Reinforced Tyres

Reinforced tyres, otherwise known as XL or Extra Load tyres, are stronger and more hardwearing than standard tyres. These are particularly important if you have a large vehicle that often carries heavy loads.

The internal structure is stronger and the design of these reinforced tyres can help make it easier for you to handle your vehicle, particularly if it’s a large family car, such as a 4x4 or SUV.

Extra Load Tyres at Kwik Fit

Kwik Fit stocks a large range of reinforced tyres with extra load capabilities These have been designed especially for larger vehicles that carry increased loads such as light commercial vehicles and people carriers. Find the best XL tyres (extra load tyres) for your vehicle.

What is a reinforced tyre?

All vehicles are different shapes, sizes and weights, so it’s likely that a small car will need different tyres to a large one. For example, the tyres on a small city car such as a Fiat 500 won’t be under as much pressure or weight as a van that carries building supplies. The tyres on the van would need to be able to support not just the weight of the van, but the weight of the supplies inside it, too. This is why reinforced, or extra load (XL) tyres are so important.

All tyres contain beading, which is put in place to ensure that the tyre stays on the wheel rim without coming apart. But the bead has other uses too. Made of strong, heat-resistant fibres, the bead enhances stability. Reinforced tyres contain additional beading to make the tyre stronger and more hard-wearing, particularly when put under additional strain.

You will be able to tell if your current tyres are reinforced from the markings on the tyre wall. The writing on the tyre will usually state either XL or Reinf. In some cases, it may also appear as RF, RFD or EL. If your tyres state RF, this usually refers to run flat tyres so be careful not to mix the two up. To find out more about the benefits of reinforced tyres, and what makes them different to run flats, read on.

What are the benefits of reinforced tyres?

There are plenty of advantages to having reinforced tyres. These include:

• Longer lifespan - Reinforced tyres can travel longer distances than standard ones as long as the recommended tyre pressure is maintained. These tyres normally require higher air pressure, so be sure to check the recommended measurement.
• More hard-wearing - When compared to standard tyres, reinforced tyres are less likely to be damaged by potholes or by hitting the curb at an awkward angle. This is due to a stronger internal structure.
• Greater stability and traction - Reinforced tyres tend to be more rigid which greatly benefits their stability and traction. This could provide the vehicle with improved handling and is advantageous when driving under wet or icy conditions. This is especially important for large vehicles, when reinforced tyres should be a requirement and not just an additional extra.
• Beneficial for off-roading - Reinforced tyres are particularly useful for off-road driving or for those adventure lovers who regularly drive in mountainous areas with a full car load.

What are the disadvantages of reinforced tyres?

There are some common disadvantages of reinforced tyres including:

Increased fuel consumption - XL tyres tend to be heavier, which can slightly reduce fuel efficiency as the engine has to work harder to compensate for the added weight.

Higher cost - Extra Load tyres are generally more expensive than standard tyres because of the reinforced construction designed to handle heavier loads.

Harder to handle - Due to their reinforced structure, XL tyres are stiffer, which can result in a less comfortable ride compared to standard tyres, especially on uneven or bumpy roads.

Reduced Tread Flexibility - XL tyres often have a harder tread compound, which can reduce flexibility in certain road conditions, such as icy or very cold weather.

Are reinforced tyres the same as run flat tyres?

Run flat tyres are internally reinforced to cope with a tyre blowout should one occur. They work by allowing your tyre to maintain a certain shape, even with a hole in it. This means you can continue to drive safely until you find a place to stop or a garage. However, they aren’t built to cope with certain loads like a reinforced tyre is.

In contrast, reinforced tyres could prevent this tyre blowout from happening in the first place. These tyres are built to specifically cope with higher weight loads, which means the chance of a tyre blowout is significantly decreased.

Do I need reinforced tyres?

When choosing new tyres for your vehicle, there are three things you should consider: tyre size, speed rating and load.

The size will be dependent on your vehicle.

The speed rating is based on a number of tests that determines the maximum recommended speed you should drive at. The speed rating is usually matched to the top speed of your vehicle. T, H and V are the most popular speed ratings. T is 118 mph, H is 130 mph and V is 149 mph. T can usually be found on smaller city cars, whereas H and V are more likely to be found on family cars.

Finally, the load rating tells you the weight each tyre can take. You should check your vehicle’s handbook to find out the maximum load your car can handle. Never overload your vehicle as the tyres may not be able to take the weight, which can result in a tyre blowout.

Additionally, it's important to note the difference between Standard Load (SL) tyres, which are typically used on everyday passenger vehicles, and Extra Load (XL) tyres, which are designed to carry heavier loads thanks to their reinforced construction. Vehicles that often carry more weight, such as SUVs or work vans, will usually require XL tyres for additional support.

To find out which tyres you need, you can use our free tyre checker. This will tell you, based on your car’s make and model, what size, speed rating and load tyres you need. Simply enter your vehicle’s registration.

You may need reinforced tyres if you have a large family car, a van, or you frequently carry heavy loads.

Can reinforced tyres be repaired?

It is not advisable to repair reinforced tyres. The fundamental reason is that it can be extremely difficult to determine whether the inner structure has been weakened. As a result of having a strengthened structure, manufacturers advise against fixing run flat tyres. In reality, the tyre's high level of resistance may make it difficult to detect tiny secondary damage, putting the tyre at danger of just detecting the main damage and not efficiently healing it.

Despite their name, reinforced tyres are not designed for off-road use. Instead, they are intended for vehicles like cars, SUVs, and vans that regularly carry heavy loads. For instance, builder's vans or vehicles transporting significant amounts of cargo benefit from the increased load capacity provided by reinforced tyres.

Book a free tyre check

When selecting tyres for your vehicle, opting for XL (extra load) or reinforced tyres can make all the difference, especially if you drive a heavier vehicle or regularly carry large loads. These tyres are designed to handle additional pressure and provide greater durability, ensuring your vehicle is safe and stable on the road.

If you're unsure whether you need extra load or reinforced tyres, book a free tyre check at your local Kwik Fit centre, where our experts can offer tailored advice and help you choose the best option for your vehicle.

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