Winter tyres for xc60

[polsesnabb]

Originally Posted by tem

id=11195214&group=2.01&name=Nokian+WR+G2+SUV[/url]

Norway seems to have a different viewpoint to Sweden, regarding studs.
Certainly, in the Northern part of Sweden, studs are classed, as not, environmentally friendly.

tem.

The use of studded tyres is discussed here too. The problem with them, is that they wear the asphalt extremely, compared to other tyres. The the picture speaks for itself. Roads become very "rough" by the wear from the studs too, making them very noisy (in the cabin) to drive on, and it can sometimes feel like driving on tram tracks. This of course has an economic aspect, as roads have to be paved every second year in the worst cases.

There also is a big problem with the dust coming from the asphalt. It does fly very well, and doesn´t fall to the ground. In cities, itresults in huge problems for people with health issues related to lungs and airways, i.e.asthmaa. Therefore, the largest cities in Norway now have introduced a charge for driving studded tyres in or nearby the city. You typically have to pay GBP 3 per day, 40 per month or 120 per winter. The result is that 86% of all cars in the 4 bigest cities have unstudded tyres, the share outside the cities is 46%. In Sweden the shares are 30% unstudded, and 70% studded, in the country as a whole.

The reason why some of us keep to the studs, is that they are superior on ice. This we have quite often, especially as it often rains during winter, and temperature often falls below freezing point there after. This results in sudden ice on parts of the road where it loks as it´s only wet as on the rest of the road. Often this will be the case on all the side roads, as they are not salted that often. Its also very steep up here in most places, and having come over the edge of a hill on unstudded tyres, realizing that there is no grip whatsoever, teaches you a thing or two about winter tyres with or without studs!

[wimorrison]

Now I understand why the roads in Finland looked like they do! I was driving around Rovaniemi area and thought that there were some very heavy trucks around collapsing the roads It turns out it is the tyres.

Simple when you know the real reason!

[NewVolvo]

Already living in Germany I can confirm the following:

1. There is no law in Germany that says that you must have winter tyres fitted. However, if you do not have winter tyres and you are involved in an accident in winter conditions (as in ice, snow or slush) you will automatically get the blame, even if you are not at fault. = Get winter tyres.

2. Mainly South Sweden have used studded tyres for as long as I can remember due to the warmer climate where the snow melts and become slush. Overnight it freezes...

3. The Swedish government will soon ban all studded tyres as not only do they tear up the roads they also increase braking distance on dry roads.

[XC60CRAZY]

Originally Posted by NewVolvo

Already living in Germany I can confirm the following:

1. There is no law in Germany that says that you must have winter tyres fitted. However, if you do not have winter tyres and you are involved in an accident in winter conditions (as in ice, snow or slush) you will automatically get the blame, even if you are not at fault.

Thanks for your reply. Do you know if it would be cheaper to buy them in germany or back in the uk by any chance. I'm moving to paderborn, I apologise re the fact I have no idea where you are in relation to where I'll live.

[nosmoking]

Originally Posted by NewVolvo

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Prev: 09 XC60 D5 (205) SE Lux

NewVolvo, can this be true, you no longer have it? Any problems coping without?

[Celticxc60]

I used to live in Germany and never had winter tyres. unless the law has been changed I don't think it is a legal requirement to fit them.
I would check with the ADAC in Germany, they will know for sure.
Also depending on where in Germany you are going, you will be amazed at hope efficient the Germans are at keeping the roads clear.
I would also say the same about the Traffic Police. After major accidents they can deal with the scene and getting the traffic moving very quickly indeed. Not like our useless lot.

[snowy1]

It's worth having winter tyres on a car like the XC60 even in UK. The benefits below 5degrees C far outway the negatives even on a dry day at those sort of temperatures. Most winter tyres these days are designed to be driven on tarmac as well so the wear shouldn't be that bad. I've just got a set of Vredestein Wintrac Xtremes for when it gets cold and trips abroad. Got them from tyremen.co.uk who were brilliant- good price and after a phone call to check they had them on-line order arrived withim 24hours. Was thinking about a new set of alloys as had bought the 235/60/18 just to swap onto current rims although cheapest set were knocking on 600 quid and couldn't seem to find any 18 inch steel wheels - perhaps someone might let me know if they do know anywhere that does them.

[mauricef]

Originally Posted by tem

I agree with what you say, but you might want to look at the link below:-

http://www.nokiantyres.com/tyre?id=1...kian+WR+G2+SUV

Norway seems to have a different viewpoint to Sweden, regarding studs.
Certainly, in the Northern part of Sweden, studs are classed, as not, environmentally friendly.

tem.

Some districts in Stockholm City studded tyres are banned.
2011 XC60 D3 fwd

[NewVolvo]

Originally Posted by XC60CRAZY

Thanks for your reply. Do you know if it would be cheaper to buy them in germany or back in the uk by any chance. I'm moving to paderborn, I apologise re the fact I have no idea where you are in relation to where I'll live.

I did a small excercise re prices and it is cheaper in Germany than in the UK. I compared the prices for Continentals.

Paderborn is not too far away - I am based in Cologne.

Originally Posted by nosmoking

NewVolvo, can this be true, you no longer have it? Any problems coping without?

Yes, it's gone back to Lookers Colchester some 3 weeks ago. Made a great deal too.

Do miss it though, it truly was a great car. But due to insurance limitations, I could not use it abroad for more than 90 days per insurance year. So felt "forced" to sell it.

Originally Posted by Celticxc60

I used to live in Germany and never had winter tyres. unless the law has been changed I don't think it is a legal requirement to fit them.
I would check with the ADAC in Germany, they will know for sure.
Also depending on where in Germany you are going, you will be amazed at hope efficient the Germans are at keeping the roads clear.
I would also say the same about the Traffic Police. After major accidents they can deal with the scene and getting the traffic moving very quickly indeed. Not like our useless lot.

No law in Germany (yet) and I agree, they cope so much better with traffic than we do in the UK. Same with accidents.

[XC60CRAZY]

As I'm on the search for winter tyres I'm also looking for another set of alloys. I don't want to use the cheap alloy versions that you can buy on flea bay as I want a wheel that's safe and reliable. Looking for genuine Volvo alloy for the xc60. Any design considered, not really concerned if new or second hand. Please message me if any of you can help.
Thanks in advance