new tyres and XL markings

Fred · 2013-10-19T06:41:24+00:00

Hi, I measured my tyre tread depth and on the front wheels it is approaching 2mm, so time to change. I was thinking of perhaps fitting winter tyres. Now here's my dilemma. The rear tyres are about 4mm. Since it is recommended to change the tyres when the tread reaches 3mm, should I change all four now? If I fit winter tyres to the front, I would have to fit them to the back and is it really worth keeping tyres with 4mm to put back on next summer? OTOH is it a waste of money to scrap them now before they have worn completely? I was confused when some online sellers were advertising XL tyres. Using google, I think that XL just means it can support more weight and they are used for heavy cars. Is that right? What constitutes a heavy car? My car is a Mondeo but it has 93Vs on at the moment (IIRC). So I don't think I need the XL tyres. I notice the XL are rated 97V. If the 93 and 97 refer to the weight the tyre can support, why do we need the "XL" marking? Isn't it obvious from the 97 that it has a higher rating than the 93? TIA

Oct 19, 2013 20 Replies

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Paul Giverin 13 years ago

I do 70 miles a day to and from work, leaving home at 06.15 and returning at 18.00. At those times of day in winter and driving on country roads, winter tyres really do offer more grip as temps approach freezing and dropping sometimes to -12 C.

Your experience pottering to the shops may be different.

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