What do XL and Reinforced mean on a tyre?
Explaining the terms Reinforced and XL Tyres
Reinforced and XL are interchangeable terms. They both refer to a tyre that has had its internal construction strengthened to allow for heavier loads and higher inflations. Different tyre manufacturers label their tyres differently, but the specification is essentially the same.
How are they different to regular tyres?
| Feature | Regular tyre | XL or Reinforced tyre |
|---|
| Sidewall construction |
Standard |
Reinforced with additional material |
| Maximum load capacity |
Lower |
Higher for the same size |
| Required inflation pressure |
Standard |
Higher, check your vehicle handbook |
| Ride comfort |
Softer |
Slightly firmer due to stiffer sidewalls |
Important
If your vehicle was fitted with XL or Reinforced tyres from the factory, you must replace them with the same type. If standard tyres are fitted to a vehicle designed for XL, tyre failure could occur even under normal loads. Our registration search handles this automatically and will only show the correct specification for your vehicle.
