snow tires on XC70?

Discussion in 'Volvo C70' started by Mike, Nov 12, 2003.

  1. Mike

    Mike Guest

    I recently bought an XC70 and am approaching my first upstate New York
    winter with AWD. I have always put four snow tires on my Saabs (which
    of course are not AWD) and am wondering if anyone can relate their
    experiences with and without snows on the XC70. Thanks.
     
    Mike, Nov 12, 2003
    #1
  2. Mike

    Sandyon66XYZ Guest

    We live in NH and bought a 2003 XC70 on 1/31/03. The salesman suggested to
    me that, even with the bad winter we were having last winter, that snow
    tires probably were not necessary because the Pirellis and AWD woudl provide
    good traction. We made it through the winter fine, never skidded or got
    stuck once, and I was on Interstate Highways many times during snowstorms.

    Depending on where in Upsate NY that you are, e.g. Buffalo, you may need
    snow tires or even a tracked vehicle!

    Sandy
     
    Sandyon66XYZ, Nov 12, 2003
    #2
  3. Mike

    Bob Noble Guest

    Hi, Mike - - -

    I'm another one who's often thought of a separate set of wheels for our
    '98 V70XC, but have never pursued that thought. We're talking about
    four winters past and another starting. Never a problem.

    This car, of course, has the original viscous coupling variety of AWD.
    It has proved its value more than once, after an initial proof that it
    could operate when we were at higher elevations getting our Christmas
    tree the year it was new. The system just dug four nice little holes in
    the too-soft snow that I blundered into. A more aggressive tread might
    well have saved the day, but AAA did the job just fine.

    Bottom line: If really heavy snow is in your future, you might want to
    think twice, but the Salesman probably called it right when he noted the
    chunky tread of your Pirellis.

    bob noble
    Reno, NV, USA
     
    Bob Noble, Nov 13, 2003
    #3
  4. If you are interested in traction, as the salesman and previos posts
    seem to be, then you may be alright with the all-season tires. If you
    are concerned about safety (braking distance, stable handling and so on)
    then winter tires is your best choice.

    In my work I develop AWD systems, and I have been driving them in winter
    conditions really alot on different car manufacturers winter test
    tracks. Believe me when I say that all-season tires should really be
    called no-season tires...

    Living in Sweden, I do not know what your winters are like, but it seems
    to me that winter tires is a small price to pay for decreasing the risk
    of getting injured in traffic - or injuring someone else.


    /Staffan
     
    Staffan Nilsson, Nov 14, 2003
    #4
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