What are the best tyres to put on an XC90?

[mauser1905]

I have been thinking of getting a winter set for my MY13 xc90 exec which comes with 19" galateia alloys.

Been pointed to tirerack.com and factoryreproductions.com for getting bargains by a colleague of mine who has jeep SRT8 limited edition. He was quoted £800 per pc at front and £1100 per pc rear alloys by jeep uk. however he got his alloys from factoryreproductions at $200 each.

Shame factoryrep. doesnt have Volvo in their list, however there must be some matching pcd and offset alloys in their list! Have to do more web research into this.

Any pointers will be very appreciated.

regards.

[60041]

Originally Posted by mauser1905

I have been thinking of getting a winter set for my MY13 xc90 exec which comes with 19" galateia alloys.

regards.

When I bought my Exec, the dealer advised dropping a size for winter wheels, ie down to 18"
I found a nice set of Camulus wheels on Ebay for £500 and fitted them with Nokian WR G2's which I found were superb in the snow last winter.
If you look in the sales section of this forum, there are 2 people selling sets of 18" wheels for a reasonable price.

[mauser1905]

Originally Posted by 60041

When I bought my Exec, the dealer advised dropping a size for winter wheels, ie down to 18"

Thanks for the information. Did dealer explain why size down to 18"?

regards.

[60041]

Originally Posted by mauser1905

Thanks for the information. Did dealer explain why size down to 18"?

regards.

A lot has to do with the narrower tyres fitted to the 18" wheels; 235 instead of 255, which are better in bad conditions. Diameter must also come into play somewhere as Volvo recommend 17" wheels for the extreme winters in Scandinavia.

Actually, I much prefer the feel of the car on 18" wheels instead of 19's, the higher profile tyres do not crash into potholes and the ride is vastly superior; I was very tempted to leave them on all year round and most likely will do once the 19" tyres are worn out.

The advantage of buying Camulus wheels is that, at first glance, they look just like the Galatea wheels that came with the car.

[detgnome]

18" tyres will also be cheaper. The diameter should be the same 18 or 19"

[Nick2]

Thanks to this brilliant thread I have had 4 wheel alignment done today and 4 new Goodyear Wranglers fitted. The alignment was way out and it needed lots of adjustments. Result is like driving a new car and I am very pleased.

Nick

[mauser1905]

As of today I have read every single page on this thread.

I really like the idea of going for 17" alloys with wintracs 4 extreme or WR SUV3.

Also having a little higher profile for tyres may protect the kerbing and more smoother ride.

I also recall from thread someone mentioning mid Oct to Nov plenty of winter tyre stock and as such competitive pricing.

On the note of having wheel alignment off, is this not covered within the warranty?

regards.

[RoyMacDonald]

Originally Posted by mauser1905

As of today I have read every single page on this thread.

I really like the idea of going for 17" alloys with wintracs 4 extreme or WR SUV3.

Also having a little higher profile for tyres may protect the kerbing and more smoother ride.

I also recall from thread someone mentioning mid Oct to Nov plenty of winter tyre stock and as such competitive pricing.

On the note of having wheel alignment off, is this not covered within the warranty?

regards.

No.

Wheel alignment depends on what you hit on the road besides wear and tear on the suspension components. Pot holes etc. No way for the manufacturer to have control over the state of the roads. Volvo will only guarantee the tracking for three months.

At least it's all adjustable on the XC90. My wife's Toyota Yaris only has adjustment on the front and the back is out. Fortunately it's a light car.

In practice I'd say once a year is OK for alignment unless you have hit some exceptional pothole or had work done on the suspension.

[Mervin]

I have a four wheel alignment done every four months. The check is free and only pay if adjustment necessary. Only had to pay for one adjustment during the last 12 months.

[Nick2]

I have just had 4 new tyres - Goodyear Wranglers and 4 wheel alignment done. My old Continentals were pretty much shot and the alignment was way out. Result is that it feels like a new car in the way it steers and handles. I regret not having alignment done before. I will have it done regularly from now on.

Nick