What tyres? (fullsize spare)

[844PHW]

I have been looking into getting a fullsize spare wheel for my forthcoming XC60 (D3 manual). One of the issues is the tyres. A previous thread says that XC60s come with Pirelli P ZERO ROSSO. Now these tyres have a general type and a directional type apparently. Directional tyres would scupper the idea of a fullsize spare as only one side could be catered for. (Or at least, one web site says that running a directional tyre backwards merely eliminates its special advantage).
For clarification, can any current owners post specific details of the tyres they received the car with (and in particular whether they were symmetrical/assymmetric/directional)?
Thanks in advance.

[darbs]

Originally Posted by 844PHW

I have been looking into getting a fullsize spare wheel for my forthcoming XC60 (D3 manual). One of the issues is the tyres. A previous thread says that XC60s come with Pirelli P ZERO ROSSO. Now these tyres have a general type and a directional type apparently. Directional tyres would scupper the idea of a fullsize spare as only one side could be catered for. (Or at least, one web site says that running a directional tyre backwards merely eliminates its special advantage).
For clarification, can any current owners post specific details of the tyres they received the car with (and in particular whether they were symmetrical/assymmetric/directional)?
Thanks in advance.

never heard that these tyres have a directional type. do you know if there's any marking on the tyre to show what type it is? if you know, i'll happily take a look at mine for you.

[ExMercR]

Originally Posted by darb

never heard that these tyres have a directional type. do you know if there's any marking on the tyre to show what type it is? if you know, i'll happily take a look at mine for you.

According to this website http://www.thetreadshop.co.uk/Tyre-N...Explained.aspx

directional/assymetric tyres will have an arrow to show the rotational direction and "outside" on the outer tyre wall.

[darbs]

i've found a difference in the tread pattern....

http://www.pirelli.com/tyre/gb/en/ca...ero_rosso.html

these are the treads on my car....

they are the asymmetrical pattern. can be used on any wheel.



verified here:
http://www.pirelli.com/tyre/gb/en/su...ero_rosso.html (the asymmetric is SUV specific)

[wimorrison]

Originally Posted by 844PHW

I have been looking into getting a fullsize spare wheel for my forthcoming XC60 (D3 manual). One of the issues is the tyres. A previous thread says that XC60s come with Pirelli P ZERO ROSSO. Now these tyres have a general type and a directional type apparently. Directional tyres would scupper the idea of a fullsize spare as only one side could be catered for. (Or at least, one web site says that running a directional tyre backwards merely eliminates its special advantage).
For clarification, can any current owners post specific details of the tyres they received the car with (and in particular whether they were symmetrical/assymmetric/directional)?
Thanks in advance.

Why do you want a full size spare, it will take up a LOT of space the and supplied spacesaver tyre is perfectly safe and adequate when used as directed?

[844PHW]

Originally Posted by wimorrison

Why do you want a full size spare, it will take up a LOT of space the and supplied spacesaver tyre is perfectly safe and adequate when used as directed?

It's the "when used as directed" bit that is worrying. I have a spacesaver on my current Avensis. I have only had to use it when parked in town, so I was able to take the damaged one to a tyre fitter and I left the car parked with the spacesaver. I wouldn't want to have driven far on that configuration no matter how safe it is said to be when used as directed. On the other hand my previous vehicle was an Espace and that had a fullsize spare. I also had occasion to use that spare and the experience was entirely satisfactory with no worries or inconvenience. Just change the wheel and off you go with no restrictions.
Of course there is the issue of when you get two or more punctures, but that is another story.

I haven't resolved the issue of how best to carry a fullsize spare in an XC60 yet.

[wimorrison]

Originally Posted by 844PHW

...

I haven't resolved the issue of how best to carry a fullsize spare in an XC60 yet.

Good luck, when I picked up my winter tyres I could only fit 2 into the car at a time. Perhaps you should nip down to the dealer and look at the options before you go down the route of a full size spare, the car is designed for the spacesaver and I fear that a full size just won't fit in - unless you only plan to use the boot for a tyre

[XC60KEV]

Originally Posted by wimorrison

Good luck, when I picked up my winter tyres I could only fit 2 into the car at a time.

Agreed. I had to make two trips the the DPD depot to collect my tyres and that was with the rear seats folded down too. It could take 3 but not 4. Think the quesiton I'd be asking is how far away am I ever away from a Kwik fit/ATS etc. The space saver is just a short term solution to keep you mobile and to get you to a tyre dealer.

[henry S]

I had 2 punctures in 2 weeks and had to use small space saver spare. It upset the traction control with loss of power on several occasions when pulling away rapidly.
Closeness to KwikFit does not help when local tyre dealers had to order tyres which does not help on jouney away from home.
Full size wheel does not fit in boot well even when felt layer removed

[darbs]

for me, the inconvenience of a space saver tyre or inflation kit is a small price to pay for the extra space i get. it's always going to be a trade off. do you want space or a belt and braces approach to risk management? you can always call a breakdown to help you if you get really stuck.... unless of course you're in the middle of a desert, eh desertdog!