Xl extra load tire with increased load. What does XL mean in tire markings: deciphering the meaning. Additional information on the tire sidewall

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.

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). Accurate change data external dimensions wheels you can calculate 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. this is inner size tires or outer disc.

91 - load index. This is the level of maximum permissible load on one wheel. For 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 american tires. The first one is very similar to the European one, only the letters “P” are placed in front of the size (Passanger - for passenger car) or "LT" (Light Truck - light truck). 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. On many summer tires for SUVs, M&S is indicated. However, these tires must not be used in winter time, because Winter tires have a completely different rubber compound and tread pattern, and the M&S badge indicates good performance tire patency.

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. Various manufacturers tires use different RSC technology designations. 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 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).

Data indicating the characteristics of the tire is usually denoted in a special way. It is this information that you should pay attention to when choosing tires. If you understand this issue, deciphering the marking symbols will not be a difficult task.

All motorists know that it is customary to designate data indicating the characteristics of a tire in a special way. It is this information that you should pay attention to when choosing tires. If you understand this issue, deciphering the marking symbols will not be a difficult task.

Load indices

After specifying the size of the view, the designation of the load index is indicated on the tire. This index value in the marking indicates the maximum permissible load on one wheel. For example, in the marking 235 / 60R18 107T, the number 107 indicates the load index. According to the accepted classification, this figure indicates that the maximum load is 975 kg.

In some cases, after the data on the permissible load and speed, another designation is indicated - XL. Index XL on tires - indicates a higher permissible load.

What does XL mean in tire markings

Often there is a designation of XL indexes in the form of the inscription Extra Load, which is translated from English as “increased load”. The designation XL or the inscriptions Extra Load indicate an additional load capacity of 3 units. That is, tires marked 235 / 60R18 107T XL will withstand a load of 975 kg, and in the standard version - only 900.

In other words, answering the question of what XL means on a tire, we can say that such an indicator indicates an additional load that this tire can handle without problems.

How the Extra Load bus works

This designation on the sidewall of the tire indicates design features and improvements to withstand such a load.. Tire Extra Load:

• has reinforced sidewall and frame. This is a major design improvement to achieve high performance;
• sometimes it is made from another rubber compound. Changes in the composition of the rubber made it possible to make it more rigid and durable, and therefore more load-bearing.

• Benefits of Extra Load Tires

  Tires with Extra marking Load in addition to greater carrying capacity have a number of other advantages.

  First, increased wear resistance. In this parameter, they are superior to conventional rubber. With wear-resistant tires, the car can be used for several seasons in intensive mode, on trips over long distances.

  Secondly, resistance to mechanical damage. This advantage is especially relevant in the conditions of Russian roads.

  Thirdly, improved handling characteristics. The high rigidity of the tire provides good grip, easy and predictable cornering.

  Drivers also note some disadvantages of such a model: the noise level, which is higher than that of a conventional tire, higher gas mileage and reduced comfort in the car.

  Who should buy reinforced tires

  First of all, you should look into the owner's manual of your car and find out if its manufacturer recommends installing such rubber. Most often, tires with the Extra Load parameter are installed on trucks, light trucks and heavy crossovers. Also, the operation of Extra Load tires is justified if:

  • if you often load the car. Regular overloads significantly reduce the life of tires. In this case, tires marked XL will last you much longer than standard ones;
  • if you have a car with powerful engine. Extra Load rubber is able to provide greater safety when maneuvering, accelerating and braking at high speed.

  What does XL mean on Goodyear tires

  XL on the sidewall of a Goodyear tire is the same as Extra Load. But in this case, it means not only an increased load. Goodyear is one of the leaders in the production of car tires that can make every trip safe and comfortable. The company, by introducing innovations and adding constructive improvements, tries to add other advantages and minimize disadvantages.

  That's why Goodyear's XL tyres, despite their rigidity and reinforced carcass, are virtually indistinguishable from standard tyres.

  Consider some models of tires with increased load.

  Goodyear Arctic XL Ultragrip Ice

  Tires Goodyear Ultragrip Ice Arctic XL are designed for operation in the winter season at low temperatures. They are available in many popular sizes, so you can easily find this model for your car.

  The maximum allowable load on the tire Ultragrip Ice Arctic XL - 900 kg 1 . Such tires are installed on heavy SUVs and light trucks. The minimum is 515 kg, which is also a good indicator for a passenger car.

  In addition to the increased load, these tires demonstrate good traction on ice, excellent maneuverability, short braking distances and good traction performance.

  Goodyear Efficient Grip XL

  XL marking on Goodyear tire EfficientGrip EfficientGrip Compact shows their ability to withstand loads from 462 to 900 kg (depending on tire size). This summer tire has not only a reinforced frame, but also other technological improvements.

  Separately, it is worth noting the fuel efficiency of this model. Despite the Extra Load designations on the tires, which indicates more weight and stiffness of the rubber, fuel consumption during operation of the EfficientGrip is reduced by almost 2% compared to similar products from other brands. This was confirmed by an independent examination of the German company TUV SUD Automotive. According to the results of the test of the magazine "Za Rulem", conducted in the early autumn of 2015, these tires were recognized as the best in the "Comfort" nomination. Tires showed excellent grip both on dry and wet roads.

  Vector 4Seasons Gen-2 XL

  The designation of the increased load index is also present on these popular all-season tires of the new generation. Vector 4Seasons Gen-2 tires are capable of handling weights from 475 to 875 kg. The maximum load indicator, as well as for other models, depends on the size. The larger one is for crossovers, the smaller one is for cars.

  The special composition of the SmartTRED rubber compound, excellent grip, high strength and wear resistance, a special tread pattern for safe driving in winter are the main advantages of this model.

  Other models

  Designation XL on goodyear tires present on other equally popular models of winter, summer and all-weather tires:

  • Eagle LS-2,
  • Wrangler AT/SA+,
  • Wrangler All-Terrain Adventure with Kevlar,
  • Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3,
  • Wrangler HP All Weather,
  • ultragrip 9,
  • and others.

  From the Goodyear range, you can easily find an Extra Load model that suits your driving style and the conditions in which the car is normally used. All these tires are presented in different sizes, there is the right option for a small car, and for an SUV, and for a minibus.

  1 Load capacity specified for tire 235/55R18 104T UG ICE 2 MS XL FP

Tire marking decoding

In the description of each tire model there are columns "SIZE" and "INDICES". In this article, we offer you a decoding of these values.

Consider an example. In the graph "SIZE" value specified 185/70R14, wherein:

185 - tire width in mm., 70 - the ratio of the height of the tire (from the landing rim to the outer edge of the wheel) to its width in percent,

The smaller this figure, the wider the tire looks, the “squatter” and more dynamic the car. However, all these advantages are good only on dry roads with ideal coverage. On the Russian roads 65 series wheels are already frivolous, and below is just insane, Norm: 80,75,70.

R- radial cord construction, cord threads in carcass layers have a radial (meridional) arrangement, i.e. directed from side to side,
14 - mounting size of the rim in inches (1 inch = 2.54 cm).

In the graph "INDICES" the indices of the maximum load per tire in kilograms and the index of speed are indicated - the maximum permissible speed in km / h, as well as additional indices characterizing the properties of a particular tire.

Below are tables of load and speed indices:

It is possible to specify additional characteristics:

"TL"- tubeless tire,

FR- tire with rim protection,

RF, XL- reinforced tire with increased load capacity,

Letter "E" enclosed in a circle - the European safety standard,

DOT- American safety standard.

Letters M+S"Mud" (Mud) + "snow" (Snow) - winter and universal tires.

"AW"-“any weather” (Any weather) - all-weather tires,

same AS- “all seasons” (All Seasons).

Some firms use symbols-drawings instead of letters: sun, rain, snowflake.

The arrow on the sidewall of the wheel indicates the direction of rotation for rain tires. If it rotates in the opposite direction, then water, instead of being removed from under the tire, will be pumped under it.

In addition to all these, three more digits are put on the tire: the week and year of manufacture,

For example “3815”

The first two digits:

38 - thirty-eighth week,

15 - year of release (2015)

The following terms are used on our website:

The desire to know what XL means in tire markings is expressed by many motorists who prefer to have more information about the tires in 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 owners Vehicle. 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 output.

Light-duty vehicles also use this type of tires very actively, 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.

Without good and high-quality shoes, a person will not go much if it is a cold season outside. And in the summer it is uncomfortable to move barefoot on the asphalt hot by the sun. It is the same with a car - without well-chosen tires, it will not go far.

However, choosing them correctly is not as easy as it might seem at first glance. From the abundance of tires presented in the store, you need to clearly define the category, size, be able to decipher load index and tire speed index, adhesion and wear indicators. I am glad that it is not necessary to be a specialist, because the tire marking, the decoding of which is available even to a novice motorist, contains all the necessary information.

Of course, first you need to choose the “shoes” for the car in size - the tire size is one of the most visible marking details:

To decipher, let's take the last example from the photo: 175/70 R13 82T:

• 175 - an indicator of the width of the tire in millimeters, that is, the width of this tire is 175 mm.
• 70 - its proportionality (also called a similar value profile), that is, the height of the profile in relation to the width in this case is 70%. The larger the aspect ratio, the taller the tire, regardless of its width.
• R is the radial cord of the tire. This is a design feature of the tire, when the rubberized threads on the carcass cord run parallel to each other, without overlapping. Now the radial type is predominantly produced, but sometimes you can also find a diagonal cord (D), when the rubberized threads on the frame are located at an angle to the radius of the wheel. Or diagonally belted type (B).
• 13 - the value is indicated in inches and indicates the diameter of the wheel.
• T - the letter designation of the speed at which you can drive without problems with this tire. It is easy to calculate a similar tire speed index by looking at the table below. In this case, we see the speed index T, which means that the maximum permissible speed is 190 km / h. This is a common type, as is the q speed index (up to 160 km / h).
• 82 - this figure indicates the maximum allowable load on the wheel. In this case, this tire index means that the maximum permissible load is 475 kg. A little lower in you will see a table where all the values ​​\u200b\u200bof the tire load index will be indicated.

Tire speed index

Load index (carrying capacity) of tires

seasonality

Also, tire marking necessarily includes a mandatory indication of seasonality:

Studding

For those who prefer studded tires in the cold season, it is important to know the following:

Additional designations

In addition, there are a lot of additional designations that are not always indicated: