James_Russell Posted October 10, 2010 Share Posted October 10, 2010 Evening all, I need a new set of tyres for my mondeo diesel tow car. Current fitment are 205/50r17 93V 'Extra Load' Avon ZZ3. I thought I had decided on 'Continental sport contact 3' tyres until I noticed that the load/speed rating was '89V' and they lack the 'Extra Load' specification. The same tyre with '93W Extra Load' rating is 25% more expensive! Being a tow car, the tyres are regularly pumped up to ~40psi and the car is sometimes fairly heavily loaded. Does anyone know what 'Extra Load' actually denotes, and whether or not I need it? Also does anyone with a simular car recommend a particular tyre? Cheers, -James Q41 ACF Classic Grad #98 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CageyH Posted October 11, 2010 Share Posted October 11, 2010 nullHave a look here Only dead fish go with the flow....! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
James_Russell Posted October 11, 2010 Author Share Posted October 11, 2010 I understand the load ratings, and wouldn't buy the 89V tyre- I will buy a 93V tyre. What I don't understand is the 'Extra Load' (XL) label on my current tyres- I'm guessing it doesn't just mean load rating as it is independent of the load rating judging by the tyres I've looked at Q41 ACF Classic Grad #98 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jingars Posted October 11, 2010 Share Posted October 11, 2010 James, I would suggest that it is just marketing - highlighting the extra load rating of the tyres v other round black things of the same size. In the past I have purchased replacement tyres for people carriers; some have had the word "Reinforced" emblazoned upon them, others have had now't. The size and ratio, the speed rating and the the load rating is all that matters. And the sexiness of the tread pattern. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CageyH Posted October 11, 2010 Share Posted October 11, 2010 Are the XL not reinforced? Only dead fish go with the flow....! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CageyH Posted October 11, 2010 Share Posted October 11, 2010 From Auto Express: I’ve often seen ‘XL’ stamped on tyres. What does this mean, and is there a performance advantage? XL stands for Extra Load – or is sometimes referred to as Reinforced. Essentially, tyres bearing this stamp are designed for heavy cars rather than ones that carry big loads. Not only are they constructed to cope with weight, but also the higher tyre pressure these vehicles need to run at. This marking is usually found on lower-profile tyres used on large cars. It highlights the fact they are built to a higher weight rating, as there is nearly always a standard version in the same size in the maker’s range. Only dead fish go with the flow....! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Badger Bill Posted October 11, 2010 Share Posted October 11, 2010 If the spec in your handbook says XL then you really should (for insurance) have XL. My family smoker has XL as a specification and yes they cost more but hey ho. BB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sopris Posted October 23, 2010 Share Posted October 23, 2010 The extra load tyres will have a stiffer side wall but as long as the load rating of the tyres you buy equals or exceeds what Ford states you'll be fine. Is there a sticker on the door jamb or else where that lists tyre sizes and pressures? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gridgway Posted October 25, 2010 Share Posted October 25, 2010 I worked out what was needed for a tintop with the load ratings of the axles from the owners manual. I was fed up with car tyre places trying to sell me the XL tyres when the car didn't need them. Graham Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StEVEN Posted October 25, 2010 Share Posted October 25, 2010 If it's of any help i have the 93W ZV5s on our CMax..excellent and have a similar tread pattern to the conti's K8 ERM 160 VVC CATERHAM GALLERY here Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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