XC70: Wheels/Brakes XC70 - Wheels for Winter

[rp12345]

Having had my XC70 for nearly a year, I am wondering about getting a set of winter tyres. Rather than change the tyres I think it would be better to have a second set of wheels.

However, I don't know how to calculate what size wheels and tyres I would need. I currently have 18" wheels and would prefer 17" for winter. Please could anyone advise?

Are second hand wheels from ebay a good idea, or risky from a safety point of view?

Thanks in advance for any help.

[Tannaton]

www.wheel-size.com

Easiest way is to buy a second hand set of wheels that were from the same platform (XC70 V70 S80 etc.)

[FreshAir]

It's worth considering 'all-season' tyres for the UK in winter rather than actual winter tyres as they are way more suited to UK (non Highland) winters.

Better grip when no snow, but still more than enough snow and ice performance for those few days when you need it.

[V70Zig]

I've been on Michelin Cross Climates for a few years now, never had an issue and wear well.

[ferg55]

Originally Posted by rp12345

Are second hand wheels from ebay a good idea, or risky from a safety point of view?

Wheels: I'd always want to see pics of the car they came off to make sure they hadn't been in a serious collision.
Tyres: I wouldn't take the risk, tyres can be damaged even when not in a collision - e.g. driving under inflated.

[sam1]

Originally Posted by V70Zig

I've been on Michelin Cross Climates for a few years now, never had an issue and wear well.

same, great tyres, dont seem to wear that quick, good enough on the odd snowy day with AWD

[JonnyA]

I picked up my second set of volvo wheels c/w winter tyres via ebay - all in mint condition with only 1 trip to the alps on them - so this can be a good route and i got mine alot cheaper than a new set of tyres, so worked out on the economic front too.
possibly over kill for most UK (certainly SW) conditions but great if you do get snow or on the winter trip.
I store and swap my self, takes me about 1/2 hour to swap over wheels sets. (assuming some garage hasn't mullered the locking wheel nut!).
Having said that i now run 'all-season' tyres as my main set, more surity as we go into the winter weather and the original pirelli summers, whilst great in the dry, were never that great on wet tarmac or in slippery (field/track) conditions - but i still swap for deep winter months.

[Christerart]

Originally Posted by V70Zig

I've been on Michelin Cross Climates for a few years now, never had an issue and wear well.

Two years ago I put a set of Michelin Cross Climate + on my 2005 XC70 D5 (163) (215/65/R160) @ £400 mounted. Very pleased with them - 14K miles.

Just put on a set of Cross Climate 2:

https://www.tyrereviews.com/Article/...ossClimate.htm

on my 2008 XC70 Lux Polestar 205hp 4C (235/55/R17) @ £583.96 mounted. Not cheap but safety has no price..

[october37]

I h ave had numerous Volvos and even some other makes over the past sixty plus years and never had any trouble with the tyres in Winter , usually Pirelli ones without ever giving any thought to the tyres other than running at a couple of pounds less tyre pressure. In my opinion its just another ploy to part the Motorist from the contents of their wallet.

08 xc70 D5 SeLux Geartronic 208600miles

[october37]

I have had numerous Volvos and even some other makes over the past sixty plus years and never had any trouble with the tyres in Winter , usually Pirelli ones without ever giving any thought to the tyres other than running at a couple of pounds less tyre pressure. In my opinion its just another ploy to part the Motorist from the contents of their wallet.

08 xc70 D5 SeLux Geartronic 208600miles