What are the best tyres to put on an XC90?

[Beavis]

Originally Posted by Jesters3

What do you guys think?

i am not an expert, but i would wonder if the differing grip levels offered by 2 different tyre styles would effect safety - as in more grip at front/back - particulary in the bad weather.

i would probably try and get a few thousand out of the backs by switching to the front, and then change all 4.

[Ron_XC90]

There have been many discussions about the use of different make/model tyres front and back, and also having front and rear tyres with very different threat dept.
I believe the general opinion was that both situations will give extra wear on the AWD system and could cause issues in longer term.
So if you want to replace with a different tyre, I would suggest to swap the current tyres front/back so they wear equal and replace all 4 when due...

[Jesters3]

Thanks.

I was looking to take the rear set (Pirelli Scorpion Zero) and have them put on the front.

I then have the new set (Vredestein Quatrac3) and put them on the rears.

Then in a few months replace the front set (old Pirelli Scorpion Zero) with a set of Vredestein Quatrac3 - so then all tyres are the same albiet the rears having slightly lower tread.

Or play it safe and get the Scorpions again and have them put on so all the same tread albeit different tread level?

Really want to get a good set on there in case of potential bad weather in the next few months - but torn on which way to go!!!

Reading various articles their is confusion on the AWD/4X4 system. They all say to change all 4 at the same time or if you have to change just two; do the rears first. In the XC90 manual when fitting 'winter' tyres you should do all 4 - with the Quatrac3 being an 'all-season' tyre I guess this should fit in the same category - however just can't afford to do all 4 at once!

[Jim314]

Originally Posted by Jesters3

What do you guys think?

If this is a AWD, then all 4 tyres should be well matched in diameter at the tread. That would argue for putting the same model tyre all round.

If FWD, it doesn't matter as much. However, the antilock brakes and dynamic stability control may work best with all 4 tyres matched in grip.

[Jesters3]

Cheers, I mailed Vredestein for their thoughts:

Thank you very much for your E-mail as we appreciate all feed back from our customers.

The Quatrac 3 has the Snowflake symbol on the sidewall , this means the tyre is more towards being a Winter tyre than a Summer. Never drive your vehicle with Winter tyres on one axle and summer tyres on the other axle. I don’t know anything about the Pirelli tyres(being a winter tyre or not) but I do not recommend fitting two different brands or Summer/Winter on to your vehicle.

We hope this answers your question. In case you have more questions, please don't hesitate to contact me.


Kind Regards

Mark Kearns
Technical coordinator


Well that answers that question then!

Pirelli Scorpions it is

[REDSHEEPRIDD]

I agree - dont mix summer & winter tyres.

i read that the older XC90's require all 4 tyres to have equal tread ( as best as possible) or it could damage the AWD system. Newer ones are different and can compensate for this. Wonder if this contributes to the loss of AWD with the spline sleeve?

i have today ordered 4x Nokian Wr G2 tyres - all year, but winter biased - i will post the results once fitted. These replace my Scorpions.

You could always look on e-bay and buy 2 part worn tyres to match the rears meantime.

[Jesters3]

Really wanted to get on the Vredestein but just can't do all four.

Thought about the part worn route good prices @ £75.00 for a pair though but I feel it is a false economy plus quite a few are puncture repairs. Plus as it is for the wife saving @ £200 on a 'used fixed tyre that should be okay' ain't worth it in my opinion.

Oh hum Pirelli's it is. Just have to save up those pennies to get 4 at once.

[RoyMacDonald]

Originally Posted by REDSHEEPRIDD

I agree - dont mix summer & winter tyres.

i read that the older XC90's require all 4 tyres to have equal tread ( as best as possible) or it could damage the AWD system. Newer ones are different and can compensate for this. Wonder if this contributes to the loss of AWD with the spline sleeve?

i have today ordered 4x Nokian Wr G2 tyres - all year, but winter biased - i will post the results once fitted. These replace my Scorpions.

You could always look on e-bay and buy 2 part worn tyres to match the rears meantime.

Haldax say the system can cope with a small amount of difference but advise not running with different tyres or a large difference in diameter as it could damage the AWD system. That includes type 2 and 3.

The issue with the old sleeve on the type 2 pre redesign was not related to tyres, but a corrosion and design one.

[REDSHEEPRIDD]

After a nervous week since ordering my nokians through Mytyres, I have now cancelled my order.
Web states 90% delivered in 4 days - so after paying my £578 by credit card, i get an e-mail 4 days later asking for utility bills etc as proof of address - so to cut a long story short, i phoned them (answering machine in germany?) and my bank and eventually decided after reading other reviews and similar nightmare stories of Mytyres to cancel my order.

Have ordered 4 Vredstein Wintrac 4 Extremes from a local fitter - £600 all-in.

Hope your recommendation is good Roy!

[wadhurstdaisy]

Originally Posted by StuT4

Hi JimmyB, have you noticed anything with economy yet? just been running mine for 1 week, have yet to fill up, but it appears the tyres may have made her a bit thirstier.

noticed that the pressures were only 35psi, so upped them to 39/40 tonight. will refill in a couple of days and see what the full tank mileage is.

Whilst I'm very happy with the General Grabbers I took a mpg hit with these tyres (see http://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showpo...2&postcount=30)

Dave.