Michelin CrossClimates

[Lexman8]

Yes, it's time to start the annual winter tyre discussion/debate/argument/war.

I fitted CrossClimates a few months ago to replace the summer 19" Pirellis that came with the car. Having done several hundred miles now I'd say they are good tyres but probably more of a compromise than I expected.

I'm not an 'enthusiastic' driver by any means but even I have noticed how squidgy (that's an engineering term) the steering feels and how less planted the car feels on the road. On the plus side, the ride is slightly more comfortable - softer and more floaty (another engineering term). It'll be an advantage not having to swap wheels twice per year. As for cabin noise, there is a slight reduction compared to the Pirellis but less than the official EU drive-by figures would suggest and they are noisier than the Continental winter tyres I've been using up until now.

Obviously I've not been able to try them in snow yet but looking at the tread pattern they won't be as good as the Continental winters - which is to be expected. In particular, there are far fewer sipes on the CrossClimates for gripping snow so it'll be interesting to see how well they perform. They'll probably be fine 90% of the time in the UK unless you live in the (far) north and/or in a hilly or mountainous area.

I've driven a fair amount in the Alps most winters (except the last two obviously) with 'proper' winter tyres. Although the CrossClimates have the 3PMSF symbol I'm not sure I'd trust them to cope with the worst Alpine conditions. Anyway, I've decided not to drive again to the Alps in winter so I've sold the Continental winters and will rely on the CrossClimates for the 'extreme' conditions here in Yorkshire.

[XC90Mk1]

Originally Posted by Lexman8

Yes, it's time to start the annual winter tyre discussion/debate/argument/war.

I fitted CrossClimates a few months ago to replace the summer 19" Pirellis that came with the car. Having done several hundred miles now I'd say they are good tyres but probably more of a compromise than I expected.

I'm not an 'enthusiastic' driver by any means but even I have noticed how squidgy (that's an engineering term) the steering feels and how less planted the car feels on the road. On the plus side, the ride is slightly more comfortable - softer and more floaty (another engineering term). It'll be an advantage not having to swap wheels twice per year. As for cabin noise, there is a slight reduction compared to the Pirellis but less than the official EU drive-by figures would suggest and they are noisier than the Continental winter tyres I've been using up until now.

Obviously I've not been able to try them in snow yet but looking at the tread pattern they won't be as good as the Continental winters - which is to be expected. In particular, there are far fewer sipes on the CrossClimates for gripping snow so it'll be interesting to see how well they perform. They'll probably be fine 90% of the time in the UK unless you live in the (far) north and/or in a hilly or mountainous area.

I've driven a fair amount in the Alps most winters (except the last two obviously) with 'proper' winter tyres. Although the CrossClimates have the 3PMSF symbol I'm not sure I'd trust them to cope with the worst Alpine conditions. Anyway, I've decided not to drive again to the Alps in winter so I've sold the Continental winters and will rely on the CrossClimates for the 'extreme' conditions here in Yorkshire.

I replaced Michelin pilot sport 4 and some others with cross climates. I note a little difference in standing water (not as nice) but not at any other times.

Volvos usually list a ‘comfort’ and ‘eco’ pressure (about 30psi and 36psi) on my XC90.

When I run mine in eco it is a lot more stable and controlled so worth considering.

[XC90Mk1]

I bought my cross climes in 2018, I assume there are now more up to date competitors etc now?

[Philip Fisher]

Oh, a winter tyre thread, how exciting!

I am idly thinking about doing the swap on the 2 cars, but it just still seems too mild. I think in 2020 I swapped well into November and actually it was May 2021 before I swapped them back......

[Discoman]

Personally I am running the OEM Pirellis in summer and Vredesteins in the winter. Both work very well on 19" wheels.

Like most people I would like a compromise tyres so please post further comments as the temperature drops. What size wheels are you on?

[James77]

I love a winter tyre thread.
I bought a second set of wheels/nokian winter tyres specifically for driving to the alps in this car which I have done once in nearly 3 years of ownsership due to the unmentionable so that boils my p1ss a bit.

I probably could've got away with just buying cross climates and sold the delivery tyres buy hey ho. I can never seem to get that right, I'd hoped manufacturers would start the option of delivering an SUV with all season tyres to save me some coin.

If I can't get to the alps this winter I don't know what I'll do, order 500 Chouffe and hide away I suspect.

[Lexman8]

Originally Posted by XC90Mk1

Volvos usually list a ‘comfort’ and ‘eco’ pressure (about 30psi and 36psi) on my XC90.

When I run mine in eco it is a lot more stable and controlled so worth considering.

I tried eco pressures with the previous tyres but found the ride less good, unsurprisingly.

Probably worth trying again or finding a compromise pressure.

[Lexman8]

Originally Posted by Philip Fisher

Oh, a winter tyre thread, how exciting!

I just knew you'd be super excited...

[Lexman8]

Originally Posted by Discoman

Like most people I would like a compromise tyres so please post further comments as the temperature drops. What size wheels are you on?

Will do. I'm on 19" wheels.

[Lexman8]

Originally Posted by James77

If I can't get to the alps this winter I don't know what I'll do

I'm determined to get there this season. Haven't skied in nearly 2 years so just hoping I haven't forgotten how to .