Snow Chains on the New XC90 T8

[Philip Fisher]

It looks like the snow chain manufacturers don't recommend chains for the new XC90 because of the clearance to the suspension strut at the back of the front wheel.

I am on the narrowest 19in wheels and it does look a bit tight - although I might have a go and risk it.

The other option I can think of is to put them on the back wheels (I haven't checked but assume better clearance). Has anyone any thoughts on this? The back is not mechanically connected to the front so shouldn't upset any Haldex or anything like that which it might in a T6 or D5.

I am thinking of Thule Easy Fit SUV.

Thoughts?

[Lexman8]

What about snow socks? Would they provide more clearance? http://www.snowchainsandsocks.co.uk/

Presumably there's a particular reason for needing them?

[Philip Fisher]

I have had chains in the boot for a few winters now. We had some really bad snow in 2010 and only my other half's c-max got out and that was only 'cos we had chains.

I run the c-max on Vredestein winters now which copes with most stuff but with the Volvo being leased and the lease company deciding on tyres I won't be able to get winters on it.

Chains therefore give a degree of reassurance. I did try snow socks on an Audi I had and didn't find them particularly durable, in fact I shredded them on some part tarmac part ice driveway.....

[tem]

I cannot help regarding the snow chains, but I have a question.

I see you have Magic Blue and I think it is very nice.
Is it easy to live with?
I have owned white/black and silver cars and know the problems with dirt showing.
Just wondered about yours.
Early stages, but looking at a V90 in Magic Blue.

Thank you.

tem.

[Philip Fisher]

The magic blue is a lovely colour, but it is difficult to comment on keeping it clean as I am really not that hung up about religiously cleaning my cars anymore. It is not likely to get cleaned that much. It has done about 1700 miles now and it does look a bit dirty after I drove it to the sailing lake the other weekend but I think it looks better for it. I think it is due it's first outside clean at 18.5k miles or 12 months whichever comes first......

[tem]

Originally Posted by Philip Fisher

The magic blue is a lovely colour, but it is difficult to comment on keeping it clean as I am really not that hung up about religiously cleaning my cars anymore. It is not likely to get cleaned that much. It has done about 1700 miles now and it does look a bit dirty after I drove it to the sailing lake the other weekend but I think it looks better for it. I think it is due it's first outside clean at 18.5k miles or 12 months whichever comes first......

I am a lazy bu**er when it come to cleaning cars, reason that I asked the question.
Thanks.

tem.

[Philip Fisher]

Originally Posted by tem

I am a lazy bu**er when it come to cleaning cars, reason that I asked the question.
Thanks.

tem.

My opinion is that dark colours like black or dark blue look dirty very easily, but then stop looking any dirtier very quickly if that makes sense. So my old XC70 in black looked really shiny after a good clean, but then showed the dirt after just a couple of days, but still looked just about the same after a couple of months. I always though it looked better a bit dirty too.

Some other colours like my colleagues BMW 3 series in white just look progressively worse and worse as time goes on, as the grime builds in layer upon layer.

[yeoman]

I always though it looked better a bit dirty too.



LOL...That made me laugh.

[don kalmar union]

This new XC90 has double front wishbones and not traditional struts but maybe chains will still get a bit too close to some part of the front suspension.

On this subject a Swedish friend of mine told me the other day that many Scandinavians having chanced their arm with a T8 to replace a Range Rover or other proper AWD vehicle have found out that it is a totally unsuitable vehicle in that respect in anything other than perfect conditions on and in all respects off road. The front wheels will spin up and slip very easily on all but the very best of surfaces and if you bring in the electric rear that paradoxically worsens the situation. They also note the early onset of torque steer under anything but the lightest throttle.

The answer for prospective new owners in the future for these cars who have concerns may be developments in hand at GKN Driveline who supply the rear axle/electric motor assembly. If you check on Pistonheads you will find an article on winter testing of various GKN Driveline components, current and under development, in particular an XC 90 (GKN not Volvo) development vehicle with the answer to the problem of rear XC90 T8 traction in all but perfect conditions.

http://www.pistonheads.com/features/...workshop/33790

Don.

[Philip Fisher]

I am not sure that I understand why it would be so bad in the snow/slippery terrain though?

With a normal Haldex set up, all that stops all the power spinning out on one wheel is the traction control applying the brakes.

With the T8 set up then there is a lot of power to the front wheels, but the back in an entirely separate system so even if the front is spinning then the back will still be able to apply power and potentially move the car. This should be as effective as a centre diff lock on a proper 4x4.

From reading the piston heads article it seems to be talking about more of a 'trick diff' and ultimate handling, rather than low speed traction...