What does XL in car tire specifications mean?

[AutumnMarie]

XL in car tire specifications refers to Extra Load tires. Here are the meanings of other letters on tires: 1. Tire brand: For example, GOODYEAR represents Goodyear; 2. Numbers after DOT: Indicate the production date. For example, 0312 means the tire was produced in the 3rd week of 2012. 3. Tire model: For example, 175/70-R18-88H, the letter R indicates that the tire is a radial structure tire. X represents high-pressure tires. The letter H represents the speed rating of the tire. The speed rating indicates the maximum speed at which the tire can carry the specified load under specified conditions, with H representing a maximum speed of 210km/h under specified load.

[Victor]

I used to get this question a lot when helping people change tires at the auto repair shop. XL stands for Extra Load, which indicates reinforced tires. These tires feature additional steel belts in the tread and shoulder areas, along with thicker sidewall rubber, enabling them to withstand higher air pressure and heavier loads. Take the specification 205/55R16 91XL for example - the 91 at the end is the load index, and the XL means it can carry about 100kg more than a standard 91 load-rated tire. I've noticed most SUVs come factory-equipped with XL tires since they're heavier vehicles with higher passenger and cargo demands. Always verify the original specifications when replacing tires - don't opt for standard tires just to save money, as they're more prone to blowouts.

[VanKira]

I once did some research on this when helping my cousin who runs freight transportation choose tires. The XL marking indicates extra load capacity, and you can often see the REINFORCED stamp on the tire sidewall. Its carcass structure has two more layers of ply than regular tires, similar to the materials used in truck tires. I tested that XL tires of the same size can be inflated up to 3.5 bar, while regular tires only up to 2.9 bar. The XL value after the load index allows the tire to carry 10% more weight; for example, a 94XL can carry 100 kg more than a 94. Choosing this type for pickups or 7-seaters is safer, especially for frequent highway driving or full-load situations.

[MacDante]

Remember being totally confused by tire specs during my first tire change? A seasoned mechanic later told me XL tires are like adding bumpers to your car. They reinforce pressure resistance by thickening sidewall rubber and adding nylon cords, increasing load capacity by roughly half a carload of passengers. Most wide tires above 235mm on the market come with XL rating, especially for midsize SUVs like the Highlander. Crucial reminder: always change tires in pairs. Mixing XL tires on front axles with standard tires on rears creates load imbalance. Last time a customer tried saving money with mismatched tires, it caused rear tire bulging after a long trip.