Reinforced or Extra Load (XL) tyres are designed for heavy vehicles or vehicles with powerful engines. The sidewalls of reinforced tyres are more rigid than conventional "SL" (Standard Load) tyres. The extra rigid sidewalls mean the tyres can withstand greater loads, pressures and stresses.
How do you recognise a reinforced tyre?
A reinforced tyre has specific marking on its sidewall, such as: REINF, REINFORCED, XL, EXTRA LOAD, XLD, RFD or RF. The "XL" standard is tending to replace the other standards.
What does the XL mark on a tyre mean?
"XL" signifies "Extra Load", which means that the tyre is able to withstand a greater weight and higher pressures.
What are the benefits of a reinforced tyre?
- Longer life.
- Improved shock resistance.
- Improved vehicle control.
- Improved traction and power transmission.
- Improved resistance to mechanical stresses: acceleration, braking, high speeds, tight turns.
What are the drawbacks of a reinforced tyre?
- Higher noise levels (by around 1dB).
- Increased rolling resistance force and so slightly greater fuel consumption.
- Increased tyre weight and, therefore, in theory greater fuel consumption.
- Theoretically, they are considered to be less comfortable but this is rarely noticed by most drivers.
What reinforced tyres should you buy for your car?
Summer reinforced tyres:
- Continental SportContact 6
- Michelin Pilot Super Sport
- Michelin Pilot Sport 4S
- Bridgestone Potenza S001
- Pilot Alpin PA4
- Pirelli Pzero
- Toyo Proxes Sport
- Yokohama Advan Sport V105
- Falken Azenis FK510
- General Tire Altimax Sport
- Semperit Speed-Life 2
Winter reinforced tyres:
- Hankook Winter I*Cept evo2 W320
- Continental ContiWinterContact TS830P
- Continental ContiWinterContact TS860S
- Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3
- Michelin Pilot Alpin PA4
- Pirelli W270 Sottozero Serie II
- Toyo Snowprox S954
- Vredestein Wintrac Xtreme S
- Nankang SV-3 Winter
