Why are all season tyres XL (extra load) rated?

Horizon81

Been looking at getting some new tyres for the missus's Clio and fancy some all weathers. Any reason why they all seem to be extra load rated and if this will be a problem on a small hatchback? e.g. Michelin CrossClimate, Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen2.

I've heard they may need to have higher pressures than standard tyres but can find no mention of this on Michelin's website.

force_ten

extra load or reinforced tyres are normally fitted to heavier vehicles or vehicles that can carry a heavier load

people carriers larger cars and vans tend to use XL or R rated tyres

there are a couple of downsides to fitting XL tyres to a car that does not require them the sidewalls will be stiffer to support the extra load so may give a harder ride than you are used to

Horizon81

Yes I'm aware of that, so why do all season tyres ONLY come in XL, despite coming in small sizes that are only used on superminis/small hatches?

Just seen this in the smallprint on Michelins website:

The recommended size may contain a different speed or load index vs your current tyres however it is fully compatible with your vehicle.

loskie

they come in a variety of load ratings not just XL

http://www.nordiccartyres.com/nokian-winter-tyres/all-season-car-tyres/weatherproof.html#.Vjdjc8InyUk

force_ten

you are looking at cross climate XL from Michelin

for some reason The Michelin Cross Climate tyre is only available in the Extra Load rating, i suspect Michelin do this to keep the tyres in the range down and they don't have to make a 195/65/15 and a 195/65/15 XL

if you look at the goodyear 4 seasons they do a 94H to fit my car and they also do an XL version in the same size tyre

force_ten

this is what ATS say about the cross climate

The Michelin CrossClimate tyre is only available in the Extra Load rating. However, it is perfectly acceptable to fit tyres of a higher speed and load rating than those originally fitted to your vehicle. You might notice that the load and speed rating are highlighted, look out of our tool tip on the when searching for your tyre.

gilbert_and_sullivan

Unless the car is already a boneshaker on elastic band tyres and solid springs, i see same priced XL rating as a bonus, stronger tyres less easily damaged than standard at no extra cost.

bigjl

gilbert_and_sullivan wrote: »

Unless the car is already a boneshaker on elastic band tyres and solid springs, i see same priced XL rating as a bonus, stronger tyres less easily damaged than standard at no extra cost.

I agree with that.

Horizon81

Ah well, maybe worth a punt then.