum load rating on XL tyres?
It’s worth noting, however, that you should never exceed the maximum load rating for your vehicle – regardless of the maximum load rating of the tyres fitted. What’s the difference between XL tyres and Runflats?
What is the difference between xL and extra load tires?
XL Tires are long-lasting load tires, XL best tires for heavy loads. Extra Load tires have better damage resistance. In the normal world, XL means extra-large. However, in the tyre terminology, XL means ‘Extra Load.’
What does R mean on a tire?
radial tire
“R” stands for the construction method of the tire indicating the tire is a radial tire. The following two numbers (16) indicate the diameter of the wheel rim in inches.
What does R Mean on a car tire?
As mentioned, the letter R stands for both radial construction and the speed rating of 106mph. This can create somewhat of a confusion, especially when you realize that more than 90% of all passenger car tires are made out of radial construction and thus place the letter R on the tire.
How do you know if a tyre is radial?
Next up is a letter. This tells you how a tyre is constructed. In this example, the “R” means that the tyre has radial construction. This is where the internal ply cords extend across the casing from bead to bead, in a radial direction. Less common tyre constructions include diagonal or bias ply, represented by the letter “D”. 4.
What does h mean in a tyre rating table?
As with the load index, this letter references a look-up table which indicates the maximum permissible speed of a tyre. In this example, “H” means the vehicle has a maximum speed of 130mph under the maximum load. “Although a speed rating table references the maximum speed a tyre can move under load, you should not use this as a threshold.
What do tyre markings mean?
These tyre markings are usually composed of a letter and a number. The letter, R, indicates that the tyre’s internal construction is Radial. Radial technology, invented by Michelin, uses combinations of rubbers and metal and textile reinforcing materials to form very robust structures in the tread area but flexible sidewalls.
Do XL tires use more gas?
XL tires produce more noise than standard tires. It can lead to an uncomfortable driving experience. These tyres consume more fuel because of rolling resistance and reinforcement.
Are XL tires better than standard load tires?
XL tires are also resistant to mechanical damages and are able to endure high speed driving pressure as well. Standard Load tire models do not have this enhanced resistance to damage, as they lack the extra reinforcements. However, as their overall weight is lower, they do provide better fuel consumption.
What are XL tires?
XL tires are manufactured to withstand loads and weight pressures higher than that of Standard Load tires of the same size. Hence the name “EExtra Load.” Because of this, they tend to be used in situations that require a higher load capacity or better tire safety.
Are XL tyres better than SL?
Standard tyres marked as ‘SL,’ of various tyre sizes have a specific vehicle weight that they can carry. On the other end, XL tires tend to be heavier and are developed to be fitted to high-end family saloons, performance cars, 4X4s, SUVs, etc. Generally, they are large and designed to carry more passengers.
What is XL vs C tyres?
There are more types of tyres than just XL tyres that can carry even more weight and are designed for particularly high loads. These include: C tyres (Commercial or Cargo tyres) for commercial vehicles, off-road vehicles and more. CP tyres (Camping tyres) for vehicles such as camper vans.
What is the difference between C and Lt tyres?
C tyres (Commercial or Cargo tyres) for commercial vehicles, off-road vehicles and more. LT tyres (Light Truck tyres) for light lorries, transporters and more. In comparison to XL tyres, their carcasses and tyre belts are designed to be more stable and are reinforced with multiple layers in order to provide maximum load-bearing capacity.
Why do tyres with XL markings have a higher load capacity?
Tyres with the XL marking have a greater load capacity, because the design makes it possible for higher air pressure to be maintained within the tyre. The maximum load permitted on a wheel is always related to the pressure.
Do tyres have to be the same brand?
Primarily, you should avoid mixing different tyre brands and different tread patterns. There are rare exceptions for approved mixed-tyre fittings, but in general, manufacturers do not recommend tyre mixing at all.
Are all tyres the same?
The same brand, same tread pattern, and definitely the same size. Manufacturers specify in virtually every owner’s manual that a vehicle’s tyres should always match those installed as Original Equipment. That’s intended to give you the best handling, control, and treadwear for your car’s intended purpose.
Should you buy the same tires for different brands?
However, if mixing brands is unavoidable, it’s imperative that you purchase tires of the same same size, tread pattern, load index, and speed rating. Don’t stop reading just yet. There is more to learn about proper tire care, including how long they should last, if they should all have the same pressure, proper rotating procedures, and more.
Can you mix tires on the same car?
Sometimes mixing brands and models on your car is unavoidable. While having a completely matching set is advisable, often you can only use alternative tires to replace your current tires. But, is mixing tire models and brands a good idea? Let’s see! Can You Mix Different Tire Brands on the Same Car?
Should tyres match original equipment?
Manufacturers specify in virtually every owner’s manual that a vehicle’s tyres should always match those installed as Original Equipment. That’s intended to give you the best handling, control, and treadwear for your car’s intended purpose. Not convinced? Here are a few scenarios.
What is SL vs XL Tyres?
So What’s the Difference? The primary difference between SL and XL tires of the same size is that a higher pressure can be used with an XL tire which, in turn, increases the tire’s load capacity.
What is the difference between xL and SL tires?
Although, XL (Extra Load) tires are strengthened versions of SL tires. These tires are capable to carry heavier loads. In return, they drop behind on a couple of characteristics. XL tires can carry more load. They are stronger and have better handling. On the other hand, SL tires have a smoother and quieter ride. They are also more fuel-efficient.
What is a SL tyre?
A tyre with the basic load capacity defined for its size is called an SL (Standard Load) tyre. The difference between a reinforced tyre (XL) and an SL tyre is that the XL tyre meets the standard requirements for its size and, at the same time, offers the possibility of using higher tyre pressure. It consequently has an increased load capacity.
What are XL range tires?
XL range tires are more suited for high-performance vehicles and high speeds. A high-performance engine puts much strain on the tires. The reinforcements on the extra load range tires make them more capable of handling this power and high speeds than standard load tires.
Do I need XL tires?
Whether a car needs XL tires is usually stated in the vehicle’s owner’s manual. If a driver wishes to exchange their SL tires to XL, they can, but they need to realize that the vehicle, the tire control and road feel may be different. While Standard Load tires can be replaced by XL models, the same cannot be said the of the other way.
What does dB mean on tyres?
decibels
The rolling noise of the tyre is measured in decibels and the exact number is shown in the bottom part of the label. Tyres with a low noise level have between 67 and 71 dB. The highest level shows sound waves in between 72 and 77 dB. An increase of just a few decibels represents a big difference in noise levels.
What does a black wave mean on a tyre?
1 black wave indicates a low noise tyre at 3 decibels less than the future EU tyre noise limit. 2 black waves indicates an average noise tyre which is equal and lower than the future EU tyre noise limit. 3 black waves indicates a noisy tyres that whilst currently complies with tyre noise regulations, it will exceed future EU tyre noise limits.
Which Tyre label produces the lowest external noise?
If a tyre label is ranked ‘AA’ for noise, this produces the lowest external noise emissions, whilst if a tyre is labelled ‘B’ and ‘C’ will produce higher levels of external noise. The decibel (dB) will be shown on the tyre label.
How do tyre labels work?
Tyre labels will have three different noise bands, with these noise bands being ranked either ‘A’, ‘B’ or ‘C’. If a tyre label is ranked ‘A’ for noise, this produces the lowest external noise emissions, whilst if a tyre is labelled ‘B’ and ‘C’ will produce higher levels of external noise. The decibel (dB) will be shown on the tyre label.
How much noise does a tyre have?
The rolling noise of the tyre is measured in decibels and the exact number is shown in the bottom part of the label. Tyres with a low noise level have between 67 and 71 dB. The highest level shows sound waves in between 72 and 77 dB. An increase of just a few decibels represents a big difference in noise levels.
What does RP mean on tyres?
These tyres can be fitted to other vehicles. A rim protector is a reinforced rubber layer which is installed into the tyre bead. Rim protection offers an improved level of safety for the tyre. This safety feature protects both your tyre and wheel against damage such as sidewall and kerbing damage.
What does R Mean on a tyre?
The letter (R) stands for “RRadial” which is the type of tyre. The number (16) tells you the size of the wheel rim in inches. The last two numbers (91) tell you the load index rating and the letter (V) tells you the speed rating. Here they are labelled and broken down further:
What does a tyre number mean?
The second number (55) tells you the height of the tyre as a percentage of the width. The letter (R) stands for “Radial” which is the type of tyre. The number (16) tells you the size of the wheel rim in inches. The last two numbers (91) tell you the load index rating and the letter (V) tells you the speed rating.
What does FP mean on a tyre?
FP – Fringe Protector or RFP – Rim Fringe Protector; Dunlop uses MFS symbol. FR – (Felgen Ripen), rim protection against mechanical damage. It is often seen in tyres with a 55 or lower profile. This depends on the manufacturer and on the type of tyre and its size.
What does a tyre rated mean?
Tyres are rated from A (better) to G (worse) on the number of metres it takes to break to a stop. Selecting an A-rated tyre instead of an F-rated tyre can cut braking distances in wet conditions down by 18 metres. The tyre and speaker symbol relates to the external sound level of tyre noise and how it relates to future EU tyre noise level limits.
Are XL Tyres noisier?
Disadvantages of reinforced tyres Noise – the XL tyres are a little bit noisier than SL tyres and, by law, they are permitted to be 1db louder than normal tyres.
