S90 FWD Traction in Ice/Snow

[MCV60]

Originally Posted by kwn

Hi MCV60 - Did you ever get a chance to assess the Cross Climates performance in poor conditions?

Not really, may have a had couple of occasions (like this morning where the local roads were slushy) during the time I've had Cross-Climates on, where there was no issues, even if they are currently wearing close to the minimum tread depths.

Having ordered another pair of Cross-Climates only last week for fitting this coming Saturday In readiness of it's MOT next month.

However, for general driving all year round. I have had no issues and confidence with the 'sub 7' degrees temps. They appear to have worn well.

Pricey though, 'TOPFIVE' promotional code for 5% off any 2 or More Selected Tyres with this voucher @ Black Circles. Takes the edge off the cost.

[deepsix]

When folk blanche at the cost of winter tyres/wheels I often wonder if they consider the hassle caused to themselves and others when getting stuck. Sliding into a curb or nudging another car/wall costs so much more especially with modern complex alloys. A set of winter wheels will protect those diamond cut alloys from the ravages of grit and salt until next spring too.
I have two sets in the garage, the 18" are for sale on here. Shameless plug.....
https://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showthread.php?t=301659

[deepsix]

Interesting Volvo Canada Winter 'Tire' brochure.
https://assets.volvocars.com/en-ca/~...2.pdf?la=en-ca

[Fursty Ferret]

Exactly. On our local Facebook group someone posted a “be careful out there” message after she went out in two inches of snow this morning and slid all the way down the High Street bouncing off the pavements.

What she didn’t acknowledge was the complete foolishness of heading out on summer tyres for a totally non-essential journey that she could have walked.

[Davebbass]

The amount of people who just don't realise never fails to surprise me. I get it a lot, to the extent of taking the p**s out of me for having winter tyres, yet they suddenly stop laughing as I sail by them in deep snow, when they can't even move safely in a couple of inches. I've had winters on my car since 2012, and have never looked back!

[Wizzpop]

Originally Posted by Davebbass

The amount of people who just don't realise never fails to surprise me. I get it a lot, to the extent of taking the p**s out of me for having winter tyres, yet they suddenly stop laughing as I sail by them in deep snow, when they can't even move safely in a couple of inches. I've had winters on my car since 2012, and have never looked back!

Haven't seen deep snow, or any snow for that matter, for several years. Had winters on my V40, but haven't bothered with the V60. Must be climate warming. Perhaps we will need summers and tropics soon.

[James77]

I have Nokian Winter Tyres on a second set of rims and I'm sure they'd work great but never had the chance as I could've driven up the mountain to Flaine in the Alps last week on slicks. Booooo

That was a good use of well over a grand!!

I might sell them at some point and just get all seasons.

[IainG]

Hi
For the last 5 years I have switched to winter tyres each winter on my V50.
3 years ago I drove from Derby to Matlock on fresh snow, deep enough that the undertray was flattening the snow under the car all the way. No issues at all. However when I arrived at Matlock there was a 4x4 on summer tyres stuck on a gentle hill. We stopped and helped push the 4x4 up the hill. We then managed a hill start on the ice and snow and carried on.

So as everyone has said it is the tyres (and switching off the traction control) that is important.

Used to drive a 4x4 so was pleasantly surprised how effective the 2 wheel drive car on winter tyres actually is.

Iain

[deepsix]

Originally Posted by Davebbass

The amount of people who just don't realise never fails to surprise me. I get it a lot, to the extent of taking the p**s out of me for having winter tyres, yet they suddenly stop laughing as I sail by them in deep snow, when they can't even move safely in a couple of inches. I've had winters on my car since 2012, and have never looked back!

Shouldn't have to look back, not many will be following you anyway unless they're on winters too

[skippyfox]

Reading through this thread reminds me of a few years ago when we had a bit of snow on the ground, about 3-4 inch. Looking out of the living room window, I watched with a bit of amusement at a blokes attempt to climb the road (not very steep) in a BMW X6Sport. Wheels spinning and by the sound of things redline all the way. Next thing the bloke is going back down hill, it was then I realised all 4 wheels locked up and the brake lights on. That's one expensive sledge you've got there I thought, hope you make the corner... Needless to say said BMW decided the best place to stop was a neighbours garden wall. All the 4X4 tech in the world is no good to you, unless you have the right rubber for winter conditions