Wheel and tyre size
 

Hi all

I've got an '08 V70 D5 SE Sport and, generally, I'm very happy with it, it does everything I need, it's comfortable, fast enough and I like not having a new car. My only niggle currently is more with the roads near where I live (rural Devon) and tomorrow I've got to organise a second alloy to be repaired from pothole damage in about 8 weeks. The tyre size is 245/40 R18 Y93 and I'm wondering if it would be worth (or possible) to get smaller wheels and a higher profile tyres and whether this would protect the wheels more from potholes or would it compromise the ride of the car and other things? I'd be interested to hear others' thoughts on this.
All the best

If you have a look on www.wheel-size.com it usually list the common wheel sizes fitted to a specific platform. I think some V70s had 16” wheels - but if you find some make sure they will fit over the brakes before you buy.

Brazenly stolen from a neighbouring thread - lists wheel fitted to a V70 model…..

https://accessories.volvocars.com/en...#section_wheel

I was interested to see that our V70 (2008 model SE Lux) is on 225/50/17. This is the same size as our Skoda Yeti. The ride couldn't be more different, and I've seen several posts on the Yeti forum where owners have found the ride too hard and we're considering looking to change to 16" wheels and higher profile tyres. We certainly find the ride very comfortable in the V70. I know there's a difference in wheelbase (about 8½") and there will other suspension differences too I guess.

I had VW company cars for 13 years (Golf & Passat) and always found them typically hard riding - also BMW's when I've driven them. Another reason why I love my Volvo...

I agree, particularly the sportier models. I read quite a lot of adverse comments about the seats on some BMW models being uncomfortable too. In terms of comfort the V70 seats are a reminder of those in the Saab 900 and 9000. They were recognised as being just about as good as they get.

Before I test drove my XC70, I test drove a similar Mercedes model and couldn't wait to get out of it as the seats were really hard and uncomfortable. When I sat in the Volvo I knew that if it drove well I'd buy it for the seats alone! Whatever other problems IU may have with this car, the seats are faultless for me.

Your tyres should be 97 load rating, not 93. 97 are termed "extra load", as they have reinforced sidewalls due to the weight they need to support. With 93's there is a chance your tyres are not robust enough to prevent damage when crashing that weight over potholes, especially if your pressures are low. I have had the same wheels as you on my S80 for the past 8 years and 130k miles and haven't suffered damage despite terrible roads on my daily commute. Hope this helps.