Extra Load and Reinforced Ryres
Markings on the sidewall – XL Extra Load or Reinf RNF Reinforced.
An Extra Load Tyre can carry more weight and be inflated to a higher pressure than the standard tyre in the same size. An example is where a car model is also sold in a van design, as the van can carry a heavier load the tyres need to be of a higher load capacity. This is when tyre manufactures produce extra load tyres that can carry more weight and be inflated to a higher pressure. The latest minivans MPV’s will use reinforced tyres as they are heavier and carry more weight than a car.
- Harder wearing than a standard tyre
- Higher stability and traction than a standard car tyre
- More robust against road damage
Reinforced Tyres will last longer than a Standard Tyre when driven on using the car manufactures recommendations, the sidewall stability is stronger ensuring better handling and grip to the road surface, no power is lost from the transmission to the tyre contact with the road. Braking, accelerating and cornering are enhanced with the Extra Load stability, overall fuel efficiency may be less than the Standard Tyre because of the greater rolling resistance. Reinforced and Extra Load Tyres are factory fitted on many commercial and performance cars you must replace them with Extra Load Tyres to keep road legal and safe.
Extra Load Tyres are fitted as OEM on many vehicles and must be replaced with extra load tyres, performance with XL tyres increases the stability for high speed cornering, traction and grip. Extra Load Tyres are better than standard when fitted on the vehicle they are designed for.
No, they are not, XL tyres are for higher load capacity and pressure only. Run flat tyres are completely different if you have total pressure loss from a puncture you can still drive at a reduced speed on the hard sidewall until you are in a safe area to stop. The tyre needs to be replaced and cannot be repaired.
The main difference is that extra load tyres have an increased load and air pressure capacity.
This can increase their stability at high speed, braking and cornering when under heavy load.
This is why they are fitted on small vans and MPVS and performance cars.
Directional tyres
Directional Tyres usually have an arrow or chevron shaped tread pattern and are designed to work in one direction only, and arrow will be on the sidewall clearly showing the correct direction for fitting. This tread pattern is for maximum water displacement, it can often be found on All Season or Winter Tyres as well as Sports Tyres.
- High Performance in wet conditions
- Superb traction on wet or dry roads
- Superb precise high speed handling
Directional Tyres have a distinctive V or U shape tread pattern the technology design behind this is for efficient evacuation of water reducing the risk of aquaplaning. Directional Tyres can offer better grip in wet conditions however they may have a higher road noise than an Asymmetrical tread.
Directional Tyres are designed to rotate one way only, its important that they are fitted correctly following the arrows or rotation markings on the sidewall, a wheel fitted with a Directional Tyre cannot be placed on the opposite side of the vehicle as it will be running backwards and will not be as efficient.
Directional Tyres are not as good for spare wheels as they should only be fitted to the rotational side facing forwards, Asymmetrical Tyres can be fitted either side as outer is always outside.
In an emergency to drive to a safe place this is not a problem, but it would fail an MOT and the tyre is not working effectively and needs to be corrected as soon as possible.
A directional tyre is designed to rotate forwards for its maximum efficiently in evacuating water. An asymmetrical tyre can rotate either way and its performance is not affected.
The technology, rubber and materials involved in building a tyre effect the price. Directional tyres have a high price tag because they’re used in large sizes for performance cars. Asymmetrical tyres will be as competitively priced.
Asymmetrical tyres
Asymmetrical Tyres are opposite to Symmetrical the inner and outer sides are a different tread design. These tyres are used on high performance cars and larger tyres sizes usually from 17” up to 22” Utilising the latest technology and design ensures efficient water displacement and preventing aquaplaning, while providing maximum grip in high speed and cornering. The sidewall will be labelled inner and outer, the outer has to be fitted with the outer side facing outwards.
- High lateral stiffness, grip and precise handling
- Factory fitted for luxury SUV’s, sports cars and hot hatches
- High resistance to aquaplaning and high stability at high speed
Asymmetrical Tyres are recognizable from the distinctive tread design which is different on the inner and outer side of the tyres, a large block pattern on the outside giving maximum grip for high speeds, braking and cornering, the inner side is built using smaller blocks and more grooves for high dispersal of water reducing aquaplaning, this tread design is efficient all year round in wet and dry conditions.
High Performance vehicles utilise the technology in Asymmetric Tyres for maximum performance.
Asymmetrical Tyres perform better in the wet because of the increased number of inner grooves and are the preferred design for high performance vehicles. Performance is enhanced in the dry for high speeds stability, braking and cornering with the large outer blocks ensuring maximum contact with the road.
The asymmetric tread is the market leading design for tyre manufacturers and high performance vehicles, increased performance in wet and dry conditions all year round. Symmetrical and directional tyres do not offer the high speed stability, grip, braking and acceleration characteristics of a asymmetrical tyre.
No it doesn’t matter on symmetrical tyres, directional tyres have arrows pointing to the front direction and asymmetric tyres have the words inner and outer on, the outer always has to face the outside of the car. However once an asymmetric tyre is fitted correctly it can be used either side of the car the same as a symmetric tyre, but a directional tyre can only be used on the same side, otherwise it will be facing the wrong way on the other-side of the car.
