Time for Tyres

[volvorocks]

Originally Posted by Vecais

I have been unimpressed by the original Continental tyres on my XC60 that have worn in a manner to cause some road noise and vibration, noticeable when driving at city traffic speed. These will be scrapped well before they are worn out.

Hopefully the replacement Michelin tyres on order will perform better for much longer.

I did notice a slight wear on my Contis at the rear of my car wearing slightly more on the outer edge.

Do you do any country lane driving ie the twisty bits?
My driving is about a third urban a third motorway a third country lanes
Regards

[Matteus XC60]

Originally Posted by andy.cass

I don't see the issue with the Pirellis. I had no traction issues at all with AWD in the snow. They ride quietly with good steering feel and braking. The only reason I would go for an alternative brand (Michelin maybe) is to get more miles out of them. I can understand the need for winter tyres on FWD models or if you live on a hill, but for most of the time the standard road tyre is fine. Move to the midlands where life is flat.

Probably heresy, but I find myself agreeing with this. Had the car 3 months now, incorporating much of the snow fall late last year, and suffered no problems at all. In addition, when it has warmed up above 7 degs, the tyres have handled very well in terms of grip. Too early to say on wear, but can't complain so far. Having said all that, lot's of people on here, who's opinion I respect, paint the Pirellis as Satan's tyres sent to kill (or irritate) us all so that also gives me pause for thought.........

[Vecais]

Originally Posted by volvorocks

I did notice a slight wear on my Contis at the rear of my car wearing slightly more on the outer edge.

Do you do any country lane driving ie the twisty bits?
My driving is about a third urban a third motorway a third country lanes
Regards

On my car there is no obvious tyre wear pattern apparent. The Conti tyres look normal but partly worn. However, they make a rumbling noise and cause mild vibration at certain speeds. The dealer has tried rotating several times without much improvement. Hence the decision to replace.

My driving for about 25,000 kms from new would have been about 75% urban and 25% country. Only a very small proportion of those roads would be regarded as twisty.

[darbs]

Originally Posted by Vecais

On my car there is no obvious tyre wear pattern apparent. The Conti tyres look normal but partly worn. However, they make a rumbling noise and cause mild vibration at certain speeds. The dealer has tried rotating several times without much improvement. Hence the decision to replace.

My driving for about 25,000 kms from new would have been about 75% urban and 25% country. Only a very small proportion of those roads would be regarded as twisty.

were your tyres properly balanced? the symptoms sound typical of tyres that haven't been well balanced on a heavy car.

[Vecais]

Originally Posted by darb

were your tyres properly balanced? the symptoms sound typical of tyres that haven't been well balanced on a heavy car.

They tried everything known to man. In the end I have got cr@p tyres with nothing more to be done. The Volvo dealer sells and recommends Conti, so it was with some reluctance that they admitted defeat with these.

[wimorrison]

Originally Posted by Vecais

On my car there is no obvious tyre wear pattern apparent. The Conti tyres look normal but partly worn. However, they make a rumbling noise and cause mild vibration at certain speeds. The dealer has tried rotating several times without much improvement. Hence the decision to replace.

My driving for about 25,000 kms from new would have been about 75% urban and 25% country. Only a very small proportion of those roads would be regarded as twisty.

I had this same problem on my v70 and it was the inner rim of a wheel that had been dented (very slightly) when I hit a large pothole at speed - the tyre replaced as it was split but the dent wasn't noticed for several weeks - by Kwikfit actually - fater I had tried several places to get rid of the vibration. I took it to a company that straightens alloys and bingo, problem solved, was like a new car

Variuos root causes were provided to me, CV joints failing, worn brake discs, damaged wheel bearing, all to no avail - in the end a very simple and cheap fix (£30)

[Andrew_W]

I had no problems with the Pirellis on my D5 AWD this winter, even in deep snow when escaping from the blocked A34 in December using side roads. Traction control was working overtime but I never got stuck. My biggest concern is with the wear rate, all 4 are within a couple of mm of the treadwear indicator after 16000 miles and will need to be replaced soon.

I'm thinking of the Vredrestein Wintrac 4 Extreme from tyremen but I haven't decided yet, I may go for Continental or Michelin - watching this thread and the forum closely for other's opinions.

[darbs]

i've also had a good experience with the pirelli's. i had no problem moving off or cornering in the snow and ice. stopping was a bit of an issue though, but these tyres are known for their inability to stop on snow and ice. it's pretty easy to prepare for these longer stopping distances. the most important thing that tyres can do for me is grip and stop well on wet and do well to reduce the risk of aquaplaning. wear isn't the biggest deal for me. most tyres perform pretty well in the dry. i'm considering michelin or conti's.

[wimorrison]

Originally Posted by darb

... stopping was a bit of an issue though, but these tyres are known for their inability to stop on snow and ice. it's pretty easy to prepare for these longer stopping distances...

Wow, a man with a crystal ball that knows what other people are going to do - you should patent this, you'd make a fortune!

[darbs]

Originally Posted by wimorrison

Wow, a man with a crystal ball that knows what other people are going to do - you should patent this, you'd make a fortune!

lol! i wish i did know what people are going to do. unfortunately, my method's a bit crude, i just keep extra distance and don't drive too quickly in such conditions! i would never recommend pirellis for icy conditions. winter tyres are without doubt the best set-up.

in the uk though, i don't think winter conditions are necessarily as dangerous as wet conditions. especially heavy rain. people just don't adjust their driving style enough for wet weather as they do snowy/ icy weather. if you spec tyres for winter conditions, i'd be surprised if you didn't for wet conditions.