CrossClimate 2 Europe Specification

[bluebarchetta]

For those considering new all year round tyres, Michelin’s new Europe specification CrossClimate 2 are rated VOL in the 275/45 R20 size. They are only rated H up to 130mph so if you’re considering them on a you might want to let your insurances know.

Initial reviews suggest it’s addressed some of the wet weather handling issues and improved rolling resistance significantly.

[MCV60]

Not sure I understand why you would have the need to inform the insurance company?

[Haldex]

They don't meet the vehicle manufacturer's specification for AWD models.

https://www.volvocars.com/uk/support...ting-for-tyres

[ElCap]

Originally Posted by Haldex

They don't meet the vehicle manufacturer's specification for AWD models.

https://www.volvocars.com/uk/support...ting-for-tyres

Something seems off there given the H ratings exceeds the maximum vehicle speed. Looked at the spec for the V90 CC and they are all H. Then tried the XC90 on the basis that it is the heaviest of all the cars and that is H too. H is up to 130 - car is capped at 118mph max.

[Familyman 90]

Vol means nothing more than they either meet same minimum standards as the OE tyres for Volvo, or they're OE fitment for Volvo somewhere in the World. Theyre not any different whatsoever to the same tyres without the marking.

https://www.tyres-pneus-online.co.uk...gs-advice.html

It is not a rating.

In fact, its more or less meaningless as they meet all sorts of DOT, TUV and european standards anyway.

[bluebarchetta]

The H rating (<130mph) is an issue for the T8 although many insurers permit lower speed rating for winter tyres hence my original comment.

The VOL means that they may have been developed between the vehicle and tyre manufacturer to suit the characteristics of the cars.

For example, BMW worked 2 years with Michelin to tailor the BMW version of the Pilot Sport 4S to the M3. They use 5 different compounds as opposed to the standard Pilot Sport 4S which only had 3 there are also subtle tread differences . Volvo might not go to this level but manufacturer rated tyres are not necessarily the same as those with the same name that are not categorised by the manufacturer.

[Familyman 90]

Originally Posted by bluebarchetta

For example, BMW worked 2 years with Michelin to tailor the BMW version of the Pilot Sport 4S to the M3. They use 5 different compounds as opposed to the standard Pilot Sport 4S which only had 3 there are also subtle tread differences . Volvo might not go to this level but manufacturer rated tyres are not necessarily the same as those with the same name that are not categorised by the manufacturer.

Thats partly correct. In the case of the M3, in addition to the 3 letter manufacturer marking there is an additional "DT" marking, which is applied to tyres specifically developed for a particular model.

VOL on its own means only that it meets the manufacturers minimum spec, and/or may be manufacturers OE fitment somewhere in the world. Only when the DT is present does it indicate that the tyre was developed for that exact model.

So VOL DT would suggest that it was developed specifically for the Volvo Thrust T12, but VOL on its own is an off the shelf tyre.

[RonniDK]

Sounds great with the wet weather handling and rolling resistance - any word on noise?

Would be keen to hear from owners who tried these on!

[Lozzingers]

Bother - just fitted 4 Cross Climates SUV to my XC90 T8 a month ago - so won't be able to try the CC2 for a good 3 years probably (unless the front tyres get obliterated by the torque!)
The Kwik Fit chap fitting noticed on mine the lower speed rating than the OEM he was taking off - but I said it was limited to 112mph so isn't a big issue!

[OldEngineer]

The marking of 'VOL' on a Pirelli tyre means it has the foam insulation for noise reduction. Does the Michelin have this for the large (and noisy) rim sizes. A 20 inch rim is madness for comfort and is not compliant enough for good handling.