Swapping 20s to 19s.

ThomasC91 · Oct 19th, 2021, 12:37

On a Volvo s90… from 255/35/20 to 255/40/19

Found a good deal, but is it worth it for comfort/winter or would the benefit be marginal?

Thanks

Tony Harrison · Oct 19th, 2021, 14:45

Thomas, I'm looking into this myself (see current Michelin Cross Climate thread). I'm already on 19s and want something smaller as I find the 19s are just a bit harsh on poor roads at 33 psi. Personal preferences vary and lots of folks seem to like really big wheels; I don't. They compromise ride quality and the tyres are hugely expensive.

bornmiddleaged · Oct 21st, 2021, 10:48

As per the crossclimate thread, I've gone from 20" to 18" (35 to 45 profile) and I was expecting the difference would be night and day but I'm not finding that, TBH. Maybe I just don't have a very sensitive rear end!

The ride is definitely a bit softer and there is not so much crashing over bumps. I definitely prefer it, despite the car being a bit more prone to oversteer, IMHO, but I wouldn't say it was worth it just for that. I did it so I could get the cross climates.

Perhaps a friendly dealer would let you try out an S90 or V90 with smaller wheels?

Bulldogfour · Oct 21st, 2021, 23:23

My last vehicle was a discovery sport and I did exactly the same; switched from 20's to 18's with cross climates to take the harshness out of the ride on Wiltshire roads. Sadly, as the disco forums members warned me, the difference whilst positive really isn't that great. In fact when I came to sell the disco I switched back to the original 20's and the improvement in roadholding was really noticeable. So what I had was an expensive waste of time. My V90cc has 19's and I will be changing to cross climate 2s before the real winter weather comes along.

AB-UK · Oct 22nd, 2021, 08:41

For my Winter setup, I switch from 19" wheels which are standard on the Exec, to 18" wheels with my winter tyres.
The 18" combination gives a smoother ride over holes bumps and dips.
I find it a little quieter also.
The taller tyre wall does roll a little more when negotiating roundabouts, but only marginally so.

ThomasC91 · Oct 22nd, 2021, 09:39

Thanks for the responses.

I'm going to save the money.

I'll just run the 20s all year round and see how I go.

I've not long had four new turanza too5 put on mine.

I'll keep my eye out just in case there's any really good deals about.

Oct 19th, 2021, 12:37	#1
ThomasC91 Senior Member Last Online: Mar 6th, 2024 19:32 Join Date: Oct 2020 Location: Stratford Upon Avon	Swapping 20s to 19s. On a Volvo s90… from 255/35/20 to 255/40/19 Found a good deal, but is it worth it for comfort/winter or would the benefit be marginal? Thanks

Oct 19th, 2021, 14:45	#2
Tony Harrison Member Last Online: Jan 22nd, 2024 16:10 Join Date: Oct 2018 Location: Ashbourne	Thomas, I'm looking into this myself (see current Michelin Cross Climate thread). I'm already on 19s and want something smaller as I find the 19s are just a bit harsh on poor roads at 33 psi. Personal preferences vary and lots of folks seem to like really big wheels; I don't. They compromise ride quality and the tyres are hugely expensive. __________________ MY2017 Volvo S90 Inscription D5 PP AWD, Onyx Black, Winter Pack and retro-fit rear parking camera MY2020 Volvo S90 Inscription Plus D4, Osmium Grey, Winter Pack and other bits and pieces

Oct 21st, 2021, 10:48	#3
bornmiddleaged :-) Last Online: Apr 18th, 2024 15:43 Join Date: Mar 2020 Location: Hants	As per the crossclimate thread, I've gone from 20" to 18" (35 to 45 profile) and I was expecting the difference would be night and day but I'm not finding that, TBH. Maybe I just don't have a very sensitive rear end! The ride is definitely a bit softer and there is not so much crashing over bumps. I definitely prefer it, despite the car being a bit more prone to oversteer, IMHO, but I wouldn't say it was worth it just for that. I did it so I could get the cross climates. Perhaps a friendly dealer would let you try out an S90 or V90 with smaller wheels? __________________ V60 D4 Inscription Pro MY19

Oct 21st, 2021, 23:23	#4
Bulldogfour VOC Member Last Online: Sep 29th, 2023 21:20 Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Trowbridge	My last vehicle was a discovery sport and I did exactly the same; switched from 20's to 18's with cross climates to take the harshness out of the ride on Wiltshire roads. Sadly, as the disco forums members warned me, the difference whilst positive really isn't that great. In fact when I came to sell the disco I switched back to the original 20's and the improvement in roadholding was really noticeable. So what I had was an expensive waste of time. My V90cc has 19's and I will be changing to cross climate 2s before the real winter weather comes along. __________________ 2018 V90 Cross Country Pro T6 310 now but XC70 and 340 previously

Oct 22nd, 2021, 08:41	#5
AB-UK Premier Member Last Online: Yesterday 08:16 Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Nottingham	For my Winter setup, I switch from 19" wheels which are standard on the Exec, to 18" wheels with my winter tyres. The 18" combination gives a smoother ride over holes bumps and dips. I find it a little quieter also. The taller tyre wall does roll a little more when negotiating roundabouts, but only marginally so. __________________ 2010 XC90 Exec (m/y 2011), Electric Silver 2003 XC90 SE, Ash Gold 1996 850 GLE Estate, Olive Green Pearl

Oct 22nd, 2021, 09:39	#6
ThomasC91 Senior Member Last Online: Mar 6th, 2024 19:32 Join Date: Oct 2020 Location: Stratford Upon Avon	Thanks for the responses. I'm going to save the money. I'll just run the 20s all year round and see how I go. I've not long had four new turanza too5 put on mine. I'll keep my eye out just in case there's any really good deals about.

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