XL tyres... Why??
Discussion
I'm looking at tyres for my Yeti. It's a relatively small, light car but most tyre options are extra load. A quick Google suggests the pro argument is that they're stronger and can run higher pressures.
Which seems pointless unless you're driving a laden MPV.
It just sounds like a recipe for a harsher ride.
Am I wrong??
Which seems pointless unless you're driving a laden MPV.
It just sounds like a recipe for a harsher ride.
Am I wrong??
vikingaero said:
Shirley the estate/boxy form of the Yeti lends itself to be used by other people as a loaded van type vehicle which may necessitate XL tyres.
But in general yes, XL can = harsher ride.
For a given load rating there isn't such a thing as a non XL tyre anyway. It means nothing, it adds nothing that isn't already contained in the load rating.But in general yes, XL can = harsher ride.
XL means the tyre is "reinforced" by virtue of its construction that complies with the load rating.
In other words it's not "reinforced" as if they had taken a non-XL tyre and made a "reinforced" version, they just simply built a carcass to a particular load rating compliance.
Take a 205 45 17. They come in 84 and 88 load ratings. The 84 is non XL whereas the 88 is labelled as XL. There isn't a 84 XL or a non-XL 88.
The XL thing can be ignored entirely and only the load rating should be looked at.
nickfrog said:
Just look at the OE load rating for your car and ignore the XL thing.
They only put the XL thing when that load rating has reached a certain level, and that level varies depending on the size.
In other words it's of no value, although I just don't know why it's there at all.
I want 94, most are 98/XL. Perhaps it's put in as a warning of harsh ride?? They only put the XL thing when that load rating has reached a certain level, and that level varies depending on the size.
In other words it's of no value, although I just don't know why it's there at all.
Bill said:
I want 94, most are 98/XL. Perhaps it's put in as a warning of harsh ride??
In effect yes.Is 94 the OE load rating? If it's 98 then technically that's a modification for insurance purposes.
To confuse matters there will be variations in comfort within a load rating too anyway. Choose a touring type tyre rather than performance perhaps, that may help.
I noticed this as well.
Great while I had my Galaxy or even the (heavly) V70 and would load up to the gunwhales with kids and kit, but less of an issue on our Leon.
I wonder if people buy more of the 94 rated ones, leaving a few more 98/XL rated around for garages to fling on when a customer walks in and doesn't know?
I am about to change all 4 tyres on the Leon, currently cheap and nasty 98/XL summer tyres which are lethal in the wet now they have worn some. I am intrigued as to what some 94 and all-season quality tyres will feel like...
Great while I had my Galaxy or even the (heavly) V70 and would load up to the gunwhales with kids and kit, but less of an issue on our Leon.
I wonder if people buy more of the 94 rated ones, leaving a few more 98/XL rated around for garages to fling on when a customer walks in and doesn't know?
I am about to change all 4 tyres on the Leon, currently cheap and nasty 98/XL summer tyres which are lethal in the wet now they have worn some. I am intrigued as to what some 94 and all-season quality tyres will feel like...
Camskill list a choice of 20 different tyres in 225/50R17 with a 94 (non XL) load rating (use the filter to select the load rating). 
From Sunny at £49 a corner to Continental at £126 each.
From Sunny at £49 a corner to Continental at £126 each.
Bill said:
nickfrog said:
Who is "they"? If OE is 94 I am sure you can easily find 94. What's the tyre size?
Tyre sales websites from the main companies. Admittedly the main issue is that I'm suddenly free today so looking for what's in stock. (225/50/17 FWIW)Camskill or Blackcircle have a plethora of choice for 94 in that size. But might not work today of course.
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