What does R20 mean in tire size?
The letter R in the example “P245/50R20 102V” stands for “radial,” which means that the tire’s layers were constructed to run radially throughout the tire. Speed Rating – Z – This only appears on Z-speed rated tires which means they can operate over 149 mph (More to come on Speedrating) Internal Construction – R – The “R” identifies the tire’s internal construction. In this case, “R” stands for radial contruction.ZR shown on the sidewall of your tire is a reference to the tire’s speed rating. Historically, the speed rating ZR on a tire meant that the construction of the tire could reach of 150 miles or 240 kilometers per hour. Today, a tire labeled ZR, has more capabilities than before.On the sidewall of your tire (or the sticker in the driver’s door, or the owner’s manual), the speed rating is defined by a letter right next to the load rating.The Michelin XZL 11. R20 is a true heavy-duty, all-terrain radial originally designed for tactical and military wheeled vehicles. Built for rugged performance, this surplus tire delivers superior traction, durability and versatility in sand, mud, snow, rock, and highway conditions. Michelin XZL All-Terrain Radial Tires | Sizes: 255/100R16, 12. R20, 16. R20, 365/80R20, 365/85R20, 395/85R20, 24R21. The Michelin XZL is an all-terrain, all-position radial tire for on and off road machines, including emergency response, military, and construction vehicles.Michelin 4X4 O/R XZL. The Michelin 4X4 O/R XZL delivers exceptional off-road capability with battle-tested durability. Originally designed for military applications, this tire features aggressive self-cleaning tread blocks, reinforced sidewalls, and outstanding puncture resistance.The Michelin XZL is a rugged radial tyre designed for serious off-road use, with a reputation built on military and expedition applications. Its open-tread pattern offers excellent traction on loose surfaces including mud, sand and snow, while the reinforced casing ensures durability under heavy loads.
What does XL mean on Michelin tires?
Reinforced tyres, formerly marked REINF on the sidewall (for reinforced), are now called XL (Extra Load), as opposed to SL (Standard Load). The load index of the tyre (which is marked on the sidewall of the tyre) is higher on an XL tyre than on an SL tyre, which means that it is able to support a heavier vehicle. XL (or Reinforced) tyres are ‘extra load’ tyres – they indicate that a tyre is reinforced to be able to withstand a higher load than other tyres of the same size.However, you may find these tires marked as Standard Load (SL) or Extra Load (XL or Reinforced). Both have a 4-ply rating, but the Extra Load can support additional load at up to 42 PSI while the Standard Load is 36 PSI.
What does Z mean on Michelin tires?
Z means that the tire has been tested over 149 mph, but doesn’t indicate how far over. The Y rating basically puts the cap at 186 mph. Except here, the designation is in parentheses, indicating that the tire has been tested above 186 mph. As manufacturers continue to add speed to their vehicles, tire speed ratings evolve to match the speeds. For example, Z was the highest rated speed at 149+ until W & Y were used to match the higher speeds of exotic sports cars.For example, when you repair a sidewall on an H, V, or Z-rated tire, you should no longer use the tire at extreme speeds. Similarly, if you repair a hole smaller than 1/4-inch in the tread, the original speed rating may no longer apply. If customers plan high-speed activities, replacing the tire is the safest option.