Wheels/Tyres: Nokian Tyres

[RoyMacDonald]

Originally Posted by Patrick lince

It should be noted from Arianne's reply that 5mm/6mm was left on the tyres. Still if another 9000 miles are managed the 18,000 total only seems to be on par with other brands and not at all as good as other users.

Not too good when you consider the wear rate on my Vredstien's.

Check out.....http://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showthread.php?t=51388

Roy

[Arianne]

Dear All,

The wear rate is indicative of our experience.

It's difficult for me to be very precise because we swap the summer / winter tyres around and I don't keep a record of the exact mileage (I've just consulted the invoices from the dealer for the latest 2007 Nokian tyres though).

We have covered 45,000 miles since our XC90 was new in April 2006. In that time the Continental Premium Contact OE tyres wore out completely. Again, it's difficult to be precise but I remember that I wasn't that impressed with the wear rate for the Conti's.

The Pirelli Scorpion (Snow & Ice) tyres are on the second winter. Their wear rate seems similar to the Conti's - perhaps marginally better.

The Nokian NRVi's appear to experience a similar wear rate too.

I've just asked my family whether my driving style is 'hard'. They say that the style is more 'touring coach driver'!

To be frank, I'm not sure how some folks get such high mileage from their XC90 tyres. Perhaps it's the rubber, perhaps their driving style or maybe their journey profiles. But my own experience is that the Nokian's appear only marginally better than the Conti's for wear rate - but they were only £100 a corner which is good value compared to the price of the Conti Premium Contact.

I am resigned to approx 18k - 23k from a set of rubber on this car. That's life.

No doubt much advice will now follow concerning tips and brands that will help my £ go further.......and it's welcomed as any budget savings without increasing risk will be well received.

Best wishes folks.

Arianne

[RoyMacDonald]

Originally Posted by Arianne

Dear All,


No doubt much advice will now follow concerning tips and brands that will help my £ go further.......and it's welcomed as any budget savings without increasing risk will be well received.

Arianne

Are you using the Volvo Eco setting Arriane? (40 psi all round)

All the best.
Roy

[Arianne]

Roy,

What's the 'eco-setting' at 40PSI?

The guide on the inside of my fuel flap says that, for normal running, the pressure should be down at 32PSI (from memory). There is the option to increase the pressure when running 'fully loaded' up to 36-37PSI (again, from memory). But nothing to indicate as high a pressure as 40PSI.

And, forgive my inexperience but, does the amount of load actually inside the car make any material difference when checking the air tyre pressures? When we go to the garage our tyres are always cold and the car empty.

At 40PSI are there any implications for tyre integrity, road holding etc?

Thanks for the first of, what will no doubt be many tips.

Regards

Arianne.

[RoyMacDonald]

Originally Posted by Arianne

Roy,

What's the 'eco-setting' at 40PSI?

The guide on the inside of my fuel flap says that, for normal running, the pressure should be down at 32PSI (from memory). There is the option to increase the pressure when running 'fully loaded' up to 36-37PSI (again, from memory). But nothing to indicate as high a pressure as 40PSI.

And, forgive my inexperience but, does the amount of load actually inside the car make any material difference when checking the air tyre pressures? When we go to the garage our tyres are always cold and the car empty.

At 40PSI are there any implications for tyre integrity, road holding etc?

Thanks for the first of, what will no doubt be many tips.

Regards

Arianne.

I was told on the XC90 forum that the Eco setting is mentioned in the later XC90 handbook, by the guy who's done over 50,000 miles on his Nokian WR's using the Eco setting. I've been using it since last May without any problems re grip etc.

The way you check the pressure should be fine but I always use my own pressure gauge rather than the garage one.

All the best.

Roy

[bircham]

On my 2007 MY xc90 D5 the tyre pressure settings are inside the drivers door on a little sticker. Normal setting is 32 but they have an eco setting of 39 psi. I tried it once but the ride ws awfullky hard on our country roads. I would imagine that if you did a lot of motorway miles it would make no real difference to the ride but would reduce your fuel consumption - I just couldn't live with the crashier ride.

Jon

PS I am running Nokian WRs (have done since November). They are no noisier IMHO but they don't have the same grip as the Contis. ( MInd you they were almost semi-slick when I got rid of hem at 14000 miles!). In the rain mud and slush they are absolutely brilliant.

[tem]

Regarding ECO Tyre Pressure, go to pages 153 and 154.

5.81Mb download of XC90 Owners Handbook.


http://www.volvocars.com/NR/rdonlyre..._tp9466web.pdf

tem.

PS - Once downloaded, consider saving for further referance.

[GSMGuy]

TBH, I've been running mine @ 40psi for a month or two now, definately helped the economy, and I actually think the ride is BETTER - not so much "sway" so to speak, definately feels if anything, a little sprtier through the bends - no noticeable loss of grip or traction in the wet or dry, and no complaints from (pregnant) other half

So when I get my new Nokians in a few weeks, will be sticking to the 40psi setting - going to have a full 4 wheel alignment/geometry check & adjust done too - as rears are wearing more at the outer edges than anywhere else on car.

Mike

[Patrick lince]

Having covered 8000 miles from new in the first six months of XC90 ownership, my conti's are showing even wear, but I reckon it will be a miracle if I get to 20,000 miles on them.

I am far too slap dash to actually measure the depth (attention to detail never has been a strong point) so it is only a guess, but I reckon I will be changing mine by 17-18,000 miles.

Thanks to all the owners who have put out opinions on their tyres. I will definately go with Nokians when it is time to change.

[wattsy]

I am to looking to change tyres but have seen the cost of Nokians escalate to £156 per tyre (for winter tyre) with MYTYRES.co.uk. Does this now make them a premium brand! I have been offered Pirellis from local dealer at £103 fitted but am conscious that they may not last as long as Nokians but 2/3rds the price. Any comments gratefully received.