Wheels/Tyres: Replacement Tire Choice

[mandarin]

My neighbor needs to replace tires again at 30k miles.

any recommendations as to long lasting choices. Currently has Continentals fitted by dealer at 15k - expensive.

Thanks.

[LRS]

When I eventually have to get new tyres I'm tempted to go with these:

Nokian WR G2 Sport Utility

They are marketed as 'All Weather' tyres in the US, but as winter tyres in Europe. Good reviews from people running these all year round in the UK as they cover you for any conditions that may present themselves.

[graym]

I've got 4 Nokians which are great.
These are available on ebay at the moment, not sure if size is right for you, but it's the same size as my xc90. These are the old style with 11mm tread.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.d...=STRK:MEWAX:IT

I would buy them and store them if tyres didn't have use buy dates.

The new style Nokians are available here:
http://ssl.delti.com/cgi-bin/rshop.p...ort=P&dsco=110
Can't comment on what they're like though.

[kentishdriver]

I have just hit 10K miles. Front Continentals almost on the wear bars, particularly toward outside edge on the nearside tyre. Not been driven particularly hard. Anyone else getting such poor wear.

[XC90 Dave]

From other threads on tyres see thread

http://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showthread.php?t=82593

Continentals always seem the poor choice, I've found Goodyears good, average per set 40,000 miles (rotated) and I know Nokians are favoured by XC90 owners, but from what you describe have your car 4 wheel lazer aligned before you replace your tyres.

[RoscoMac]

I got less than 10k out of Continentals. The current Michelins (although silly price) are fairing much better, but doubt I will get much more than 15k out them. All wearing evenly, so not able to rotate.

R.

[GJB]

Originally Posted by RoscoMac

I got less than 10k out of Continentals. The current Michelins (although silly price) are fairing much better, but doubt I will get much more than 15k out them. All wearing evenly, so not able to rotate.

R.

Used to have this problem until I had all four wheels checked for alignment camber etc and was found to be out well worth the investment nearly 50% more before needing replacement.

[PsYcHe]

'Cheaper' tyres do tend to last longer as they're usually made of a harder rubber and most prople won't notice the difference as they never drive the car hard enough. I swapped to a budget tyre on my A8 and the only difference I can tell is some increased road noise (but in an '8 it's hard to tell as it's so quiet).

Given the size and weight of the car, I'd expect a good bit of scrubbing on the edges (and certainly insides) of the tyres. Seeing as it's not permanent AWD like the Torsen quattro on the A8, I'd expect the fronts to wear a good bit quicker than the rears.

[RoyMacDonald]

My XC90 shows no signs of scrubbing on the edges or insides of the tyres. The wear rate on my Vredstien Wintrack4 Extremes is 1mm per 12,000 miles.

[Ron_XC90]

I fitted the Goodyear wranglers and am very happy with them. Wear looks far less than the Continentals and they were great in the snow!