Tires - T, H or V Rated

[uablami]

Could someone recommend the optimal tire rating for our XCs? I know the OEM has the tires at V but would H suffice? I ask because more options become available with the T or H rating but I do not want to sacrifice peformance, load, safety or anything else going with anything less than a V.

[Mink]

When Volvo arranged an expedition for the Press from Baja, Mexico to show off the XC70 a few years back, they replaced the Pirelli STRs with Pirelli S/Ts, which are somewhat more off-road oriented. They're also H-rated. You can read the story here: http://www.canadiandriver.com/2005/01/03/first-drive-2005-volvo-xc70.htm.

I understand the S/Ts are no longer available in the US, although we still get them here in South Africa, and I've been driving a set for the past 50,000km and really like them.

[RockitShip]

It's important to note that aside from the higher speed ratings of say going from
an H to V rated tire, the higher speed ratings almost always means the tires have
a higher load range and tougher sidewalls... which is what I think Volvo was after
when selecting the original V rated Scorpions. I don't think they envisioned people
traveling at 150 MPH, but rather the higher/tougher spec's.

That said, there are a few T and H rated tires that are geared towards crossover
vehicles these days. I personally like the T-rated Yokohama Avid TRZ's on my A4.
For my XC70 I may actually opt for the H-rated Khumo Solus KH16, or H rated
Khumo Road Venture APT KL51. Or on the other end of the spectrum I am also
seriously considering the H-rated Yokohama Geolandar A/T-S.

The tirerack.com is a great resource for this stuff.

P.S. While Volvo may have been leaning towards the V-rated tires, I cannot think
think of any meaningful detriment a quality H-rated tire would have on this vehicle.
I can say that it is a decision best left up to the owner... someone living in the snowbelt
may gravitate towards Nokian WRG2's for example.

[mkap03]

I have the OEM Pirelli STR and a mechanic recommended the Toyo EXTENSA. I have been very happy with the STR's, they have handled excellent in the snow and rain.

The Toto is a T rated tire and makes me a little concerned. What will the real differences be going to a T rated and is the Toyo better than the Pirelli?

[Canuck]

FYI: When I had a tranny replaced under warranty, the warranty adjuster from volvo took pictures of the tires and included them in his approval for the repair. He informed me that I would have voided the warranty if I had been running tires outside of the OEM specs. Long story short, Volvo extended warranty will use any excuse they can think of to avoid paying out on a claim. Get tires that match the OEM specs exactly and save yourself a headache down the road.

[billr99]

FYI: When I had a tranny replaced under warranty, the warranty adjuster from volvo took pictures of the tires and included them in his approval for the repair. He informed me that I would have voided the warranty if I had been running tires outside of the OEM specs. Long story short, Volvo extended warranty will use any excuse they can think of to avoid paying out on a claim. Get tires that match the OEM specs exactly and save yourself a headache down the road.
What BS that is! As long as the tires are are close to identical rolling diameter, what difference would it make as far as brand, size, or rating in regard to a driveline issue? Hopefully, the Chinese will sort this kind of thing out when they take over Volvo. Maybe decent customer care will come back to the marque under new ownership.

Cheers,

Bill

[damajor]

FWIW, I see that new Volvo XC70 has the Continental 4X4 tires....Dealer could not say whether this was temporary or not...