Tires are an extremely important part of a car. After all, they are responsible for traction, the behavior of the car when cornering. The right set of tires can significantly reduce the braking distance and even save life and health in extreme situations.

Therefore, it is extremely important to choose the right shoes for a car and be able to read the tire markings. Below we will talk about what the letters XL stand for in the designation of rubber and which drivers will need such kits.

On the tires there are designations that indicate the dimension of the part and its technical characteristics. And for each rubber there is an index of permissible load, which indicates what the maximum pressure on one wheel can be.

Deciphering the values
Numerical designation
60-70	265-335
71-80	345-450
81-90	462-600
91-100	615-800
101-110	825-1060
111-120	1090-1400
121-126	1450-1700

The meaning of XL in the marking of rubber

Let's say we take a standard tire size 195 65 r15 with an index of 107T. According to the general marking classification for passenger cars, the letter "T" stands for a tire speed index of 190 km / h, and the number 107 stands for the maximum load on one wheel. In this case, if the load is normal - 975 kg.

xl marking means name extra load. In fact, these are reinforced tires that are able to withstand a load that is three units greater. That is, the xl tire can no longer withstand 975, but a higher pressure of 1060 kg.

Who are these tires for?

Such tires are suitable for drivers operating cars in conditions of increased loads. It will be appreciated by motorists who often have to move on broken roads or when fully loaded.

• exceeding the permissible loads for one axle significantly reduces the life of discs and wheels. Therefore, shoes in reinforced tires will help them last much longer;
• a car with a powerful engine where tires can carry a large load on rubber, it is also advisable to take tires in XL version. This will provide increased wear resistance, safety and reduced braking distances;
• when driving on secondary roads with pits and potholes, the side of the tire is subjected to significant loads. As a result of impacts, bumps, hernias and other defects may appear on the sidewalls of summer and winter tires. Products labeled for increased strength provide additional resistance to such exposure.

Construction of eXtra Load tires

If the tire has an XL marking, then this means not only not only an increased load index, but also a different design of the part. This rubber has a reinforced side frame. Two layers of high-strength polyester fiber pass through the sidewall of the tire. This cord, which has a double sheath, allows you to withstand increased loads and has a positive effect on the life of the part.

The manufacturer also uses a different rubber compound and a modified tread pattern. Therefore, such rubber with a new compound can work longer and under high pressure. All this increases the life of the tires.

Rubber Benefits

The advantages of XL (Reinforced) tires over lt tires are quite obvious:

• increased wear resistance. Such products can serve a motorist much longer than a standard set of rubber;
• load capacity. The maximum allowable pressure in the tire is higher than that of standard wheels, which allows you to load the car more and move longer under increased load;
• improved strength affects safety. The speed index of such tires is higher, which means that you can drive at top speeds;
• the ability to move on broken roads. Thanks to the reinforced cord, the car more easily endures all kinds of blows from pits and potholes.

Flaws. Also, these tires have a number of disadvantages:

• an independent test conducted on 94 tires found that the reinforced rubber has increased vibration feedback. In this regard, more noise and vibrations from tires get into the cabin. Of course, you can increase the tire pressure, thereby reducing the contact patch. However, you can pump the wheels only up to a certain point. How much pressure should be left in the wheel, the driver must decide for himself. However, it is worth paying attention that for tires the recommended pressure is indicated on the product itself;
• increased cost. Due to the complicated technological process, the price of the product itself increases. For example, 195 standard tires can cost 15-20% more than a regular tire.

Table of tires XL from manufacturers

Leading manufacturers offer special tires. For example, Goodyear produces excellent rubber with increased wear resistance - EfficientGrip. This kit has excellent performance and adequate cost. The product was appreciated by fans of Japanese cars who install tires on the accord mt ca5 a20a5 or civic ed3 models.

The company also offers Ultragrip Ice Arctic XL tires. These winter tires differ from summer tires in a soft compound, which means that their performance characteristics do not fall with decreasing temperatures. In addition, the reinforced pattern provides grip on loose surfaces.

Many manufacturers, including the famous brands Pirelli, Nokian, Dunlop, are able to offer high-quality XL tires for any type of vehicle, from light sports coupe cars - fg3 r18z1 to heavy full-size crosstour minivans - tf3 k24y2.

Brand	Model	Cost in rub.
Nokian	Hakkapeliitta R2 225-50-r17	9595
good year	Efficient Grip 225-55-R19	10 500
Michelin	Pilot Sport 225-50-R18	9600
Pirelli	Verde Scorpion 225-40-R19	15 050
Pirelli	P-Zero 265-45-R20	17 670

Sometimes on the tire you can find two letters - XL. What do they mean?

Definition: So, XL (Extra Load) - this marking is found on those tires that have increased (additional) resistance to loads (to high load capacity). This is a reinforced tire. This marking can be found next to the sidewall of the tire, next to the indication of its dimensions, speed / load indices.

Tires in EXTRA LOAD (XL) version

Extra Load Tire Construction

On the reinforced tire, two layers of polyester fiber pass under the tread and through the sidewall, which makes the sidewall of the tire stronger, and at the same time its rigidity and wear resistance increase. Also, the tread part includes two superimposed layers of metal cord and two layers of nylon thread without seams - this allows you to achieve tire stability at high speeds and increases resistance to stress.

Purpose of tires marked XL

These tires are used in two versions:

• On powerful and high-speed cars. As a rule, such cars are capable of speeds over 270 km / h. At this speed, a conventional wheel may not withstand the loads and simply break. XL tires retain their traction not only when driving at exorbitant speeds, but also during braking and sharp maneuvers, which increases safety on the road.
• When operating on bad roads. It's no secret that pits, potholes, sharp edges of the asphalt and other flaws in the roadway can cause serious damage to the tire. She may have cuts, a hernia or a deformed cord. This is especially true for low profile tires. XL reduces these risks to a minimum and ensures long service life in harsh environments.

That's all the secrets

Some tires are marked XL (variations of Extra Load, Reinforced, RF are also found). Compared to conventional tires, they have a reinforced carcass, are able to withstand more pressure and have an increased load capacity.

Let's take a closer look at what they are for, their advantages and disadvantages.

For each tire size, there are standard load values ​​(SL) calculated for a specific vehicle class and weight. For example, for size 205/55 R16 the standard load index is 91 (615kg/wheel), and for size 215/60 R16 it is 95 (690kg/wheel). There are other values, but these are rather exceptions to the rule, since the load index for each size is strictly defined by the rules.

In addition to tires with a standard load, manufacturers produce reinforced models with a high load index and XL marking. Such tires use stronger materials or additional elements that increase the strength of the tire and its load capacity. At the same time, visually they do not differ in any way from tires with a standard load.

Loads SL and XL for some tire sizes

The size	SL	XL
185/65 15	88 (560 kg)	92 (630 kg)
196/65 15	91 (615 kg)	95 (690 kg)
205/55 16	91 (615 kg)	94 (670 kg)
205/60 16	92 (630 kg)	96 (710 kg)
215/65 16	98 (750 kg)	102 (850 kg)
215/55 17	94 (670 kg)	98 (750 kg)
235/55 17	99 (775 kg)	103 (875 kg)

What are XL tires for?

A few examples of when it is appropriate to use tires marked XL.

• For crossovers. Crossovers are usually heavier than cars, but they often have the same tire size. For example, tires in size 215/55 R17 will fit both the Volkswagen Passat and the Mitsubishi Outlander. Only in the first case it is possible to use a tire with the usual load index 94 (670kg/wheel), and in the second XL with index 98 (750kg/wheel). 4 wheels +320kg.
• For passenger cars like Volkswagen Caddy or Renault Kangoo that carry small loads. Their popular tire size is 195/65 R15 which can handle 615kg/wheel at normal load index and 690kg/wheel with XL tires. The carrying capacity of the car is potentially increased by 300kg.
• For bad roads. The XL tire has a reinforced carcass, making it stronger and more resistant to side impacts.

Benefits of XL tires

• Under the same operating conditions, XL tires last longer than conventionally loaded tires.
• More resistant to mechanical damage. For example, when hitting a pit or hitting a curb at high speed.
• Provides better vehicle stability in corners due to a more rigid sidewall.

Flaws

• More noisy. Tires marked XL are allowed 1dB more noise than a normal loaded tire.
• Tires are heavier and, due to the thick breaker, have a higher rolling resistance coefficient, which leads to increased fuel consumption.
• Tires are stiffer, which can affect ride comfort.
• XL tires usually cost more as they require more materials to produce. For example, a Michelin Primacy 3 in size 215/55 R17 with a standard load is $123, and an XL is $138.

Eventually:

The XL marking means that, compared to conventional tires with a standard load index, the tire has a reinforced carcass and a greater load capacity.

The desire to know what XL means in tire markings is expressed by many motorists who prefer to have more information about the tires they use. After all, an outdated study of what marking means can significantly affect the operation of the machine. Moreover, the information located on the surface of the cord can mean:

• the speed to which the rubber is adapted;

• winter or summer index has a wheel.

The wheel and its sidewall is an important source of information for vehicle owners. For example, if the manufacturer indicated XL tires on board, which means Extra Load, you can install it with confidence on vehicles that operate under heavy loads. Such a marker is an important indicator that determines the performance of tires.

How to decipher what XL means in tire markings?

Having decided on what XL stands for in tire markings, you can easily deal with the problem of buying them. Since this type of tires belongs to the category of reinforced ones, they are equipped with:

• reinforced sidewall type with double fiber polyester;

• increased rigidity - this should be taken into account when choosing the speed and style of movement;

• double layer of metal cord.

The use of tires of this type implies the ability to overcome large loads. For example, their installation is recommended for cars that reach speeds of more than 270 km / h and can easily cope with intense friction on the road surface. For off-road driving, such options are also very well suited and withstand moving even over very pronounced bumps, potholes and pits. The only negative that can be noted is the high vibration return.

Light-duty vehicles are also very active in exploiting this type of tire, providing opportunities for intensive transportation of heavy loads. If the expected axle load is higher than normal, you should think about purchasing reinforced tires for permanent use.

Do you want to choose a tire for your car, but do not understand tire markings well? It's not a problem! In this section, we will help you figure out what tire parameters are, what they mean, and which tire is right for your car.

Find tires / tire catalog

Deciphering tire markings.

195/65 R15 91 T XL

195 is the tire width in mm.

65 - Proportionality, i.e. profile height to width ratio. In our case, it is equal to 65%. Simply put, with the same width, the larger this indicator, the higher the tire will be and vice versa. Usually this value is called simply - "profile".

Since the tire profile is a relative value, it is important to take into account when choosing rubber that if you want to put tires with a size of 205/65 R15 instead of the size 195/65 R15, then not only the width of the tire will increase, but also the height! Which in most cases is unacceptable! (except when both of these sizes are indicated in the car's operating book). You can calculate the exact data on changing the outer dimensions of the wheel in a special tire calculator.

If this ratio is not indicated (for example, 185/R14С), then it is equal to 80-82% and the tire is called full profile. Reinforced tires with this marking are usually used on minibuses and light trucks, where a large maximum wheel load is very important.

R- means a tire with a radial cord (in fact, almost all tires are made this way now).

Many mistakenly believe that R- stands for the radius of the tire, but this is precisely the radial design of the tire. There is also a diagonal design (indicated by the letter D), but recently it has practically not been produced, since its performance is noticeably worse.

15 - diameter of the wheel (disk) in inches. (It is the diameter, not the radius! This is also a common mistake). This is the “landing” diameter of the tire on the disk, i.e. is the inside size of the tire or the outside of the rim.

91 - load index. This is the level of maximum permissible load on one wheel. For passenger cars, it is usually done with a margin and is not a decisive factor when choosing tires (in our case, IN - 91 - 670 kg.). For minibuses and small trucks, this parameter is very important and must be observed.

Tire load index table:

T- tire speed index. The larger it is, the faster you can drive on this tire (in our case, IS - H - up to 210 km / h). Speaking about the tire speed index, I would like to note that with this parameter, the tire manufacturer guarantees the normal operation of rubber when the car is constantly moving at the specified speed for several hours.

Speed ​​index table:

American tire markings:

There are two different markings for American tires. The first one is very similar to the European one, only the letters “P” (Passanger - for a passenger car) or “LT” (Light Truck - light truck) are placed before the size. For example: P 195/60 R 14 or LT 235/75 R15. And another tire marking, which is fundamentally different from the European one.

For example: 31x10.5 R15(corresponds to European size 265/75 R15)

31 is the outside diameter of the tire in inches.
10.5 - tire width in inches.
R- a tire of a radial design (older models of tires were with a diagonal design).
15 is the inner diameter of the tire in inches.

Generally speaking, except for inches that are unusual for us, the American tire marking is logical and more understandable, unlike the European one, where the height of the tire profile is not constant and depends on the width of the tire. And here everything is simple with decoding: the first digit of the standard size is the outer diameter, the second is the width, the third is the inner diameter.

Additional information indicated in the marking on the sidewall of the tire:

XL or Extra Load- Reinforced tire, the load index of which is 3 units higher than that of conventional tires of the same size. In other words, if a given tire has a load index of 91 marked XL or Extra Load, then this means that with this index, the tire is able to withstand a maximum load of 670 kg instead of 615 kg (see the table of tire load indices).

M+S or M&S tire marking (Mud + Snow) - mud plus snow and means that the tires are all-season or winter. Many summer tires for SUVs are labeled M&S. However, these tires must not be used in winter, as winter tires have a completely different rubber compound and tread pattern, and the M&S badge indicates good flotation performance.

All Season or AS all season tires. Aw (Any Weather) - Any weather.

Pictogram * (snowflake)- rubber is designed for use in harsh winter conditions. If this marking is not on the sidewall of the tire, then this tire is intended for use only in summer conditions.

Aquatred, Aquacontact, Rain, Water, Aqua or pictogram (umbrella)- special rain tires.

outside and inside; asymmetric tires, i.e. It is important not to confuse which side is the outside and which is the inside. When installing, the Outside inscription must be on the outside of the car, and Inside on the inside.

RSC(RunFlat System Component) - RunFlat tires are tires on which you can continue to drive a car at a speed of no more than 80 km / h with a FULL pressure drop in the tire (due to a puncture or cut). On these tires, depending on the manufacturer's recommendations, you can drive from 50 to 150 km. Different tire manufacturers use different designations for RSC technology. For example: Bridgestone RFT, Continental SSR, Goodyear RunOnFlat, Nokian Run Flat, Michelin ZP, etc.

rotation or arrow this marking on the sidewall of the tire indicates a directional tire. When installing the tire, you must strictly observe the direction of rotation of the wheel, indicated by the arrow.

Tubeless - tubeless tire. In the absence of this inscription, the tire can only be used with a camera. Tube Type - indicates that this tire must be used only with a tube.

Max Pressure; maximum allowable tire pressure. Max Load - the maximum allowable load on each wheel of the car, in kg.

Reinforced or the letters RF in the size (for example 195/70 R15RF) means that this is a reinforced tire (6 layers). The letter C at the end of the size (for example 195/70 R15C) indicates a truck tire (8 layers).

Radial - this marking on the rubber in the standard size means that this is a radial tire design. Steel means that there is a metal cord in the tire structure.

Letter E(in a circle) - the tire meets the European requirements of ECE (Economic Commission for Europe). DOT (Department of Transportation - US Department of Transportation) is an American quality standard.

Temperature A, B or C heat resistance of tires at high speeds on a test bench (A is the best indicator).

Traction A, B or C- the ability of the tire to brake on a wet roadway.

Treadwear; relative expected mileage compared to a specific US standard test.

TWI (Tread Wear Indication)- Tire tread wear indicators. The marking on the TWI wheel can also be with an arrow. Pointers are located evenly in eight or six places around the entire circumference of the tire and show the minimum allowable tread depth. The wear indicator is made in the form of a protrusion with a height of 1.6 mm (the minimum tread value for light vehicles) and is located in the tread recess (usually in the drainage grooves).

DOT- Encoded manufacturer's address, tire size code, certificate, issue date (week/year).