Reinforced tyres? What's all this about?
I have a Volvo C70 fitted with Pirelli P7s, and Kwik Fit (yes, I know!) are offering XL (reinforced) P7s for a few quid extra. I have no idea whether XL is a good or a bad choice, and if it's needed why wouldn't the manufacturer specify XL in the first place?
All tyres are reinforced. If you make this 'stronger' - like say van tyres
- you decrease the comfort and usually the maximum speed rating too.
I was conned into some reinforced tyres when I had my first people carrier (and tyre shops were unfamilair with the sizes I guess). They were as slippery as hell, poor riding and I was very glad to be rid of them.
Tim
Some Touran's have 91 rated whilst mine stipulates reinforced 94. There seems to be no rhyme or reason to it as I've seen other 2008 2.0TDi DSGs on 91 tyres from new.
I've not noticed poor grip or ride from the Michelins, Bridgestone's, Contis or Goodyear's I've had on there in the last 110k.
XL, or 'extra load' tyres are OEM fit on a lot of large modern cars - my Passat B6 2.0TDI needed XL tyres - I think it's a combination of torque, weight and manufacturers protecting themselves from litigation that leads to XL being specified.
The Allroad has 'em, but my Passat doesnt
I can understand them being needed on a vehicle actually used 'off road'. But not if just towing the horsebox across grass. ;-)
They can tow a fair old load to be fair :)
Although, the tyres are not off road tread.
XL has taken to being applied to any tyre with a load index of about 94 or above. Flogging them as being better is a nonsense.
Scott
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