Wheels/Tyres: Chains to fit the XC90?

[lolinginthelolvo]

Hi All,

I am going skiing twice next year and have just found that the chains I used to use on my S60 don't fit my recently aquired XC90 (duh).

There seem to be quite a few options on buying chains, and being that I am going for the first holiday in early January I am not sure if I can get delivery in time if I buy online??

The cheapest I have so far found is from here: http://www.roofbox.co.uk/scripts/rbv...Tyre=235/60-18
I found those by selecting Volvo XC90 and my correct tyre size (235/60-18) so I assume they won't foul the suspension?

Otherwise it seems most alternatives are much much more (Most seem to be over £200) and don't look like chains I am used to, more like a track that just goes over the tread of the tyre?

Alternatively my local auto factors has a rope-type chain that I think is elasicated and just slots over the wheel. It has small metal studs all over it and looks like a good idea but does it work??

Ah well thats all my questions for today...

[ianu]

Are chains compulsory where you're going ? With the right tyres (assuming the AWD is working) I wouldn't have thought you'd need them.

Over a foot of snow here this week and haven't had a problem at all - including a hill start on softish compacted snow with minimal spin... just pulled away.
I've got Cooper Discoverer AT tyres on admittedly - but even the Michelins previously were pretty damn good.

Just a thought..

Cheers
Ian.

[lolinginthelolvo]

I am not sure if chains are compulsory where I am going (Val Cenis and Flaine, both in the French Alps) but I would like them for peace of mind - I would rather not end up really needing them on a remote road!

I must confess that I am very impressed with the XC on the very icy roads around me. I have mostly been using my old Heep as I am less bothered if someone slides into it (And its optional RWD ) but on road biased tyres the Lolvo has yet to let me down. It does get a little slippy when braking though.

Because the tyres on it have quite a lot of tread left and I am not feeling overly flush at the moment I don't want to change all four, and even if I have winter tyres I would still insist on having chains in the car - you can never be too sure!

I have got a quote from my local Volvo dealer for standard type chains, its £188 but the chains look very similar to the £70 ones online...

[wolfie308]

I have done Alps ski trip several times so hope this helps...

Chains are compulsory in the Alps

They must be carried at all times during winter months even if its not snowy.

Chains to me are more of a safety issue going down hill rather than up...full ABS on and still heading for a ravine is an expereince you can do without!!

The police will monitor the use of chains if they think its necessary.....I think they can issue on spot fines.

There are allocated fitting areas on many roads upto the resorts

The police and locals take a very dim view of anyone getting stuck because they haven't fitted their chains....they do NOT want the traffic held up

Many supermarkets from Lyons onwards have a good stock of inexpensive chains but the XC90 is a bit of an unusual size so I would try internet buy and only rely on the local purchase as a last resort (!!)

Hope that helps

Have a good trip

[Ashley Hannah]

I would really like some advice ref this chain...excuse the pun....the only chains I can find that will fit without damaging the inside of the wheel arc are Thule Ksummit K66. Has anyone used these or have any other experience of chains on these size wheels?

[CherokeeDriver]

Thule K-Summit were the only option with 20" Rims. They are awesome, easy to fit but very expensive.