235/60 or 215/65, Altimax rt43 or Conti True contact

[8pack]

Now that my PCV is updated, new suspension, new AC condenser and compressor are all taken care of and the CEL is finally off from my cam solenoids I am ready to start looking at new tires. Between now and august I will put 12-15000 miles on the car.

My car has 160k+ on it and I am running Nokian wrg3 now in 235/60/16. I have not run the stock sized 215s in 8 years so I can't remember how they ride. I also don't want to spend the coin on new Nokians as I don't know how long the car will last before repairs don't justify ongoing ownership. I commute to Pittsburgh from NJ (800 miles/week) and want a tire that performs close to the Nokian in summer and winter weather but are affordable. I have narrowed it down to the Altimax and the Conti which are both highly rated.

pluses and minuses on tire size and brand?

Thanks!

[kutcht1]

How did you like the 235/60/16 size? Did they use more fuel or rub or anything? Just curious.
TomK

[vtl]

I have TrueContact in my XC70 and RT43 in wife's V70, in stock sizes. Both are a very good tires, quiet, grippy, thread wear seems to be fine. This year we didn't have winter in Boston area, but what we had Conti were able to deal with. Of course, they are not a real winter tires like GIslaved Nordfrost or their General clone, but I was positively surprised and didn't even put Generals this winter.

[8pack]

How did you like the 235/60/16 size? Did they use more fuel or rub or anything? Just curious.
TomK

I don't know if they use more fuel or not. At total and full lock I occasionally get a tiny rub, but it only seems to happen in extreme situations. No regret on the tire size but I am looking to save a little money by using the stock size.

Any comments on people who have used both and can voice an opinion on the comparison appreciated!

[IVIUSTANG]

I have used both, not a lot different in my opinion. Both seem to do well in the rain, which is the top qualifier for an all season tire for me. They also last an above average length of time.

Jesse

[Xfingers]

I've put 5,000 mi on a set of General Altimax HP in a 225/60 size. So far, very happy with no problems. They're quiet and smooth. They had a decent rebate available when I bought em and it came to about $400 total including install thru Walmart. These tires didn't get the best reviews for snow handling but a couple times last winter going up snowy mountain passes, the tires were up for the challenge and the car churned thru the snow like a tank.

[PierreC]

235/60 any day ... it transforms the car!

I cannot comment on the brand - I had Yoko's in this size and they were a real pleasure

[billr99]

235/60 any day ... it transforms the car!

I cannot comment on the brand - I had Yoko's in this size and they were a real pleasure

Agree 100% with either 225/60 or 235/60. Have to wonder what the engineering or marketing logic was for choosing 215/65s to begin with.

Cheers,

Bill

[8pack]

Narrower tire will give some better grip in snow etc. Maybe that is it, plus the 235's are a tight fit even though there is generally no issue. Sounds like the 235's are what I should stick with and I think I settled on the Altimax RT43's based on winter weather reviews.

Still open to more opinions! If there is a better tire in the $100 range feel free to opine...

[Iroll_]

Fuel economy and turning radius.
A member on Swedespeed is running 215/75...more ground clearance .. I plan on right naming Nokia 215/75 all terrain truck tires... Longer lasting tire than the all season 215/65

[Forkster]

Altimax rt43 - had them on the blue rocket before I sold it to Darcy. They're an ok-Sunday driving, street cruising, highway rolling, low resistance tire. They're not a performance tire - they're a family sedan/wagon tire - kinda perfect for a Volvo.

Connies will have a stiffer sidewall - more for a BMW style of driving and they're farily good in all kinds of weather (except ice, they suck on ice).

Connies if you like to throw around your Volvo around time to time, General's if you're an easy-going driver.

[8pack]

That works for me. I have a couple of other cars to throw around. This one is the bad weather and long haul big miles driving machine. Thanks!'

How much impact to mileage is there by going with a 235/60 vs. the 215?

[Astro14]

Altimax rt43 - had them on the blue rocket before I sold it to Darcy. They're an ok-Sunday driving, street cruising, highway rolling, low resistance tire. They're not a performance tire - they're a family sedan/wagon tire - kinda perfect for a Volvo.

Connies will have a stiffer sidewall - more for a BMW style of driving and they're farily good in all kinds of weather (except ice, they suck on ice).

Connies if you like to throw around your Volvo around time to time, General's if you're an easy-going driver.

General AltiMax RT43 on the wife's XC.

Continentals on my T5...

:-)

[StuntmanMike]

I have the Generals in the stock soze, and I love yhem. They're great in the rain and snow, way better than the garbage Conti Eco Contacts that came on the car. With 30k on them they are wearing very well too.

As far as handling, its a big heavy wagon with sloppy suspension - tires are the least of your worries there.

[Forkster]

That works for me. I have a couple of other cars to throw around. This one is the bad weather and long haul big miles driving machine. Thanks!'

How much impact to mileage is there by going with a 235/60 vs. the 215?I didn't notice any change in fuel economy. That's not to say there was, but with my driving style, I was averaging 20-25 MPG city/highway combo with stock and the wider 235 series.

[8pack]

Thanks! I cannot figure out how you people are getting 20-25 MPG. The BEST I am doing is 21-22 on the highway and 19 around town.....Just cleaned my MAF, maybe that will help...

[Astro14]

We get about 16-19 around town and about 20 - 25 on the highway. Usually about 22 on the highway.

25 is rare and only happens when the stars align - no traffic, modest speeds, no headwind, no big loads or external racks...

[8pack]

We get about 16-19 around town and about 20 - 25 on the highway. Usually about 22 on the highway.

25 is rare and only happens when the stars align - no traffic, modest speeds, no headwind, no big loads or external racks...

OK... That about where I am....watch out for those brits though! When they put their mileage up it is in Imperial Gallons so it looks a lot better!

[vtl]

Thanks! I cannot figure out how you people are getting 20-25 MPG. The BEST I am doing is 21-22 on the highway and 19 around town.....Just cleaned my MAF, maybe that will help...
Not everyone knows that he can use buttons on the left side of the seat to move it closer to the steering wheel, so he could push accelerator further down.

;)

[Forkster]

I had a hole cut in my floor so I could straighten my leg out and really 'give-er'.

(just kidding)

How hard you accelerate is 30% of your fuel economy. Some food for thought.