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AWD Discussion A forum dedicated to the AWD systems fitted to Volvo cars. |
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Awd useless. Waste of time. Why did i bother!Views : 25892 Replies : 81Users Viewing This Thread : |
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Nov 22nd, 2016, 03:51 | #41 | |
Flaccid Member
Last Online: Jun 2nd, 2024 00:14
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: Norwich
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Nov 22nd, 2016, 08:46 | #42 |
Senior Member
Last Online: Jul 1st, 2022 18:47
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: Aberdeenshire
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Interesting thread this as we are planning on a xc60 next year. We run Goodyear vector 4seasons on the v70 and Clio van, I would put these on the xc60.
As for the awd issues some have had I guess that it's like any 4x4 etc- more to go wrong than a 2wd but it all depends on how well it's been looked after by previous owners. Simple things like uneven tyre wear level of tyres can eventually ruin diffs etc It's a bit like engines- you can have a perfectly good engine but if someone runs it on cheap oil/wrong grade there is a chance the next owner(s) will be picking up the bill. |
Nov 22nd, 2016, 20:47 | #43 |
Classic P80 1999 BiFuel
Last Online: May 14th, 2024 12:59
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Location: 48mph Middle Lane M4
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I've banged-on in another thread about 'winters'. Brilliant things. All you'll ever need when the roads get cold and wet. Not jsut for snow.
Better than a 4x4 on snow with summer tyres, because if you think about it, and you'll see evidence of this, a 4x4 can't stop or steer any better. Winters is all you really need. Should be a legal requirement. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=elP_34ltdWI
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Bifuel V70 Classic 1999 [The Old Grumpy in the Corner, "When I was a lad... blah, bl**dy blah."] |
Nov 22nd, 2016, 22:46 | #44 | |
Trader Volvo in my veins
Last Online: Yesterday 21:49
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Anglesey
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Quote:
My brother had gravel rally tyres on his 140 in the worst snow on Anglesey I had ever seen. Grip was very good and he used it to pull out a few stuck/crashed cars |
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Nov 23rd, 2016, 16:54 | #45 |
from C30 to XC60
Last Online: Aug 28th, 2023 07:55
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Braintree, Essex
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I went for the all season option...can't comment on snow use yet but so far so good.
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Nov 23rd, 2016, 18:16 | #46 |
Flaccid Member
Last Online: Jun 2nd, 2024 00:14
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Location: Norwich
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My theory is winters "cook" too easily with fast driving and the make up of the rubber is irreversibly changed.
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Nov 26th, 2016, 18:54 | #47 |
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Last Online: Nov 17th, 2018 14:12
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Location: Wells
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I think the definition of summer tyres however varies hugely.
I had a Subaru Legacy Spec B some years ago, and I used to run it on Bridgestone Potenzas. They wore well but in the wet they were hideous. Bear in mind this car was on 18 inch wheels which were not particularly wide. When they wore out, I went cheaper and got a set of Toyo Proxes. Wet handling was transformed, in fact, grip generally improved but they didn't last as long in terms of mileage. Rain, snow or heat of the summer, all handled with no bother. Never had a moment where I ever doubted the car. For those who live in the highlands or the Pennines I can see the point of winter tyres, but I went through several snow days in my Subaru and the only thing that ever stopped me was traffic that was stuck and couldn't move on snow. It is obvious that any Volvo on low profile rubber that is common fare on a hot hatch or German saloon is going to struggle regardless of whether it is AWD or not. Personally I would prefer an AWD car in all situations. Firstly, punchy engines driving only the front wheels is not a good thing, and secondly, the stability and additional safety provided by AWD is worth the extra outlay in my book. Anyone living in a rural area would be better off having an AWD car if they can stretch to it if you ask me. I've had a range of cars in my driving career and been lucky enough to drive a lot of serious metal extensively, the Subaru was by far the most accomplished in every day all season driving. I think a lot of tyre manufacturers are now offering tyres that cater toward wider climatic conditions. Of course in the Nordic countries and on the continent winter tyres are now mandatory in most areas, but in Britain I don't think we get enough winter weather to warrant it. I'd rather spend the cash on some better tyres to start with, rather than some budget things from Bombay tyres inc. They stop better in the wet and you get more life from them as well. Also steering feel can be improved which is a valuable thing in itself as anyone with a passion for spirited driving will attest to. Plenty of videos showing how AWD contributes to enhanced safety in all situations on youtube. It's not just for when it snows. |
Nov 26th, 2016, 18:56 | #48 |
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Last Online: Nov 17th, 2018 14:12
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Location: Wells
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Being a different compound and with a peculiar tread pattern I would be concerned that steering feel would be eliminated which is not a nice thing to have to contend with. Look at all the BMWs with run flats. You might as well be steering with pieces of string.
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Nov 26th, 2016, 20:49 | #49 |
Premier Member
Last Online: Feb 29th, 2024 15:46
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Barnard Castle
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In what conditions did winter tyres disappoint ? Looking at your location - Norwich - I suspect it was not snow. In the North Pennines, winters (or all-seasons) on FWD work very well. However, if you had problems on ice, for example, then any UK-legal tyre is going to let you down. For ice you need studs. In Sweden I experienced the local taxi drivers (with studs) driving on ice and snow as if the roads were completely normal. Quite scary to begin with until you realise they know exactly what they are doing.
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2015: XC60 D4 FWD SE Lux Nav 190hp manual, Osmium Grey, 17" Segin, Tempa, Winter Illumination, Security, Family, DSP, 4C, HK Sound, Subwoofer, Front Parking, Rear Camera, Dark Tinted, Power Passenger Seat, Speed and Heated Steering. |
Nov 26th, 2016, 20:56 | #50 |
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Last Online: Feb 29th, 2024 15:46
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Well perhaps for true winters, but the all-season treads must be designed to run (also) in warmer conditions. I suspect the all-season rubber is probably a half-way house between true winter and summer, with the all-season also having the important sipes to grip the snow.
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2015: XC60 D4 FWD SE Lux Nav 190hp manual, Osmium Grey, 17" Segin, Tempa, Winter Illumination, Security, Family, DSP, 4C, HK Sound, Subwoofer, Front Parking, Rear Camera, Dark Tinted, Power Passenger Seat, Speed and Heated Steering. |
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