Yokohama Rubber begins production of high load tires

Hiratsuka, Japan – Yokohama Rubber Co. Ltd (YRC) has begun the production and sale of high load capacity (HLC) tires, the Japanese tire maker has announced.

The products are designed for use on 'heavy duty' passenger cars, such as electric and hybrid vehicles with high-capacity batteries, as well as large SUVs.

The tires, explained YRC, have been developed as the OE on new cars as well as for the replacement segment, in-line with market demand.

The Japanese group said its conventional extra load (XL) standard tires had “difficulty” in maintaining the load-capacity of such heavy-duty vehicles.

In response, the group has established HLC as a new tire-size in the passenger car tire category of European Tire & Rim Technical Organistion (ETRTO) standards.

Comparing the load capacities of 275/35R23 size tires, YRC said conventional XL tires weigh 900kg with a load index of 104.

By contrast, equivalent HLC tires weigh 1,000kg and offer a load index of 108 for each wheel.

According to YRC, the new tires employ “advanced technology” to ensure 'quietness' and handling stability while maintaining high-load durability.

HLC tires are also claimed to generate less heat and strain under high loads compared to standard tires.

YRC said it achieved a balance between load durability and other performance characteristics “through repeated simulations of failures caused by high loads.”