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Volvo V70 Tire/Wheel Questions

5 messages,  Last post on Dec 25, 2006 at 9:52 PM

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What is this discussion about? Volvo V70, Volvo V70 R, Tires, Wheels, Wagon

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#2 of 5 Tire problems (pirelli) by huskyfan2 Nov 22, 2005 (8:30 pm)
We have a V70 2.5 T with 17" Pirelli tires. Was just told by a tire store that our front treads are "shot". We only have 14K miles on the car. Volvo dealer told us this normal for Pirellis and that our alignment was OK. That being said they also mentioned that Pirelli is offering a "special" warranty for tires that have treads <3mm and less than 15K miles but this only applies to the XC-90. Has anyone else heard of this problem. At more than $250 a tire, I expect them to last more than 15K miles. Any comments would be appreciated TK Replies to this message: pilotpat (Nov 23, 2005 2:23 am) jim314 (Oct 30, 2006 5:32 pm)
#3 of 5 Re: Tire problems (pirelli) [huskyfan2] by pilotpat Nov 23, 2005 (2:23 am)
Replying to: huskyfan2 (Nov 22, 2005 8:30 pm) Unfortunate side effect of paying extra for a "performance" wheel/tire package is that you generally get a softer tire - made for traction and cornering, not economy and durability. I assume you've got the OEM P6s. 14K seems early to be bald (if you rotated them every 5k)m but even with regular rotation, 20k would be about your top end on these, I'd bet.   Another unfortunate side effect is that 17" wheels on a passenger car (meaning no extended wheel-well clearance) ties you to low-profile (45s, right?) tires, which make your choices limited to primarily "High Performance" tires, with similarly soft treads.   To give you an idea of your predicament - check out tirerack.com for tires in your size and click on the "reviews" - user reviews. Lots of surprised people talking about no tread by 20k or less, no matter the brand.   Depending on how long you keep the vehicle, a set of 16" wheels with good All-seasons might be the way to go. EDIT - Bet you could sell the 17" wheels on e-bay or in the paper relatively quickly, if they're in good shape.   Sorry - wish I had better news. Maybe someone out there has a tire they can recommend with better durability, but I made sure to order my new V70 with 16" tires.   Pat Replies to this message: jim314 (Oct 30, 2006 5:32 pm)
#4 of 5 Re: Tire problems (pirelli) [pilotpat] by jim314 Oct 30, 2006 (5:32 pm)
Replying to: pilotpat (Nov 23, 2005 2:23 am) My wife's 2004 V70 with base 2.4L non-turbo 167 hp engine came with 195/65-15s in R-rated Michelin "Energy" MXV4 "plus" XSV 91H with 51 psi max infl press, on the base 15" alloy wheels. I keep the tires inflated to the 38 psi max specified on the vehicle tire sticker. We get 30 mpg on the interstate at 70 mph.   This is a cheap tire compared to the low profile and wide ones, and for the 2004 model year the EPA hwy est was 30 mpg. I'd bet the engine setup was the same as 2003 and 2005 which both had a slightly lower EPA hwy est. So I think the 195/65-15 size has less rolling resistance and air resistance than the lower profile tires. Of course, it will not do a slalom as fast.   To me the wheels look fine, but to those who are sensitive I'm sure there is a difference in visual impact. The car has only about 21,000 mi on it and the tires have plenty of tread. I'm not good about getting them rotated.   One rear tire had to be replaced because it got a roofing staple stuck ~1" down the sidewall from the tread and Discount wouldn't repair it. I thought about getting a $10 plugging kit and doing it myself, and if it had been my car I would have tried this, but since it was hers I got a new tire. Total mounted and balanced was $133.70.
#5 of 5 2006 Volvo V70 R, Bridgestone ER960 AS Pole Position by drcj Dec 25, 2006 (9:52 pm)
My Pirelli tires were seeming hard as rocks with balancing and roundness issues from the first few miles to about 8,000 miles when I realized they were very poor in snow. I put on the ER 960's about 750 mile ago and I am finding them fantastic for this car. Quieter, round er, better in rain, slush and snow. The 4c active suspension feels like I can use all the settings to my advantage now.   These Bridgestones took about 150 miles to run in and then just felt "right" on the car. Dry traction may have a little less abrupt turn in response but over all they are a HUGE improvement in all around driving pleasure, a far better ride and very quiet on lots of surfaces. I feel much more confident in the over all handling, braking etc. under all conditions including ice and snow, a fine tire if you have a Volvo R series rocket ship. Worth the $$$ for this high performance all season tire in my opinion.

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