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As drivers, we’re required to know about a huge amount of things: how to change a wheel, how to check oil & liquid levels, or how to check tyre condition and pressure. Whether we know how to do these things, and whether we do them or not, however, is a different matter altogether. On this thread, you may have heard about XL tyres – but what exactly are they?
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. This is done through a number of ways, but most usually by adding strengthening material to either the tyre’s bead or face.
Let’s look at some of the ways that they’re actually reinforced, and why you might need them.
What Does XL Mean on Tyres?
The letters XL on a tyre indicate that it is reinforced to handle a greater load than regular tyres of the same size. This is accomplished in a variety of ways, the most common of which is by adding reinforcing material to the tyre's bead or face.
How are tyres reinforced?
Originally, tyres were made out of solid rubber and, as you can imagine, this was not a comfortable ride. So with the invention of pneumatic tyres came a significant improvement in comfort, but early tyres were also really prone to punctures and blowouts. So innovation needed to happen.
Nowadays, that innovation is still going strong, and we have a proliferation of incredible tyre designs and constructions. Fundamentally, all tyres are constructed around a mesh of something flexible – usually a polyester fabric. This gives something for the rubber to hold on to because, without it, the rubber would just split.
Then there’s the issue of keeping the tyre on the wheel itself. This is done through a steel-reinforced bead around the inside lip of the tyre – the bead hooks into a groove on the wheel that locks the tyre in place once it’s inflated.
The most common ways to reinforce the tyre is to add more of the mesh material, use a different, stronger material, use a stronger material for the tyre bead, or add more rubber to the face of the tyre – or a combination of all of them!
What are XL tyres for?
Essentially, XL tyres aren’t ‘extra large’ tyres, but ‘extra load’. So they’re used when you anticipate your car needing to carry more weight. Now, it’s unusual to switch between a set of ‘normal’ tyres and a set of XL tyres, but it depends on whether you regularly carry heavy loads or not.
For example, if you regularly commute to work with heavy things in your car or van – such as tools - then you likely need to consider getting 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?
Runflat tyres are different from XL tyres in that they’re built to hold their shape in the event of a puncture - this lets you drive at slower speeds for up to 50 miles (and sometimes more) so that you can get to a tyre replacement centre. An XL tyre, however, is only built to withstand extra loads, so will not be drivable with a puncture.
Unsure what tyres you need?
If you’re unsure what tyres you have, or what tyres you need, then you can book your car in for a free tyre inspection at your local Kwik Fit. Or, in the meantime, get in touch with us for any questions you may have about your tyres.
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Your tyre size can be found on the sidewall of your current tyre and is a sequence of numbers and letters. The most common tyre size in the UK is 205/55R16 but there are many variations so it’s important to check your existing tyre first before searching for tyres.
Tip: Take a photo of your existing tyre sidewall to make it easier to identify your tyre size using the guide below.
The first three digits. This displays the width of the tyre in millimetres. A tyre marked 225 will measure 225mm across the tread from sidewall to sidewall.
Aspect Ratio
The fourth and fifth digits of the tyre code that immediately follow the tyre width. The aspect ratio or profile height of the tyre sidewall is expressed as a percentage of the tyre width. So an aspect ratio of 55 for example means that the profile height of the tyre is 55% of its width.
Rim Diameter
The next two digits represent the size of the wheel rim that the tyre can be fitted to. It is also the diameter of the tyre from bead to bead. So a tyre marked 16 will fit on a 16-inch wheel rim.
Speed Rating
The speed rating of a tyre is represented by a letter of the alphabet at the end of the tyre size code and indicates the maximum speed capability of the tyre. Tyres receive a speed rating based on a series of tests which measure the tyres capability to handle a set speed for a prolonged period of time.
Select your tyre speed rating to find out the maximum speed your tyres can maintain.
If you are unsure what speed rating you need, be sure to check your vehicle handbook. Choosing a lower speed rating than that recommended by your vehicle manufacturer could potentially invalidate your insurance.
Load Rating
The load index provides information on the maximum weight capability for the tyre. The load index is a numerical code that can be located just after the tyre size marking and before the speed rating.
Select your load index to find out the maximum load capability for your tyres.
Although not illegal, it is not advisable to have tyres with a lower speed rating or load index than the manufacturer recommended tyre specification for your vehicle, or to have a combination of different tyre construction types. Consult your vehicle handbook to confirm your vehicle’s tyre speed rating and load index as well as any additional requirements.
Contact our team for help and advice with a new or existing booking. We’ll help direct your enquiry to the appropriate department.
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Select Tyre Size
Front Tyre Size
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We endeavour to ensure we are displaying the correct tyres for your vehicle. However, we recommend all customers check the tyre size printed on the side wall of their tyres before proceeding with a tyre purchase as occasionally discrepancies do occur. By selecting the tyre sizes above and clicking 'Continue', you are indicating that you have checked your tyre sizes.
Please select your front and rear tyre size before clicking 'Continue'.
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