main logo

Extra load tyres fitted by us at your home or work

Extra load tyres are specifically designed for heavier cars. Also known as reinforced tyres, they are suited to a higher tyre pressure and increased load capacity.

Extra load tyres


What are extra load tyres?


Extra load or “reinforced” tyres may conjur up images of tractors and gigantic trucks, but they don’t look all that different from standard load tyres. The only difference is that they are specially made with heavier cars in mind, such as SUVs and multi-purpose vehicles. The design makes it possible to use a higher tyre pressure and increased load capacity. Many big manufacturers supply extra load tyres, including Bridgestone and Michelin. Extra load tyres are commonly marked ‘XL’ or ‘RNF’.

Want to know more about which vehicles need XL tyres? Get in touch with our friendly advisers by calling 0333 016 6550 and we’ll be happy to answer any questions.

How do extra load tyres work?


The extra weight of heavier vehicles needs to be supported by the tyres as well as the springs in the suspension. Extra load tyre are modified to accept higher air pressures and more weight. This is achieved either by using a different material, or more commonly, by reinforcing the structural material inside. Please bear in mind that you can use a reinforced tyre if you need to take extra weight, but you should never move down to one with a lower load rating than recommended by the manufacturer. This would be dangerous and could invalidate your insurance policy in the event of an accident.

The pros and cons of reinforced tyres


Advantages of XL tyres:

  • A greater load-bearing capacity offers a higher buffer up to the maximum load.
  • Can travel for a greater total distance without suffering internal damage.
  • Reinforcement provides greater protection against mechanical damage.
  • Offers better support for off-road driving.

Disadvantages of XL tyres:

  • Greater fuel consumption.
  • Modifications may alter driving comfort.
  • Sometimes higher noise levels.

How to identify an extra load tyre?


If you are wondering “do I have an extra load tyre?”, there’s a quick and easy way to check. You can tell extra load tyres by the ‘XL’, ‘EXL’, or ‘RNF’ (stands for reinforced) lettering embossed on the sidewall.

Want to know how fast you can drive with XL tyres? Take a quick look at the string of numbers and letters on the tyre’s sidewall. This provides information about how resilient the tyre is, as well as the size, weight and load index. Read our guide to tyre markings to find out more.

Other types of heavy load tyres include:

  • C tyres for commercial vehicles, off-road vehicles and more.
  • CP tyres for vehicles such as camper vans
  • LT tyres for light lorries, transporters and more.

Our best-selling extra load tyres


From Bridgestone to Michelin, we stock reinforced tyres from a range of reputable brands. Learn more about the industry’s best extra load flat tyres below. Alternatively, use our tyre search tool at the top of the page to find the best extra load tyre deals.

Continental Sport Contact 5

Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S

Pirelli P-Zero Sport

SPEND £99 OR MORE AND ENJOY 0% INTEREST FOR 4-MONTHS ON YOUR PURCHASE

Need your tyres replacing, but don’t fancy spending all your cash in one go? If so, then we can help you spread the cost, covering spends over £99. Choose PayPal at checkout and get 0% interest for 4-months!
Representative Example
Representative 23.9% APR (variable)
Purchase rate 23.9% p.a (variable)
Assumed credit limit £1,200
Finance provided by PayPal Credit.

Terms and Conditions apply. Credit subject to status. UK residents only.

Halfords Autocentres Ltd t/a Tyres on the Drive acts as a credit broker and offers finance from PayPal Credit.

PayPal Credit is a trading name of PayPal UK Ltd, Whittaker House, Whittaker Avenue, Richomd-Upon-Thames, Surrey, United Kingdom, TW9 1EH