I'm currently in the market for replacement tires and am considering Michelin Pilot Sport 4S...I have 19s. Michelin supposedly has had production issues and not all retailers have the tires available. I've noticed that I can purchase these tires with an XL or SL load rating. I believe this is characteristic to the sidewall stiffness. What would be preferable for our cars and is it ok to mix a standard load rating on the fronts with an XL rating on the rears and vice versa? Thanks all.

 

In fact I have/do.
I have upsized the rears with the slightly less load ratings than on the fronts. I also very slightly dropped the air pressure in the rears.
I feel the car has better balance and handling now then it ever has. Purely subjective, of course.

All the steering response and tight road handling on the front. All the grip and “plantedness” on the road on the rear. It may not be for everyone.
I prefer driving NOT on expressways. Country curved and ever changing elevations are my favourite.

 

Will XL or SL be a noticeable difference in ride comfort? I've noticed that most of the tires available have an XL rating. I just noticed that my original factory Dunlops have a load rating of 94Y/fronts and 96Y/rears which is lower than even the replacement SL Michelins... I'm not crazy about a super stiff ride... Wouldn't that lead me to believe I should be looking for a SL load rating if I want a similar ride comfort to the standard factory tires?

 

As you're running 19s, I suspect you won't find it uncomfortable.
https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiret...220426012421:s

Some tire choices have softer sidewalls with the same load ratings. It is worthwhile to find the tire of your personal preference. You may find you prefer the ride on "All Seasons", as they are typically "more comfortable". And not spec an aggressive "summer" sport tire.
There are plenty of choices. The reviews and tests at TireRack are worthwhile for a perspective.

My Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 "All Seasons" are on 19s and are significantly softer than my Michelin Pilot Sport 4S "Summers", on 20s.

 

Thanks Guy.....I've pretty much always stuck with Michelin, but did look at the DWS 06 as well. I thought the tread blocks were somewhat large and might become a cupping/feathering issue as well as noise. I like the pricing and reviews. I'll keep them in mind if I have any issues purchasing the Pilot 4S. Michelin had stopped producing certain tires for awhile, and I'm concerned about getting an older production date.

 

Please don't turn this into a Tire Thread????
Please???

 

@bocatrip , based on your comments about "super stiff ride" I think you'd be happier with the all-season Conti's.

And perhaps stating the obvious, all too often I find people/tire shops over inflate the tires. Pressures are written to the door jamb. Its the best starting point.

 

I apply that to my XKR and my Goldwing DCT Tour driving habits religiously!

 

@bocatrip , XL's were originally recommended for our cars, for performance reasons I suspect. XL does have a beefed up sidewall but also reinforced under the tread. The XL will last longer than SL's, They are noisier and less fuel efficient. How much so? I'm no help there.

As @guy indicated, your driving style is going to be the best determining factor. If you use your car to cruise around town running errands, you'll probably want the quieter softer ride from the Standard Load. They won't last very long.

If your driving is more spirited, the XL will be the one for you. I don't have experience driving on SL's in any of my Jaguars or MB's, just the Cadillac SRX and comparing that ride to the XK is apples and oranges so no help for you there.

 

Sean...After 14,200 miles, I'm currently still driving on my 12 year old original factory Dunlop Sport SP 07s which is a fairly firm ride. Load rating is 96Y/rears and 94Y/fronts. I'm sure they are summer tires. If the XLs are not much firmer, I'll should be ok. PS...Incredibly the Dunlop original sidewalls have no evidence of dry rot.

 

Wow! I have never got 12 years out of a tire. I’d suspect the tire compound has hardened and they don’t grip or flex as they should??