XL or SL Tires – What’s the Difference?

Have you heard about loads of tires? There are two types of load capacities for passenger tires: Standard Load (SL) and Extra Load (XL). Both types indicate the maximum weight a tire can carry. But what’s the difference?

SL tires are the most common passenger tires. They cannot withstand heavy loads since their maximum load pressure is 35 psi (240 kPa) and they have no internal reinforcement in their construction. SL tires are therefore used for everyday work that doesn’t need to carry or endure heavy loads. Moreover, they are suitable for short trips with smaller distances.

In contrast, XL tires have a higher load capacity with a maximum load pressure of 41 psi (280 kPa) and also have reinforced internal structure, giving them extra strength and lower possibility of tire damage. XL tires are therefore used for tasks and projects which require heavy loads and better safety.

So, What’s the Difference?

XL tires can withstand higher pressure, which increases the load capacity of the tires and their maximum load. Furthermore, XL tires have a longer lifetime compared to SL tires. They have reinforced inner structures which give them better damage resistance and endurance against high-speed driving pressure. XL tires can also travel longer distances. The trade-off is that they tend to be more expensive as a result of the higher performance. 

If you are looking for general purpose applications, SL tires are enough and are more fuel-efficient, as their overall weight is lower. Plus, they are more budget-friendly compared to XL tires.

It’s time to choose! What is the goal of your projects? If the vehicle is for high-performance tasks, it needs XL tires and cannot be replaced by SL. In other words, it is okay to use XL tires for lower performance tasks. Therefore, it is best to understand the differences in order to avoid spending extra money on overqualified tires.

Still not sure which load capacity will fit your needs? You are welcome to reach out to us at OTRUSA.COM, or to give us a call at +1-855-687-8721. We have over 20 years of experience in the industry, and are happy to answer your questions and provide good quality tires to serve all your needs and maximize the performance of your vehicle.