Tire Load Range Sl Xl

When it comes to passenger tires there are two types of load capacities to consider.

Tire load range sl xl. The xl stands for extra load and means the sidewalls of the tire are stronger and capable of handling heavy load requirements. Light load branded as ll on the sidewall has a maximum load pressure of 35 psi. For example a light truck tire with a load index of 120 116 means a load capacity for a single tire of 3 086 pounds and a load capacity of 2 756 pounds for two tires. But even cars like the prius can require xl tires due to the weight of the battery.

Light truck tires have two load indexes on the sidewall of the tire unlike passenger tires which only have one. Technically there s also light load but they re highly uncommon and pretty specific so we won t get into it. This is because light truck tires are often used on vehicles with dual rear wheels. Check the tire sidewall to find the letter that indicates the load range.

This designation has nothing to do with their load index which determines the maximum weight a tire can carry but rather notes whether or not the. If you re in the market for tires or interested in changing tire sizes or switching from one type of tire to another it is important to understand load range what it means and how to identify it so that you install the right tires to accommodate your vehicle s intended use. In many cases it is obvious why you would need xl tires especially for limousines trucks and utility vehicles. Lt sized tires featuring section widths of 305mm 12 50 or wider have their.

Listed below are the air pressures at which maximum load is rated for popular p metric and lt tires. Light truck tires lt designate ranges in ascending alphabetical order with load range b representing a 4 ply rating at 35. Standard load sl and extra load xl. Extra load xl has a maximum load pressure of 41 psi.

Lt metric lt flotation and lt numeric tires are branded with their load range load range e or lre or their ply rating 10 ply rated on their sidewalls and list their appropriate load range letter in their descriptions as lt245 75r 16 e 7 50r 15 d or 31x10 50r 15 c. There are letters on the tire s sidewall that correspond with tire load range historically known as the tire ply. However you may find these tires marked as standard load sl or extra load xl or reinforced.