The First ‘HL’ Load Index Tyre enters the OTC

Today marks the arrival of the world’s first HL tyre into the world’s largest tyre catalogue. Continental’s new HL275/35R22 tyre is the first ‘Heavy Load’ capacity tyre to be manufactured and it joins the 372,000 other tyres in CAM’s extensive Online Tyre Catalogue.  Significantly this step marks the availability of this exciting new tyre not only for OEM fitments, but also for retail replacements. Inclusion in CAM’s OTC ensures that the UK & Irish tyre industry have immediate stock and availability information via CAMEO, e-jobsheet and MIDAS.

What is an HL tyre? The ‘HL’ or Heavy Load designation is an new industry standard created by the The European Tyre and Rim Technical Organisation or ETRTO for short.  

The HL standard differentiates from the existing SL and XL standards, by offering higher load capacity – almost 25% extra - but at the same inflation pressure. It is this higher load capacity that makes HL tyres ideal for large, powerful cars and SUVs with electric or hybrid drive

In practical terms, on the sidewall, products with the new maximum load capacity display the HL code ahead of the size “HL 275/35 R22”.

So how can an HL tyre deliver this trade-off? Dr. Stefan Habicht at Continental explains what tyre structure changes were required to make their latest release.

“In terms of construction, we reinforced the bead and enhanced the contour of the tyre to reduce tyre/road noise. At the same time we also optimized the pattern compound. As a result, we were able to achieve low rolling resistance, ensure precision handling and keep mileage at its customary high level.”