Tyres, what else.

[ThomasG]

Originally Posted by RollingThunder

(...)Otherwise the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 seems to be the best snow tyre if you are sure you need a full on snow tyre?

With 8 rims and own car jack... I'm taking no chances
Set of proper winters for winter trios, and set of summer/maybe multiseason for the rest of the year.

Yup, been running on Alpin5 on previous, V70, wonder how would these behave on XC.

Right now, I'd say, I'm between hankooks, alpin5's, and Continental TS850P..

And loads of time to decide. That is.. set off scheduled for 21st Dec.
By then, I need them fitted, inflated, spun, balanced, painted pink and each given own mobile phone so they're not bored on the way.

[volvo always]

I have a 1996 940 automatic.

Around 5 years ago I bought a set of used alloys and bought 4x Goodyear Ultragrip 9 Winter tyres.

They transformed it from going nowhere on it's Michelin energy savers Summer tyres. The grip is fantastic. Took it out on the steepest hills in "the beast from the east" and the tyres had transformed the car. Could stop on hill in 4 inches of snow, bit of slip and feel tyres biting into the snow and pull away! Can also stop too!
This Summer I never got to remove them as busy. I don't do a lot of miles in them and so still have good tread.
Polished ice less so, as only made it up an icy incline, really need studs for these conditions.

James.

[Bonefishblues]

Originally Posted by ThomasG

And loads of time to decide. That is.. set off scheduled for 21st Dec.

You do. Bear in mind that the prices will hike significantly as the year goes on though - they always do.

[WABB]

Originally Posted by brickman

Nokian are kings of winter and 3 season+ tyres. Hancook also worth a look.

Most proper winter tyres are happy upto +7c, but so long as you don't run them above those temps they'll last plenty long enough.

Another vote for Nokian Weatherproof - plus 4wd will do all but most extreme conditions

[ThomasG]

Originally Posted by WABB

Another vote for Nokian Weatherproof - plus 4wd will do all but most extreme conditions

I really really didn't want to say dis..

Knackered angle gear. (To best of my knowledge, around £2k to fix)

Fwd only.

[Bonefishblues]

Originally Posted by ThomasG

I really really didn't want to say dis..

Knackered angle gear. (To best of my knowledge, around £2k to fix)

Fwd only.

Been there, got the T shirt. Cashed it in and bought another.

[Tannaton]

Originally Posted by brickman

Most proper winter tyres are happy upto +7c, but so long as you don't run them above those temps they'll last plenty long enough.

It's an urban myth that you can't use winter tyres in warmer temperatures. I've been running full winter tyres all year round on vehicles for 10 years now and there isn't a significant increase in wear - and ceratinly now enough wear to justify the £120 a year or so cost of swapping between two sets.

The only issue to consider is if you are a "spirited" driver you might not like the very slightly duller handling on winters.

[Bonefishblues]

Originally Posted by Tannaton

It's an urban myth that you can't use winter tyres in warmer temperatures. I've been running full winter tyres all year round on vehicles for 10 years now and there isn't a significant increase in wear - and ceratinly now enough wear to justify the £120 a year or so cost of swapping between two sets.

The only issue to consider is if you are a "spirited" driver you might not like the very slightly duller handling on winters.

Correct. They aren't softer, they are more compliant at low temperatures because they use silica compounds in the rubber. But they're more wibbly because tread spacing and sipes

...but for 90% of people, a good AS is probably the best compromise IMHO

[Tannaton]

Originally Posted by Bonefishblues

Hankooks: https://www.tyrereviews.com/Article/...-Tyre-Test.htm

95% of the very best performers, but at 75% of the price.

Really interesting read - though tested on a very low profile tyre. I would be interested to see the results on a 60 profile tyre which is fitted to most non R-Design Volvo XC models up to around 5 years ago. I'm not sure if there will be any difference, just interested.

Keep in mind the results for handling, cornering etc. are essentially race type conditions - i.e. driving to the limit of grip. Whereas the results in snow are really what you will see and why you would buy winter tyres.

[Tannaton]

Originally Posted by Bonefishblues

Correct. They aren't softer, they are more compliant at low temperatures because they use silica compounds in the rubber. But they're more wibbly because tread spacing and sipes

...but for 90% of people, a good AS is probably the best compromise IMHO

Bang on.... it's the tread block distortion which is increased due to siping that makes them a little "wibbly".