XL tyres on 2008 C5 Tourer

[bigblackfalco]

Just been reading up about XL/Extra load rated tyres ... specifically for heavier cars/MPV type vehicles.
When I bought my C5 Tourer, it had a full matched set of Continental Premium Contact XL fitted.
Am I right in thinking that this is a bit overkill for this car or does anyone else go for the XL tyres too?

[vborovic]

I would think regular tyres should match the car's max weight carrying capacity ... anything more than that, I'd guess the tyres would be the least of your worries ...

[Stickyfinger]

It really for me is distance/time/temp.

As I carry a lot of weight, quite often and regularly a good distance to boot, I always use XL tyres.

[Deanxm]

I think normal load ratings sail a bit close to the wind, the tyres my XM runs at the moment are good for 585 kg each, the front axle weighs about 1 tonne and that's not a modern heavyweight.
We were laughing at the Micra at work the other day, the original was around 650kg, the new version weighs over a tonne!

D

[elma]

The original tyres specification be written on a sticker in the drivers door frame. I looked some C5 tyres, the bigger engined tourers I checked at did have XL tyres.

[SaabC5]

Saloon X7 is the same.

[Harlequin]

whilst not your car , the option for my synergie are XL tyres - and since changing to the thicker sidewall ones , I'm getting far more wear from them - `normal` tyres lasted under a year - these are over a year and wearing well but not 1/2 life yet!

[bigblackfalco]

The original tyres specification be written on a sticker in the drivers door frame. I looked some C5 tyres, the bigger engined tourers I checked at did have XL tyres.

Interesting! I will have a look at this tomorrow.
The car was originally supplied with Michelin Primacy standard load from the factory (I know this as the spare is the original and is 'as new' with bobbles still on it!).

[bigblackfalco]

whilst not your car , the option for my synergie are XL tyres - and since changing to the thicker sidewall ones , I'm getting far more wear from them - `normal` tyres lasted under a year - these are over a year and wearing well but not 1/2 life yet!

Have you noticed a difference in ride quality at all?

[Harlequin]

slightly bumpier and slight more road noise on rubbish surfaces - other than that , not really

[GiveMeABreak]

I've always gone for the XL option on my saloon as barely any difference in cost - however where I live it is very hilly and the country roads can be very windy with poor road surfaces. Having that reinforced additional layer under the tread gives me more peace of mind and can allow for increased tyre pressures on some brands. I can live with the purportedly slightly reduced fuel economy and an extra 1dB of noise or so. I'll swear that I get more wear out of them too than standard load tyres.

[bigblackfalco]

I've always gone for the XL option on my saloon as barely any difference in cost - however where I live it is very hilly and the country roads can be very windy with poor road surfaces. Having that reinforced additional layer under the tread gives me more peace of mind and can allow for increased tyre pressures on some brands. I can live with the purportedly slightly reduced fuel economy and an extra 1dB of noise or so. I'll swear that I get more wear out of them too than standard load tyres.

I'm guessing they last longer as they don't run at such high temperatures due to the heavier build carcass design (less flexing).

[van ordinaire]

I always thought that XL = extra large so it threw me when I recently saw it for the first time in connection with tires, so that has been extremely helpful for me, as I'm always on the look out for tyres for one ride or another.

[BX]

The important thing is that the correct specification tyre are used. Almost everyone knows to get the correct size and profile for example 205-65-15. The other ratings that are missed out on are the speed and load index. In the example above most tyres come rated 91V. However the synergie requires a load index of 94. A 91 tyre is rated for a load of 615Kg whilst the 94 is 670Kg. Likewise the speed index letter must match the performance of the car. Your car will fail its NCT if the load and speed index do not match or exceed the indices specified by the manufacturer. Some manufacturers put designations on their higher load index tyre for example "reinforced" " C" which indicates commercial and as above "XL" for extra load, a range of tyre aimed at MPVs and estate cars. Commercial tyre normally have a high load index but a low speed index e.g. 102R.
The Good Year company has a very informative site
http://www.goodyear.eu/ie_en/all-about- ... eed-rating