P215 55/r16 for snows?

[funbuffalo24]

Before I go out and buy a set of stock winter 205's for my 2000xc, I wanted to know if the set of 215 55/R16's from my mercedes I had sold to a southerner would be ok for the Volvo. He had no need for winter tires, and they've got less than 6k of wear on them. Any thoughts?

[JRL]

They may rub

[funbuffalo24]

Thanks JRL. Man, you're always on top of things!!!

[JRL]

I would mount one and see if it clears the wheel well properly

[almostarctic]

Also, I've been told by a number of sources (including the Volvo manual) that winter tires should be narrower to give more weight/contact area and therefore improve traction. I think Volvo reccomends going to 195 width even WE follow this to a tee and haven't had problems in our icey, snowy land.

[instarx]

Narrower tires are MUCH better in snow.

[ylstaffer]

It's true that narrower tires are better for snow, but the 215's are really close to the stock size and will fit fine. If they have good (and especially an aggressive) tread then they'll do great in snow, esp with AWD.