Tyres: Summer Street Driving

[HCH]

Hi folks,
need to take your opinions on tyres for my 06 XC70. Was on 16" Scorpion STRs but got vain and am on 18" Heicos. Trouble is, what tyre do I put on it? The emphasis is on ride and noise comfort with decent water dispersion. In sunny Singapore, so weather is summer all year long and if I go off road, I'll just use my 16". 18" tyres strictly for daily commute on the streets. Any ideas?

[ifnt420]

Best bang for the buck will be Dunlop LM703 in 235/50WR18.
Another consideration is Pirelli STR in 235/50/HR18.

Either one will work great for your type of use. [thumbup]

[danlpotter]

...I am getting the Scorpian STR 235/50/18's put on this weekend, so I will let you know how they feel.

[HCH]

Thanks guys! The Dunlops were one of those shortlisted. Anyone on P6000s?
Danlpotter: Thanks mate! Awaiting your field report anxiously.

[danlpotter]

It's been 2 days with the Scorpian STR 235/50/18's and they feel great. Was a little hesitant when I left the installer because I could already tell the ride was different - or perhaps I was being oversensitive. Got in the next morning and drove and felt little to no difference from the stock Scorpians - so I must have been a little oversensitive the afternoon before. Long story short, the ride is good and the tires are surprisingly quieter than the stock. This morning, it is raining heavily and I noticed no difference in traction as well! I still plan on switching back to the stock Scorpians during the winter months though. In the end, I am very happy with my decison to go with the 18's! Have attached a pic -

[ifnt420]

Looks good Dan, do you have any bigger pics?
Also, just curious what psi you are putting in those tires?
Thx!

Ben

[danlpotter]

Will try to put a bigger pic on. The required psi for these is 51lbs.

[dlr97]

Will try to put a bigger pic on. The required psi for these is 51lbs.

Actually, 51 psi is the MAXIMUM pressure at a load of 1609 lb per tire for STR 235/50/18 (see www.tirerack.com (http://www.tirerack.com) for specs) . The XC70 maximum load is more like 1200 lb/tire, so I would suggest running pressures in the range of 36-40 psi for street driving. To protect the rims from potholes, go a bit higher.

[danlpotter]

...well isn't that peculiar - tirerack.com is where I purchased the tires and wheels, and the install literature states only 51 - guess I need to do a little investigating...

[dlr97]

Here is a guide for adjusting tire pressures for + fitments (larger diameter/lower profile than stock):

http://www.sportcompactcarweb.com/tech/0208scc_tire_pressure_guide/index.html