Michelin Crossclimate 2 SUV and driving to the Alps

[801]

Has anyone had any problems driving to the alps on crossclimate 2 in an XC90?

I know the tyre review tests are positive about the tyre’s winter capabilities but in reality, sub -10 degrees, alpine passes, etc, are they that good?

It’s the perennial question… do I get a set of 19” winter wheels from Volvo for £2k and swap out in the summer for something more appropriate to U.K. driving conditions for the rest of the year or go for crossclimate. Have never driven the crossclimate in really bad snow and ice, just a modest covering at Easter a couple of years ago in Trentino in the Land Rover.

I am on 20” rims if that makes any difference so 275/45r20 tyres.

[Philip Fisher]

Lloyd Volvo Carlisle are active on eBay again listing genuine Volvo winter wheel and tyre sets at a lot less than list price. I haven't looked very hard but the XC40 ones are just less than 1500 quid.

By the time you have paid for 20 inch winter tyres or cross climates, you might be better just getting a second set from Volvo (especially if you get them at a discount from Lloyd).

[James77]

The CrossClimate or similar will be fine in anything significant you'll have to chain up (chains are mandatory equipment).

I have a second set with winters, all my trips to the Alps they've barely touched snow most the time I could have used slicks.

You'll see many cars on summers so anything with the 3pmsf marking you'll be more capable than them.

[801]

Originally Posted by Philip Fisher

Lloyd Volvo Carlisle are active on eBay again listing genuine Volvo winter wheel and tyre sets at a lot less than list price. I haven't looked very hard but the XC40 ones are just less than 1500 quid.

By the time you have paid for 20 inch winter tyres or cross climates, you might be better just getting a second set from Volvo (especially if you get them at a discount from Lloyd).

This was my thinking too although my summer tyres need replacing too so I have quite a lot of rubber to buy in the next 6 months.

4 Crossclimate are £1k. 4 winter tyres and wheels from Volvo are £2k. Set of summer tyres £1k so £3k approx. I would expect the winter and summer to last 4 years. I would expect to get through two sets of CC2s in the same time.

[Philip Fisher]

Originally Posted by 801

.....4 winter tyres and wheels from Volvo are £2k.....

I would expect the 2k to be less from Lloyds Volvo on eBay. Last year they were about 1500-1600 for 19inch XC90s, although of course everything is a lot more expensive at the moment of course.

[801]

Best price I can find online for 19 inch XC 90 alloys with winter tires is between £1900 and £2100. Admittedly I would problem please get a fair bit of that back when I came to sell the wheels. So it probably works out about the same either way, except that I would also have four years of Volvo tire hotel to pay

[801]

Sorry that should have said…

Admittedly I would probably get a fair bit of that back when I came to sell the wheels

[801]

What tyre pressure do you prefer in your crossclimates?

Currently have mine at the ECO 42psi but seems a bit high.

Door post sticker says 42 for 20” rims.

[Lozzingers]

I can't remember what pressure I had my CC's on - but not sure it was over 40. I didn't have any uneven wear after 20k miles with the CC's over the width of the tyre which would suggest my ~38 psi (but totally just a guess of what I had) seemed to be ok.
Whatever the psi - if you accelerate hard with 300hp through the front tyres they will wear quicker on the front!
We did drive ours year round, including 35+ degrees summer temps and didn't notice any degradation!
Good luck

[801]

They were set at 34.5 by the fitter. Bit low I thought. Felt very comfortable but a bit bouncy/spongy… a bit spouncy! TPMS light on so checked and inflated to 42 and it is a bit hard now.