Swapping tyres

[wadhurstdaisy]

Originally Posted by moncman

Sorry I can't agree.

The steering geometery (caster/camber/toe-in/out) is dependant on the suspension/axle settings. Yes it is done with sensors on the wheels but unless the wheel has been damaged each wheel should be identical to the nearest <1mm. If the wear is even and it does not pull I would leave well alone. I have experence of tinkering with alignment and after over £100 it was no better than before.

Agree with moncman re the geometry and that swapping front to back and vice versa doesn't necessitate alignment every time.

Would however comment that a lot of XC90s have been found to be out of alignment straight from the factory (anacdotal so please dont ask for proof, just search this forum for the experience of others).

Your tyre fitter should be able to advise you whether in his (her ?) opinion anything needs to be looked at from the state/condition of the tyres.

Dave.

[RoyMacDonald]

I have mine swapped every service. Same side front to back. They are directional.

[volvocamper]

Had the car serviced today and hv the benefit of an ally in one of the senior technicians at the main dealership who likes to look after his precious motorcycle just like I love my precious car and is always quite happy to spend time discussing what ought to or ought not to be done to it before HE carries out the work (and its only on understanding he does it that dealership get my custom). He didnt recommend swapping the tyres as they are so even at present front to back and like me said there is no point checking alignment with no visual evidence of a problem, in his words if it isnt broken dont try to fix it.

[indiebands]

Originally Posted by moncman

Personally I do swap to maximise and aim to get the best tread on the front. This is contrary to modern thinking where tyre fitters tend to put new rubber on the back. The theory is most drivers are able to deal with understeer in an emergency than the back breaking loose. I was brought up with RWD and prefer to have the front dig in.

Hi - I realize this is somewhat off-topic, but a quick question related to the point you raise about new rubber. I have a V8 Exec on order, but in the meantime I have to replace a brand new snow tire on my 2001 V40 (FWD).

I just recently bought 2 new snow tires and the dealer suggested putting the new rubber on the front (though I had read on these forums that it's better to have new tires put on the rear --even for Front Wheel Drive, I did not disagree as intuition suggests that you want the best traction on the drive wheels). I only had the new tires on (the front wheels) for a couple of days before the first snow storm hit, and on an elevated off ramp, the rear of the car fish-tailed when I applied the brakes and I almost hit the guard-rail.

Now that I have to replace one of the new snow tires (after driving over an unavoidable huge open hole in the road), I am wondering whether I should have the dealer swap the new rubber to the back after all - for the sake of stability.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

[moncman]

First question is - do you only have 2 snow tyres or 4? I would not recommend only having 2 snow tyres on in any location as the differential in performance will be vast.

If on the other hand you have 4 snowies on I would put the best/newest ones on the front. (only my opinion)

[indiebands]

Originally Posted by moncman

First question is - do you only have 2 snow tyres or 4? I would not recommend only having 2 snow tyres on in any location as the differential in performance will be vast.

If on the other hand you have 4 snowies on I would put the best/newest ones on the front. (only my opinion)

Hi moncman,

Good point, I have 4 snow tires - all Pirelli Snowsport 210's. The older pair are maybe 5 years old, but have good tread (they are a little hard with age, though) and the newer pair, brand new.

Thanks for your opinion (and the quick response!).