XL & Reinforced Tyres
XL & Reinforced Tyres In GuildfordThe Right Load Rating
XL (Extra Load) tyres have reinforced construction to carry more weight at higher pressures — needed on many SUVs, EVs, vans and cars that carry heavy loads. Fitting a lower-rated tyre isn't just unsafe, it can fail an MOT. We always match the correct load index.
Correct XL load index Required for many SUVs & EVs MOT-safe ratings Full brand range fitted
Does Your Car Need XL?
SUVs & crossovers
Extra weight often needs an XL rating
Electric & hybrid cars
Battery weight frequently requires XL
Vans & people carriers
Heavier loads mean reinforced tyres
Sidewall shows 'XL' or 'RF'
The marking that confirms extra load
XL Tyre Options
Extra Load, Every Budget
XL tyres are available across the range. The key isn't the tier — it's fitting the correct load index for your vehicle.
Budget XL
Lighter XL requirements
✓ Correct load index
- Genuine XL construction
- Road-legal, correctly rated
- Value option
Landsail, Rovelo XL
Check My PriceBest Value
Mid-Range XL
SUVs, EVs & daily loads
✓ Correct load index
- Strong XL casing
- Good wear under weight
- Quiet and grippy
Falken, Hankook, Toyo XL
Get My XL PricePremium XL
Heavy EVs, performance SUVs
✓ Correct load index
- Toughest reinforced construction
- Best braking under load
- Longest life
Michelin, Continental, Goodyear XL
Check My Price
Our Work
Inside the workshop In Guildford
A look at the team, the tools and the cars we look after every day at Giant AutoCare, Guildford.
Most Requested Tyres
Popular Tyres in Guildford
The tyre models Guildford drivers ask for most — fitted at our Guildford workshop. Use the filter to narrow by category, brand, size, or the car you drive. Call or WhatsApp to confirm availability and your exact price.
Bridgestone
Weather Control A005
- One of the UK's most popular all-weather tyres — A-rated for wet grip
- Available in dedicated SUV-rated sizes up to 21"
215/55 R17Popular on SUVs like the Ford Kuga
Get a Quote
Michelin
Pilot Sport 5
- 2026's benchmark performance tyre
- Best Tyre for Hot Hatches, 2026/27 industry awards — 4.8★
225/40 R18Popular on hot hatches like the VW Golf GTI
Get a QuoteMichelin
CrossClimate 2
- Widely regarded as the benchmark all-season tyre
- One set, year-round — no seasonal swaps needed
205/55 R16Popular family-car choice, e.g. Ford Focus
Get a Quote
Continental
PremiumContact 7
- Exceptional wet-weather braking performance
- A common OEM fit on BMW, Audi and Mercedes
225/45 R17Popular OEM fit for BMW
Get a QuoteBridgestone
Turanza T005
- One of the quietest touring tyres available
- Strong choice for comfortable family driving
205/55 R16Comfort-focused, suits cars like the Toyota Corolla
Get a QuoteMichelin
Primacy 4+
- The volume seller in 205/55 R16 — the UK's most common size
- Arguably the best all-round touring tyre on the market
205/55 R16Fits the Audi A3 in this size
Get a Quote
Pirelli
P Zero
- The go-to choice for performance and sports cars
- Outstanding dry-weather grip and cornering confidence
245/45 R18A famous OEM fit for Porsche
Get a QuoteMichelin
255/35 R19
- A popular Michelin fitment for BMW 5 Series, Audi S4 and Mercedes C-Class
- Low-profile luxury performance sizing
255/35 R19Fits the Mercedes C-Class in this size
Get a Quote
Goodyear
EfficientGrip Performance 2
- Outstanding wet braking and fuel economy
- Refined, everyday touring tyre
205/55 R16Popular family-car fitment, e.g. Vauxhall Astra
Get a QuoteGoodyear
Vector 4Seasons Gen-3
- One of the best all-season tyres available in the UK
- Ideal if you want one set of tyres year-round
205/60 R16Popular on family hatchbacks like the VW Golf
Get a Quote
Dunlop
Sport Maxx RT2
- Popular with drivers who want sporty handling at a fair price
- Strong sporting heritage, sharp steering response
225/40 R18Fits hot-hatch fitments like the Ford Focus ST
Get a Quote
Hankook
Ventus Prime
- The go-to "safety-first on a budget" pick
- Genuinely close to premium performance at a lower price
195/65 R15Common OEM fitment on Hyundai models
Get a QuoteMichelin
Primacy 4
- Reliable premium touring tyre for small and compact cars
- Long tread life and consistent wet performance
195/65 R15Popular on compact cars like the Toyota Yaris
Get a QuoteContinental
AllSeasonContact 2
- Strong all-round year-round performance
- A common all-season option for VW Golf and Polo
205/55 R16Popular on the VW Golf
Get a Quote
Yokohama
BluEarth-GT
- Well-rounded touring tyre with strong value
- Comfort, grip and low running costs in one tyre
205/55 R16Popular on cars like the Nissan Qashqai
Get a QuoteFalken
PerformanceFalken
Azenis FK510
- Well-regarded ultra-high-performance tyre
- Strong dry and wet grip for the money
245/45 R18Popular on performance saloons like the BMW 3 Series
Get a QuoteBridgestone
Turanza 6
- Won the 2026/27 family-car customer award — 4.7★
- Praised for everyday comfort and refinement
205/60 R16Popular family-car fitment, e.g. Ford Focus
Get a QuotePirelli
Cinturato P7
- Popular premium touring tyre and common OE fit
- Focused on efficiency and low road noise
225/45 R17Popular OEM fit for Audi
Get a QuoteMichelin
Energy Saver+
- Economy-focused premium touring tyre for small cars
- Low rolling resistance and a long tread life
185/65 R15Popular on superminis like the Kia Rio
Get a QuoteContinental
EcoContact 6
- Efficiency-focused tyre built for city driving
- Great for short trips and everyday economy
175/65 R14Popular on small cars like the Vauxhall Corsa
Get a QuoteGoodyear
Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6
- Premium ultra-high-performance tyre
- Excellent dry and wet grip with sharp response
235/40 R18Popular on performance cars like the Audi S3
Get a QuoteBridgestone
Potenza Sport
- Track-capable UHP tyre for sporty cars
- Strong braking and precise steering feel
235/40 R18Popular on the BMW M-Sport range
Get a QuoteHankook
Ventus S1 evo3
- Sporty performance tyre at a keen price
- Well-balanced wet and dry handling
215/45 R17Popular on warm hatches like the Skoda Fabia
Get a QuoteDunlop
BluResponse
- Efficient everyday touring tyre
- Good wet grip and low running costs
185/65 R15Popular on small cars like the Toyota Aygo X
Get a QuoteNo models match that exact combination.
Try removing a filter — or call us on 01252 323077 and we'll find your tyre.Stock changes daily across every model and size — call or WhatsApp us and we'll confirm what's ready to fit for your car here in Guildford.
Why Load Rating Matters
Why XL Is Not Optional
Load rating is one of the few tyre choices that's a legal and safety requirement, not a preference.
01
Carries the weight safely
XL tyres run higher pressures and stronger casings to support heavier vehicles without overheating or failing.
02
MOT compliance
Fitting a tyre with too low a load index can fail an MOT and invalidate insurance. We fit only the correct rating.
03
Matched to your car
Manufacturers specify a minimum load index for a reason. We read your car's data and match or exceed it.
04
Essential on EVs
Heavy battery packs mean many EVs and hybrids require XL tyres as standard — not an upgrade, a requirement.
05
Correct pressures set
XL tyres need the right (often higher) pressures to work safely. We set them precisely at fitting.
06
We check for you
Unsure if you need XL? We'll read your vehicle's placard and tyre data and tell you exactly what's required.
Our Tyre Fitters
People who
know their tyres.
Every fitter on our floor is trained, experienced and has been with us for years. Your wheels are in safe hands.
46+
Combined yrs
4
Specialists
100%
In-house
MT
Senior Tyre Fitter
Fitting, balancing & TPMS
WA
Wheel Alignment Specialist
Camber, caster & toe correction
EV
EV & Run-Flat Specialist
EV-rated, run-flat & OE fitments
SA
Service Advisor
Tyre quotes, sizes & bookings
Open Today · Same-Day Tyre Fitting
Need new tyres?
Fitted in under an hour.
Thousands of tyres fitted for drivers across Guildford. Call with your tyre size for an all-in quote — no pressure, no obligation.
All-In Pricing
Rated 4.9★ on Google
Price-Match Promise
All Major Brands
Same-day fitting · Free tyre check · No obligation · 4.9★ from 1,200+ reviews
Open Today
15K+
Tyres Fitted
4.9★
Google Rating
25yr
Experience
Not sure if you need XL? We'll check free.
Give us your reg and we'll confirm the exact load rating your car requires — no obligation.
Understanding Load Index
What The Numbers On Your Tyre Mean
That string of characters on your sidewall isn't random — part of it is the load rating that XL tyres boost.
The load index number
The two- or three-digit number before the speed letter (e.g. 91, 95, 102) sets the max weight per tyre. Higher = stronger.
The 'XL' or 'RF' mark
Extra Load or Reinforced. It means the tyre carries more weight at higher pressure than a standard tyre of the same size.
Never go lower
Fitting a lower load index than your car specifies is unsafe and an MOT failure. Equal or higher is the rule.
Pressures change too
XL tyres often need higher inflation pressures to deliver their rating — we set these correctly for your vehicle.
MOT
Why the wrong rating fails
An under-rated tyre can't safely carry your vehicle's weight — so fitting one below the manufacturer's specified load index is an MOT failure and a safety risk. XL tyres exist to meet that requirement on heavier cars. We always fit the correct index.
Give us your reg and we'll confirm the exact load rating your car needs — no guesswork.
Fitting SUV or EV tyres? Get the rating right.
Heavier cars usually need XL. We'll make sure your tyres carry the weight safely and pass the MOT.
Do You Actually Need New Tyres?
Six Signs It's Time To Replace
If any of these sound like your car, bring it in for a free check before it becomes an MOT failure or a fine.
Tread near 1.6mm
The legal minimum across the central three-quarters of the tyre. Below it, it's an instant MOT failure.
Cracks in the sidewall
Fine cracking means the rubber has perished. Common on cars that sit unused for long periods.
A bulge or egg-shaped lump
Usually kerb damage. The internal structure has failed and the tyre can blow out — replace it now, not next week.
Worn on one edge only
A classic alignment problem. New tyres alone won't fix it — the geometry needs setting up too.
Vibration through the wheel
Often a balancing issue, sometimes a deformed tyre. Either way it's wearing your suspension while you drive.
Over 6 years old
Check the 4-digit DOT code on the sidewall. Rubber hardens with age even with plenty of tread left.
1.6mm
The UK legal minimum tread depth
Measured across the central three-quarters of the tread, around the whole tyre. Most safety bodies recommend replacing at 3mm — wet braking falls off sharply below that, long before you're actually illegal.
The 20p test: push a 20p coin into the main tread groove. If you can see the outer band of the coin, your tread may be below the limit — get it checked.
Driving on an illegal tyre risks a £2,500 fine and 3 penalty points — per tyre. All four illegal means up to £10,000 and losing your licence.
Free tyre check — no appointment needed
Pop in and we'll check tread, pressures and condition on all four tyres. Takes 10 minutes, costs nothing, and there's no obligation to buy.
Tyre Size Guide
How to read
your tyre size.
Not sure what size you need? Every tyre has its size printed right on the sidewall. Here's exactly what each number means — so you can order with confidence.
Same-day fitting
Most sizes in stock
All major brands
Your tyre size is printed on the sidewall
Width
205
/
Profile
55
/
Rim Size
R16
Load & Speed
91V
01
205mm
Width
The width of the tyre across the tread, measured in millimetres from sidewall edge to edge.
02
55%
Profile
The sidewall height as a percentage of the width. Also called the aspect ratio — lower means sportier.
03
R16in
Rim Size
"R" means radial construction. 16 is the wheel diameter the tyre fits, measured in inches.
04
91V
Load & Speed
91 is the load index — the max weight each tyre can carry. V is the speed rating — the maximum safe speed.
In-stock sizes
Popular tyre sizes we carry
Most available for same-day fitting
175/65 R14
Common fit
185/60 R14
Common fit
185/65 R15
Common fit
195/55 R15
Common fit
195/60 R15
Common fit
195/65 R15
Best seller
205/55 R16
Best seller
205/60 R16
Common fit
205/65 R16
Common fit
215/55 R17
Common fit
215/60 R17
Common fit
225/45 R17
Popular
225/50 R17
Common fit
225/55 R17
Common fit
235/45 R17
Common fit
235/35 R18
Low profile
235/40 R18
Popular
245/40 R18
Sport fit
255/35 R19
Sport fit
275/35 R20
Premium
195/70 R15
Van fit
205/65 R15 C
Van / LCV
215/75 R16 C
Van / LCV
225/75 R16 C
Van fit
Simple Process
New Tyres In Four Steps
01
Enter Your Reg
We pull up the exact tyre sizes your car came with — no measuring, no guessing at the sidewall.
02
Pick Your Tier
Budget, mid-range or premium, with the fully-fitted price shown against each. Ask us if you're unsure.
03
Book Your Slot
Choose a time that suits you. Same-day slots are usually available on common sizes.
04
Fitted & Checked
Fitted, balanced, pressures set and alignment checked. Usually 30–45 minutes and you're away.
Every Budget Covered
Brands We Stock & Fit
Can't see yours? We can order almost any brand or size, usually for next-day fitting.
Michelin
Continental
Pirelli
Bridgestone
Goodyear
Dunlop
Falken
Hankook
Yokohama
Kumho
Toyo
GT Radial
Vredestein
Avon
Sumitomo
BF Goodrich
Nexen
Maxxis
Cooper
Nokian
Uniroyal
Accelera
Kenda
Davanti
Guildford Garage · 15+ Areas Nearby
Our workshop is right on your doorstep.
Giant Auto Care is a fixed garage based in Guildford. Customers drive to us from across Surrey — most are here within 15 minutes. Covering GU1–GU8, GU22 and GU23 postcodes and beyond.
15+
Nearby areas
<15 min
Most drives to us
Same day
Most bookings
25 yr
Serving Surrey
Areas that visit our Guildford workshop
GuildfordGU1
StoughtonGU2
Onslow VillageGU2
BurphamGU4
ShalfordGU4
MerrowGU4
WorplesdonGU3
SendGU23
GodalmingGU7
AshGU12
WokingGU22
CranleighGU6
Common Questions
XL Tyres — Answered
What does XL mean on a tyre?
XL stands for Extra Load — a tyre with reinforced construction that can carry more weight at higher pressure than a standard tyre of the same size. It's needed on many SUVs, EVs, vans and heavily-loaded cars. You may also see it marked 'RF' for Reinforced.
How do I know if my car needs XL tyres?
Your vehicle specifies a minimum load index, shown on the tyre placard (usually in the driver's door shut) and in the handbook. Many SUVs, electric and hybrid cars require XL-rated tyres. If you're unsure, give us your registration and we'll confirm exactly what your car needs.
Can I fit standard tyres instead of XL?
No — not if your car specifies XL or a load index that only XL tyres in that size meet. Fitting an under-rated tyre is unsafe, can fail an MOT and may affect your insurance. Always fit a tyre with an equal or higher load index than specified.
Do XL tyres need different pressures?
Often yes. XL tyres usually require higher inflation pressures to deliver their full load capacity. We set the correct pressures for your vehicle and load when we fit them.
How much are XL tyres in Guildford?
fully fitted for budget XL, around mid-range and+ for premium, depending on size. All prices include fitting, balancing, valve, disposal and VAT.
XL Tyres, Correctly Rated
Give us your reg and we'll fit the correct Extra Load tyre for your car — safe, legal and MOT-ready.
Find Us
Our Garage Is In Guildford
We're based right here in Guildford, Surrey — easy to reach from across the town and the surrounding areas. Pop in, or call ahead on 01252 323077 and we'll have everything ready for you.