XL vs. Regular tyres?

[IMC]

I am now looking to get myself some winter tyres and decided to go with the Nokian WR D4 or A4, what I noticed is that the XL rated tyres are cheaper than the regular 91 load index. So I was wondering is there some reason for that, are they in any way worse than the regular ones, also should I expect any difference in ride and handling if I go for the XL?

Just always thought that the XLs would cost more than regular and it got me wondering.

 

[JACUPRA280]

I am now looking to get myself some winter tyres and decided to go with the Nokian WR D4 or A4, what I noticed is that the XL rated tyres are cheaper than the regular 91 load index. So I was wondering is there some reason for that, are they in any way worse than the regular ones, also should I expect any difference in ride and handling if I go for the XL?

Just always thought that the XLs would cost more than regular and it got me wondering.

I have Nokian WR D4. Incredible tyres.

No idea on the load thingy. XL sounds familiar though.

 

[CupraRobX]

XL = Xtra Load and so will have additional tyre wall strengthening and thickening of the tyres face under the tread. XL's are designed for performance cars so I'd only fit XL's personally.

 

[Walone]

I believe XL stands for Extra Load so unless you are going to be putting a lot of extra weight in the car over winter I wouldn't buy even if cheaper, I think the ride/noise may suffer.

See this article, may help.

http://www.oponeo.co.uk/tyre-article/reinforced-tyres-advantages-and-disadvantages .

 

[Jonno02]

For anything that can even be remotely considered "performance related" always go XL.

 

[Walone]

I am now looking to get myself some winter tyres and decided to go with the Nokian WR D4 or A4, what I noticed is that the XL rated tyres are cheaper than the regular 91 load index. So I was wondering is there some reason for that, are they in any way worse than the regular ones, also should I expect any difference in ride and handling if I go for the XL?

Just always thought that the XLs would cost more than regular and it got me wondering.

You don't say what car you are going to fit them to as this would make a difference.

 

[IMC]

You don't say what car you are going to fit them to as this would make a difference.

It is a 1.8TSI 5DR, so I don't think they would make much difference, just read in a couple of places that they are a bit more noisy than the regulars and the ride is firmer. So that's what I was thinking are the XLs that much more uncomfortable, is it worth as a sacrifice having in mind that they are initially a bit cheaper and should last longer.

 

[DEAN0]

Just consider that SEAT fit and specify the XL rated tyres on many of it's cars.

Check with your insurance if you are putting the non XL rated tyres.

 

[IMC]

Just consider that SEAT fit and specify the XL rated tyres on many of it's cars.

Check with your insurance if you are putting the non XL rated tyres.

Mine has the regular 91LI tyres, so I shouldn't have issues with fitting both options.

 

[Walone]

Mine has the regular 91LI tyres, so I shouldn't have issues with fitting both options.

Same here but it's a 1.4 ACT FR ST. 91W tyres.

 

[niggle]

I had 94V XL Toyo winter tyres on a Golf Mk5 for 4 years with no issues. Bought in November it was them or nothing.

 

[IMC]

Thanks to everyone for the comments, I have ordered a set of Rial Kodiaks (graphite) and Nokian WR A4 XL, size is 225/45/17. I know that the WR D4 are great and only read positive comments regarding them, but decided to go for the newer model and a bit more performance oriented (at least that is what Nokian are saying ) so hoping everything will go well.

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Seat Leon FR 1.8 TSI DSG, MY16, Alor Blue
Nissan Pulsar 1.2DiG-T CVT