Snow Chains on the New XC90 T8

[Philip Fisher]

It looks like the snow chain manufacturers don't recommend chains for the new XC90 because of the clearance to the suspension strut at the back of the front wheel.

I am on the narrowest 19in wheels and it does look a bit tight - although I might have a go and risk it.

The other option I can think of is to put them on the back wheels (I haven't checked but assume better clearance). Has anyone any thoughts on this? The back is not mechanically connected to the front so shouldn't upset any Haldex or anything like that which it might in a T6 or D5.

I am thinking of Thule Easy Fit SUV.

Thoughts?

[Lexman8]

What about snow socks? Would they provide more clearance? http://www.snowchainsandsocks.co.uk/

Presumably there's a particular reason for needing them?

[Philip Fisher]

I have had chains in the boot for a few winters now. We had some really bad snow in 2010 and only my other half's c-max got out and that was only 'cos we had chains.

I run the c-max on Vredestein winters now which copes with most stuff but with the Volvo being leased and the lease company deciding on tyres I won't be able to get winters on it.

Chains therefore give a degree of reassurance. I did try snow socks on an Audi I had and didn't find them particularly durable, in fact I shredded them on some part tarmac part ice driveway.....

[tem]

I cannot help regarding the snow chains, but I have a question.

I see you have Magic Blue and I think it is very nice.
Is it easy to live with?
I have owned white/black and silver cars and know the problems with dirt showing.
Just wondered about yours.
Early stages, but looking at a V90 in Magic Blue.

Thank you.

tem.

[Philip Fisher]

The magic blue is a lovely colour, but it is difficult to comment on keeping it clean as I am really not that hung up about religiously cleaning my cars anymore. It is not likely to get cleaned that much. It has done about 1700 miles now and it does look a bit dirty after I drove it to the sailing lake the other weekend but I think it looks better for it. I think it is due it's first outside clean at 18.5k miles or 12 months whichever comes first......

[tem]

Originally Posted by Philip Fisher

The magic blue is a lovely colour, but it is difficult to comment on keeping it clean as I am really not that hung up about religiously cleaning my cars anymore. It is not likely to get cleaned that much. It has done about 1700 miles now and it does look a bit dirty after I drove it to the sailing lake the other weekend but I think it looks better for it. I think it is due it's first outside clean at 18.5k miles or 12 months whichever comes first......

I am a lazy bu**er when it come to cleaning cars, reason that I asked the question.
Thanks.

tem.

[Philip Fisher]

Originally Posted by tem

I am a lazy bu**er when it come to cleaning cars, reason that I asked the question.
Thanks.

tem.

My opinion is that dark colours like black or dark blue look dirty very easily, but then stop looking any dirtier very quickly if that makes sense. So my old XC70 in black looked really shiny after a good clean, but then showed the dirt after just a couple of days, but still looked just about the same after a couple of months. I always though it looked better a bit dirty too.

Some other colours like my colleagues BMW 3 series in white just look progressively worse and worse as time goes on, as the grime builds in layer upon layer.

[yeoman]

I always though it looked better a bit dirty too.



LOL...That made me laugh.

[jshack]

Hi Philip - taking my t8 to the alps over Christmas and struggling to find suitable chains. What chains did you use in the end and how was it in the snow?

Thanks James