What does XL mean on Michelin tires?

What does V mean on tyres?

speed rating

The single letter at the end of the code represents the tyres speed rating. For example, if the code is 205/55R/16/91V then it is the V that is the speed rating.

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 is a tyre speed rating?

A tyre speed rating indicates the maximum speed a tyre is legally approved for. You can find your tyres’ speed rating on the sidewall of the tyre as shown in the image.

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 the final tyre marking mean?

The final tyre marking in this string represents the speed rating. As you might have guessed, this denotes the maximum speed a tyre can sustain when it is correctly inflated and under load. As with the load index, this letter references a look-up table which indicates the maximum permissible speed of a tyre.

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 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.

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.

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 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.

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.

What is SL or C1 tires?

Using the above “C” example, you may see a “C1” or “C2”. “C1” and “C2” are both 6 ply rated, but C1 has a max air pressure of 50 PSI and C2 has a max air pressure of 35 PSI….

What is the difference between SL and C1 tires?

SL and C1 both refer to the tire load range which is a measurement intended to tell you the maximum weight a tire can carry at a specific PSI rating. In this article, we are going to compare SL vs C1 tires and tell you what is so special about each.

What does SL mean on a tire?

This designation has nothing to do with their load index, which determines the maximum weight a tire can carry, but rather notes whether or not the tire is manufactured with a reinforced structure. A tire with the load capacity determined to be essential for its tire size (designated by the load index) is an SL or Standard Load tire.

What is the difference between SL and XL?

SL stands for Standard Load and XL indicates extra load. An SL-rated tire has its maximum load capacity at an inflation pressure of 35 psi. XL tires can carry a heavier load when inflated to 41 psi. Identification The maximum load capacity in pounds will be listed on the tire sidewall or in tire load/inflation charts.

What is the load capacity of an SL load range tire?

The load capacity of an SL load range tire does not increase by inflating the tire to more than 35 psi. The tire will have a maximum tire pressure greater than 35 psi, but the max load capacity is reached at 35 psi. Considerations There are several ways to provide your truck with a higher load capacity.

Are XL tires louder?

The disadvantages of XL tyres The typical cons of reinforced tyres are: Higher noise levels. The tyre certification requirements permit reinforced tyres to produce 1 dB (decibel) more noise than normal tyres.

Are XL tires stronger?

XL (or Reinforced) tyres are ‘extra load’ tyres – they indicate that a tyre is reinforced to be able to withstand a higher load than other tyres of the same size.

Are XL tyres better?

If you like driving off-road or you regularly drive in mountainous areas with a packed car, then XL tyres are always better. 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.

Why do XL tires have a higher load capacity?

The higher load capacity is due to the tire’s special design as the tire is capable of withstanding a higher air pressure, which is directly related to its maximum load. While the XL tire can hold a higher air pressure, the same is not true of an SL tire.

Why are extra load tyres important?

Generally, they are large and designed to carry more passengers. Plus, the extra load tyres have a strong robust build. All of these factors increase the weight that the tyres must be able to support. The amount of load a tire can bear is directly related to the pressure it runs at. Normally, the extra load tires look the same as standard tires.

What does Z mean on a tire?

SPEED RATING Z While it nearly always means a high performance tire for high-performing sports cars, “Z” may actually appear in the middle of a tire’s size information. When it does, it represents either a maximum speed of more than 149 mph (240 kph) or 186 mph (300 kph).

While it nearly always means a high performance tire for high-performing sports cars, “Z” may actually appear in the middle of a tire’s size information. When it does, it represents either a maximum speed of more than 149 mph (240 kph) or 186 mph (300 kph). Which of those speeds it refers to will depend on the specific tire.

What does “Z” mean on tires?

A “Z” rating can mean different things. While it nearly always means a high-performance tire for high-performing sports cars, “Z” may appear in the middle of a tire’s size information. When it does, it represents either a maximum speed of more than 149 mph (240 kph) or 186 mph (300 kph).

What is a Z speed rated tire?

Tires with a Z speed rating are ranked as the top speed a tire could achieve. Manufacturers use letters A to Z to rank tires. This speed rating ranges from 5 km/h (3mph) to above 300 km/h (186 mph). If it’s more than 240km/h (149 mph), it’s considered a Z-speed rated tire, including W & Y, used in sports cars.

Is a w & y tire a “Z”?

However, if a tire is rated W & Y, which is 168 mph and 186 mph respectively or more, tire manufacturers will still list the tire as a “Z.” Exotic sports cars are fitted with the W & Y tires because of their high speeds and performance levels. Therefore, you should consult your tire manufacturer if the rating is confusing.

What does h mean on a tire?

In earlier incarnations of the speed rating system, “H” stood for “hhigh performance,” which is why it maintains an unusual position in the speed rating spectrum today. Once the highest speed rating a tire could have, “V” used to represent a maximum of 149 mph (240 kph) or more. Nowadays, it means 149 mph but no higher.

What is T & H on Michelin tires?

Defender® T + H delivers miles of uncompromised safety performance. Leave worries behind and hit the road with confidence. Our IntelliSipe™ technology is designed to maximize biting edges for exceptional grip and control in all seasons, while special rain grooves help prevent hydroplaning.

What does C1 mean on a tire?

Many load ranges are separated into two categories to further explain their maximum load-carrying tire pressure. For example, C1 and C2 are both 6-ply rated. However, C1 has a maximum air pressure of 50 PSI, while C2 has a maximum air pressure of 35 PSI.

What is the difference between a C1 & C2 tire?

A C1 tire can support the same weight as a C2 tire where the C1’s max pressure rating is 50 PSI and the C2’s pressure is cut to 35. A tire with the numeric suffix 1 will always have a higher max inflation pressure than the same load rating with the suffix 2. See chart below for Light Truck tires 1.

What is the ice grip pictogram on a C1 tyre?

For tyres meeting the technical requirements, the ice grip pictogram will be included on the new EU tyre label of a C1 tyre (ppassenger car tyre), which satisfies the minimum ice grip index values set out in that ISO standard. The pictogram is granted by measuring the braking distance of a car from 20mph on pure ice.

What does a tire temperature rating mean?

Finally, the temperature rating tells you the speed that the tire is capable of relative to the heat that it generates and dissipates. The A rating corresponds to a speed of over 115 mph; a tire with a B rating is good for between 100 and 115 mph; a C rating means the tire can handle speeds between 85 and 100 mph.

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 does C mean on a tyre?

commercial-rated tire

The C-Type tire, on the other hand, is specifically meant as a commercial-rated tire, with a higher load rating for a given size than many LT tires. These C-Type tires will show the letter “C” immediately after the wheel diameter in the tire code.

What do all the codes on my tyre mean?

The diagram here outlines and identifies the different codes on the sidewall of your tyre. 16 Extra Load: Denotes higher load capacity than standard tyre.

What does a Z Tyre mean?

Letters ranging from A to Z represent the speed rating. Each letter denotes the maximum speed a tyre can sustain under its recommended load capacity. In our example, “H” is equivalent to a maximum speed of 130 mph (209 kph). Even though a tyre is capable of performing at this speed, drivers should not exceed legal speed limits.

What does V mean on a tyre?

In this case, the letter V means that the tyre is rated for sustained speeds up to 149 miles per hour. Your tyre’s sidewall may also show the maximum air pressure, a traction rating and a treadwear rating, as well as the legally required DOT code, among other information. All of these aspects are explained in more detail below.

Do I need A C tyre?

Yes C = commercial meaning the tyre made to carry heavier weight and generally commercial (lorry / van ) need this kind of tyre to carry heavy LOAD for those if only for private use like carrying 3-5 passenger you actually do not needs this but you may have issue when come to Veh inspection.

What does 91W XL mean on a tire?

But the XL on tires stands for extra load and it indicates that these tires can use higher air pressure to support more weight compared to standard tires that have the same size. On the other hand, SL means standard load.

What does XL mean on a tyre?

In our example: 17. This number is expressed in inches and indicates the diameter of the wheel on which the tyre is designed to fit. XL, HL or Reinforced : Tyres with a higher load capacity than normal for their dimension. Such tyres need to be replaced by the equivalent (example : an HL tyre by another HL tyre)

What does 91W mean on a tire?

The “Z” indicates that the tire is rated for speeds above 149 mph, while the “91W” indicates that the tire can carry a maximum load of 1,389 pounds at 168 mph. Tires with speed ratings lower than 149 mph are sometimes rated with a Y speed rating, which appears as a “Y” after the load index in the size designation.

What does 94W mean on a tire?

94w is the speed rating of a tire. It means that your tire can safely handle speeds up to 270 km/h (168 mph). This is not to be confused with the load index. The load index indicates how much weight a tire can carry. The 94 in the tire size refers to the load index.

What vehicles need XL tyres?

In combination with a higher tyre pressure, XL tyres have a greater load-bearing capacity and are particularly suitable for use with minibuses, off-road vehicles and SUVs. Which vehicles need XL tyres? Remember these three important points when choosing tyres: The tyre size you should use is easy to find out.

What does the 91W mean on a tire?

For example, 205/55 R16 91W denotes a “W” speed rating, which means the tyre can handle speeds of up to 168mph (assuming it is not overloaded).

What does the W in 91W mean?

The W in 91W after the size code indicates a speed rating. While these tires are proably Z rated (speeds in excess of 149MPH) in the tire size the W indicates that the tires are rated to a higher speed. W and X were added since there were no guidelines about how much over 149 Z rated tires were good for. W indicates a top rated speed of 168MPH.

What does 91V mean on a tyre?

The two digits before the speed rating symbol as show in the diagram as 91V are the load rating. The load-rating is essentially the maximum weight the tyre can carry. Tyres have different load ratings but generally a tyre of the same size usually are the same. Lower profile sizes tend to have lower load ratings compared to higher profile ones.

What is a 91W speed rating?

The speed rating system, developed by the Uniform Tire Quality Grading System (UTQGS), ensures that tires meet vehicle manufacturers’ handling requirements. Tires with a 91W speed rating can travel at speeds up to 168 mph (270 km/h) under ideal conditions. However, driving at such speeds is extremely dangerous and should not be attempted.