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Reinforced Tyres: Everything You Need to Know

What are reinforced tyres?

Industries describe reinforced tyres as extra strong and tough, hence the common name of Extra Load (XL) tyres. They can hold more load in them than standard tyres without compacting them or showing how well they perform on the roads. They have a fortified inside framework that enables them to bear more weight.

All types of tyres are fitted with a part known as the beading, and its function is to ensure that the tyre is tightly seated on the wheel. This beading is strong and has fair resistance to heat. Reinforced tyres have more rings of steel and, thus, are even more robust and can withstand more weight and pressure without wearing out.

They are capable of holding more air, and thus the shape of the tyre does not alter with the increased loads. But you should consult the manual of the car to know the right air pressure, which should not exceed the recommended PSI.

mechanic holding tyre repair garage replacement

Are reinforced tyres the same as run flats?

Run-flat tyres contain special features that allow a driver to continue driving even when he or she has a flat tyre. They remain stable and enable one to drive to a secure area or a garage without having to swap the tyre at that same instance.

However, run-flat tyres are not designed for heavy loads as the reinforced ones are. Reinforced tyres are designed for carrying more load and worst class road conditions.

Reinforced tyres can take more load, and therefore a car does not easily develop a blowout in the first place. Since they are stronger, the possibility of a blowout is considerably lower.

Which cars require reinforced tyres?

If your car requires tougher tyres, you can opt for them as long as they are of the correct size. However, these types of products should be recommended for use in cars, especially those that are listed and recommended in the manual of the car. 

Run-flat tyres are associated with vans, 4x4s, big family cars, motorhomes or any vehicle that may need to bear a large load. If you are unsure, visit the Tyre Savings Centre and let our tyre experts help you find out if your car requires reinforced tyres or not.

If you have to transport many things using a small car, such as heavy items, like when moving from one house to another, you may need to do it in many rejoices instead of acquiring four strong special tyres.

The advantages of reinforced tyres

Reinforced tyres have a lot of advantages that make them a great choice:

  • These types of tyres can also hold more load than standard tyres. 

  • They are most suitable on rough and uneven surfaces as well as in harsh conditions. 

  • They are relatively more durable and useful for long hours of driving, high-speed travel, and so forth. 

  • Since they are rigid, they can have a better grip as well as being more stable, and this does not in any way influence driving control. 

The disadvantages of reinforced tyres

Even though reinforced tyres have benefits, there are some drawbacks, like:

  • They make your car use more fuel since they produce more friction and normally carry heavy loads. 

  • They are allowed to be a bit more noisy than regular tyres; therefore, expect your car to be noisy. 

  • They are normally more expensive than regular tyres. 

  • They are stiffer, and this may make the ride you are enjoying feel a little rougher than you would have wished. 

But if we analyse the pros and cons of reinforced tyres, then it can be seen that the advantages of reinforced tyres outweigh the disadvantages if one frequently transports heavyweights.

How To Identify Reinforced Tyres?

To spot the reinforced tyres, they often carry "XL" or "Reinf" on the sidewall of the tyre. Sometimes they could be marked "RFD," "RF," or "EL," but watch out for "RF," as that could sometimes be an abbreviation for run-flat tyres, and these two should not be confused with each other.

To identify reinforced tyres, look for the markings on the side of the tyre. On reinforced tyres, you would usually find "XL" or "Reinf" marked on the tyre. These may also be branded as "RFD," "RF," or "EL."

However, avoid "RF" since this can stand for run-flat tyres also, which is quite different and must not be confused with the other one.

Best 10 Most Popular Reinforced Tyre Sizes

The following are the top 10 most popular sizes of reinforced tyres, which are very well-known for extra strength and better performance:

  1. 225 45 R19 96H

  2. 225 40 R19 93H

  3. 225 55 R19 103V

  4. 235 45 R20 100V

  5. 255 45 R20 105H

  6. 215 55 R17 96H

  7. 255 35 R19 93H

  8. 205 45 R17 103H

  9. 225 45 R18 100H

  10. 225 50R17 105H

Can My Car Support Reinforced tyres?

If your car requires tougher tyres, you can opt for them as long as they are of the correct size. However, these types of products should be recommended for use in cars, especially those that are listed and recommended in the manual of the car. 

Run-flat tyres are associated with vans, 4x4s, big family cars, or any vehicle that may need to bear a large load. If you are unsure, visit the Tyre Savings Centre and let our tyre experts help you find out if your car requires reinforced tyres or not.

If you have to transport many things using a small car, such as heavy items, like when moving from one house to another, you may need to do it in many ways instead of acquiring four strong special tyres.