Trye fitter fitted XL Contis to my 2012 S4 Avant. Mistake?

[skullcandy]

Hi All

I just ordered a pair of 255/35 ZR or R19's for our 2012 S4 Avant (fronts). They were £159 each fitted. However Ive just noticed that theyve fitted XL's not ZR or R's. Is this a less than ideal tyre and should I be going back and asking for them to swap them? The car does a lot of solo journeys but occasionally is 4 up and fully loaded.

Any advice would be very helpful. Thanks

[cuprabob]

They're fine, just means they have a higher load index. In fact most low profile tyres are XL these days. In fact, I would be surprised if your Audi didn't come with Extra Load (XL) tyres as standard.
ZR is the speed rating which is different. Your new tyres will probably be "W" or "Y" rated.

Edited by cuprabob on Saturday 15th January 13:40

Edited by cuprabob on Saturday 15th January 13:43

[skullcandy]

Thanks v much Cuprabob

[Adrian E]

skullcandy said:

Hi All

I just ordered a pair of 255/35 ZR or R19's for our 2012 S4 Avant (fronts). They were £159 each fitted. However Ive just noticed that theyve fitted XL's not ZR or R's. Is this a less than ideal tyre and should I be going back and asking for them to swap them? The car does a lot of solo journeys but occasionally is 4 up and fully loaded.

Any advice would be very helpful. Thanks

There's not enough info on the tyres fitted to be 100% sure on correct fitment - as cuprabob says XL is fine, as that just means they're designed for 'extra load' rated, which the S4 does require. The important details are the load index (a 2 digit number) and the speed rating that usually follows it.

R just means it's a radial tyre, ZR can be the speed rating and can confusingly be marked on the same part of the tyre. You should also find 96Y or similar marked on the tyre - 96 being the load index and Y the actual speed rating.

Load index is important, as it relates to the maximum load capacity of each axle of the vehicle, and tyres under those specified shouldn't be fitted. If you go higher it's generally fine, but it means the sidewall may be stiffer, which has a knock on impact on ride and potentially wear (not always).

Speed rating is less important for 2 reasons - firstly in the UK you only 'need' to have tyres fitted that are suitable for the maximum UK speed limit. Secondly you are unlikely to find quality tyres of that size that aren't of the correct speed rating simply because a 19" tyre will be made to exceed the speed rating requirements for cars of that type. (Gross simplification, but it suffices for these purposes)

If in doubt read here on how to decipher the tyre markings:

https://www.continental-tyres.co.uk/car/all-about-...

Can always post a pic of the markings on the sidewall if you want it confirmed exactly what you've got. Ideally you want the spec to match what's marked on the tyre pressure sticker on the door shut.

Adrian

[anonymous-user]

Look at the tyre pressure rating plate in the drivers door frame by the catch. This will specify the tyre size and if it needs to be XL or not.

On the tyre, the speed rating is part of the load rating marked on the tyre sidewall e.g. 95Y, the ZR, etc is the tyre manufacturers branding and is not a speed rating.

Finally, something actually useful from KF..

https://www.kwik-fit.com/tyres/information/what-is...

[skullcandy]

Thanks for the advice chaps. I think the tyres are spot on as the door sticker recommends R19 96Y XL and thats exactly what I've got fitted