Load Range XL vs E: What is the Difference
Car tires are categorized based on different aspects, one of them being the load range. The load range or load rating helps determine the ply rating of a tire. The more the plies, the higher tire pressure it can withstand at maximum load. When in the market for new tires, you may easily find yourself in a dilemma between the common XL and E-rated tires.
The XL load range refers to the tires that are suitable for passenger vehicles and sometimes can handle heavier loads. These offer the perfect balance between comfort and performance. The E-load range, on the other hand, is primarily designed for lighter trucks and vehicles that tend to carry heavy loads. These tires provide just the higher load capacity that you need for such tasks with a robust construction to boot.
This article delves deeper into the topic, giving a comparative review of the two tire load ranges to give you a better insight.
Load Range XL vs E
If you have handled cars for a while now, you may have noticed several initials and writings on the tires. But not many people understand what they mean, only that they describe different features on the tire. We shall focus on the XL- and E-rated tires and what these mean in a tire.
To put it simply, the XL-rated tires have a robust construction that is well-suited for passenger vehicles and guarantees a comfortable and smooth ride. Meanwhile, the E-rated tires are designed for light trucks, and hence come with a lower speed rating, and higher load capacity and are stiffer.
Load Range XL Tires
XL tires, also extra load tires, appear at the top of the list in terms of strength in passenger tires. They come with an internal reinforced construction that can handle an optimal load pressure of 41psi. This reinforced internal construction is achieved from the extra materials used in their production, applied mostly on the tire’s shoulders to give them extra strength. Moreover, this reinforcement works to protect the tires from damage resulting from road impact and reduces the likelihood of deflection.
As mentioned above, the Xl is the strongest in the passenger tires category, which includes the LL and SL, with four plies. Hence, they are well equipped to handle heavier load pressures. This explains why they are the ideal tires for situations requiring enhanced tire safety or a higher load capacity.
Pros
- They have enhanced durability
- These tires reduce the chances of accidental curb damage
- They are suitable for off-roading
- They can handle larger and heavier loads
- Their rigidity offers a good cornering ability and road grip
Cons
- These tires have a higher demand for fuel
- They tend to be relatively noisy
Load Range E Tires
The E-rating on tires can have two separate meanings. For one, it could refer to the tire’s speed rating (usually denoted by such alphabetic codes). The other meaning is that it indicates the tire’s load rating. We will focus on the latter.
E-rated tires signify that the tire has 10 plies. There are the E1-rated tires with a maximum pressure limit of 80psi and the E2 with a maximum pressure limit of 65psi. It is important to note that this load rating only applies to light trucks. This is because while regular passenger vehicles have 4 plies, light trucks have anywhere between 6 and 14 plies.
Pros
- They are durable
- These tires are suitable for ferrying heavy loads
- They offer an excellent grip on the road and have enhanced cornering abilities
Cons
- They are noisy compared to passenger tires
- They contribute to poor fuel economy in your car
Final Verdict
Both the XL and E-rated tires are suited differently. If you are looking to equip your passenger vehicle with a stronger tire to occasionally carry heavy loads, the XL-rated tires are the best. If you own a light truck or generally use your vehicle for carrying heavy loads, the best tires to go for are the E-rated ones.
FAQs
Do XL Tires Use More Fuel?
The XL tires come with several advantages such as resistance to road damage compared to the standard tires. They are also designed to handle higher speeds. However, one main drawback of these tires is that they lead to poor fuel economy.
How Much Weight Can the E-rated Tires Handle?
The E-rated tires are quite effective as they are designed to offer the required load durability. In ideal conditions, they can handle 1520 lbs at 80 psi without having any issues. This explains why they are ideal for light trucks.
Which Passenger Tires Make More Noise?
The XL has been found to make the most noise when compared to other passenger tires. However, by regulation, they are only allowed to make one decibel louder than standard tires. They are slightly louder than their SL counterparts.
Conclusion
We hope that this article has helped you understand the differences between the XL and E-rated tires. When it comes to choosing one, you need to consider the type of car you have. You are also advised to refer to the owner’s manual as to whether you can use them in your specific model.
