What Does the XL Mean on Tyres, And Does My Car Need It?

If you inspect your tyres, you may notice the letters "XL" in raised font along the sidewall. What does the XL mean on tyres? XL stands for "extra load", and the term is often interchangeable with "reinforced tyres."

In any case, they are designed for heavy weight and more demanding use. This is common in work trucks, large personal trucks intended for hauling additional people or items (such as when moving house), or other vehicles that experience above-average weight requirements.

These tyres differ from others because of their reinforced design and thicker build. This allows them to handle greater burdens without going flat, damaging their sidewalls, or directing too much force onto the wheel well.

Let's explore everything you need to know about extra load tyres, and whether or not your car requires them:

What Are XL Tyres For?

It's common for people to misinterpret the "XL" on tyres to mean "extra-large," but this is inaccurate. The true definition is "extra load," because this is the tyres' main purpose.

Reinforced tyres are often comparable in size to your average tyres, but they're able to withstand greater weight and are built more durably. These advantages don't come exclusively from size differences, but instead from the:

• Material
• Tread
• Design

Because of this, you don't need a special vehicle in order to use XL tyres. Although less common, some people even change between normal tyres and reinforced tyres based on their needs of the moment, allowing normal cars to bear greater burdens for a limited time without damaging their standard tyres. Once you've transported the necessary objects or people, you can then switch back to your standard tyres (which are cheaper, thus allowing you to preserve the XL tyres for when they're needed.)

With that said, most vehicles do either/or, especially larger ones. Heavy trucks must stick with XL tyres to handle the weight of their frames, or because they are intended to carry additional weight more often.

In general, XL tyres are recommended for those who:

• Regularly commute with heavy things, such as tools or furniture
• Have vehicles with heavy frame modifications
• Own larger cars or trucks

Do XL Tyres Increase My Load Rating?

Just keep in mind that XL tyres do not automatically raise the maximum load rating for a vehicle. They merely prevent your standard tyres from wearing out too quickly or bursting under the weight. The load rating for a car or truck is what the overall vehicle can handle, whether that's from its frame, suspension, or another part. XL tyres do not change this.

How Are Tyres Reinforced?

Fundamentally, all tyres are constructed from rubber and a mesh of something flexible – usually a polyester fabric. This gives the rubber something to hold on to and improves its flexibility, so it doesn't burst or split when placed under pressure.

After that, the design must keep the tyre on the wheel itself. This is accomplished through a steel-reinforced bead around the inside lip of the tyre. The bead hooks into a groove on the wheel, thus locking the tyre into place once it's inflated.

With that in mind, the most common ways to reinforce a tyre is by:

• Adding additional mesh
• Using a different, stronger material
• Choosing a stronger material for the tyre bead
• Incorporating more rubber into the face of the tyre

XL tyres often use a combination of all these choices, depending on the brand and its pricing.

What's The Difference Between XL Tyres And Runflats?

Runflat tyres are different from XL tyres; 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 reach a tyre replacement centre. An XL tyre, however, is only built to withstand extra loads, so will not be drivable with a puncture.

If you're unsure what tyres you have, or what tyres you need, then you can book a free tyre inspection at your local Autofusion. In the meantime, get in touch with us over the phone or online for any questions you may have.