Tires for the current C70

[Joerg Lorenz]

In May 2008 my C70 D5 (185 hp) automatic was delivered. First I considered to change the Pirellis for Michelins before delivery. I didn't do it like I did with all my former Volvos and now I face the fact that the Pirellis have left 4 millimeters of tire pattern after roughly 12'000 km of use. In addition the tires follow every little unevenness of the road and are extremely noisy compared to the Michelin winter-tires I use in the cold season (215/55-16). Size of the Pirellis 235/40-18.

On my 225 hp 850 T5 I got 45'000 km out of my Michelins.

What would be the tire-recommendation in this NG? I'm particularly keen on recommendations of actual C70 drivers. Other considerations or comments are welcome as well, of course.

Joerg Lorenz

 

[James Sweet]

In May 2008 my C70 D5 (185 hp) automatic was delivered. First I considered to change the Pirellis for Michelins before delivery. I didn't do it like I did with all my former Volvos and now I face the fact that the Pirellis have left 4 millimeters of tire pattern after roughly 12'000 km of use. In addition the tires follow every little unevenness of the road and are extremely noisy compared to the Michelin winter-tires I use in the cold season (215/55-16). Size of the Pirellis 235/40-18.

On my 225 hp 850 T5 I got 45'000 km out of my Michelins.

What would be the tire-recommendation in this NG? I'm particularly keen on recommendations of actual C70 drivers. Other considerations or comments are welcome as well, of course.

Joerg Lorenz

I have Bridgestone Potenza RE960AS tires on both of my cars and have been very pleased with them. Excellent grip and they're much more quiet than my previous tires. Can't say how long they last yet though.

 

[Uncle Vinnie]

I have a 2000 C70, Turbo, 17" wheels, which I am not a big fan of, less sidewalls.

It came with Yokohama tires, which were awful in every respect- noise, traction, handling, wear. I now have Michelin Pilots, the difference is night and day, I love them...

 

[Joerg Lorenz]

I have a 2000 C70, Turbo, 17" wheels, which I am not a big fan of, less sidewalls.

It came with Yokohama tires, which were awful in every respect- noise, traction, handling, wear. I now have Michelin Pilots, the difference is night and day, I love them...

That's exactly what I'm considering, given my decade-long superior experience with Michelins. That were definetely my first and my last Pirellis. Which Michelin are using?

 

[Uncle Vinnie]

Pilots.. HX MXM4's? I am not a big fan of these 17" low profiles, however I like these tires alot.. Less road noise, less jarring, much better handling in rain, snow, etc, than the Yokohama's the car came with.. matter of fact, I thought the Yokohama's were the worst tires I have ever had.. and I've got alot of years behind the wheel, alot!

 

[Joerg Lorenz]

Pilots.. HX MXM4's?  I am not a big fan of these 17" low profiles, however I like these tires alot.. Less road noise, less jarring, much better handling in rain, snow, etc, than the Yokohama's the car came with.. matter of fact, I thought the Yokohama's were the worst tires I have ever had.. and I've got alot of years behind the wheel, alot!

In the end I decided to buy the brandnew Michelin PS3 235/40-18 ZR (91Y). The dealer put them on yesterday and I drove the car home: What a revelation! The car is rolling like a cat on her toes. It is very quiet in the car now. It confirms my decade-long positive experience with Michelins. And they look nice!

In addition during the routine maintenance the dealer loaded a "new software". The automatic gear is now shifting earlier and I like the additional smoothness of the ride. When I now use the speed-constant- holder the automatic is not downshifting anymore at 35 mph to 3rd, it stays in 4. I love it.