Tire question

[Forkster]

I just picked up a second set of Volvo rims from a guy who had a S70 (205/55R16's). QUESTION - can 225/60R16's fit on these rims? I think it's these ones but I don't know the name:
http://www.vlvworld.com/photo_pieces/9166116.jpg

[dlr97]

If the wheels are at least 6" in width, 225/60-16 size tires will fit the wheels. Speedo will read about 1.4% fast compared to the stock 215/65-16 tire size.

[mbsl98]

Stock S70 16" rims are 6.5 inch wide, per Volvo spec sheet. Therefore 225 tire will fit. One effect you will get with wider tires is that, as the tire width increases on the same rim, the sidewalls get more "pinched in" and that results in a softer, less responsive tire. Going the other way, a narrower tire on the same wheel leaves the sidewalls more stretched out and tensioned, which leads directly to a higher sensitivity to steeering and handling. I suspect that this will be less obvious on an AWD Volvo than on a car with more sensitive handling, but it might push the tire choice a little toward the stock 215's if you value responsiveness. I'm not sure that this makes much difference on te ultimate cornering power, but it is noticeable in routine driving on my RWD cars. Note that the stock XC70 wheel is 7 inch width with a 215 tire.

[geo]

I posted a reply which appears to have coincided with another. did it appear?
geo

[geo]

apparently not so here goes again.
It is a legal requirement in the UK and I assume elsewhere that the mileage recorder is accurate, irrespective of the speedo. I have 235/60 16's on my xc70 which gives a speedo reading of about + 1.5% according to my Tom Tom GPS. less than a needle width up to 80 mph. This appears to be exactly the same as on the original 215/65 16 Scorpions so I must assume the mileage recorder is working as originally specified.
The legal requirements are based on the accuracy of old technology mileage recorders and the rotating magnet and cup speedo, the mileage recorders being geared mechanical were more accurate than the speedo. UK requires the speedo to be +-10%.
Whilst proving inaccuracy is difficult it is a point to remember when changing tyres, check the accuracy of your instruments before and after a change of tyre size. The last time I did so my (then) Cherokee speedo was reading 5% SLOW although it looked better, more macho, on the wider fatter tyres. It blows big holes in the "I was only doing XXX excuse" when stopped by the boys in blue! geo
geo

[Forkster]

The reason why I ask is that our size, 215/65R16 is an 'odd size' where the 225/60R16 is very common and 235/60R16 only less so. I was thinking that for my 'summer tires', I could stick 225/60R16 and for winter, keep the original size of 215/65R16.

[Aviator]

[/QUOTE]I could stick 225/60R16 and for winter, keep the original size of 215/65R16.[QUOTE]

Good Idea because a narrower tire cuts through snow better than a wide tire.

Dave.

[geo]

Hi,
as above 235/60 16's make no difference to the instrumentation, whereas different speedo readings fast/slow may land one in trouble when you change. Also previous tyre threads have all opted for 235/60 16's.
also you will find them easier and cheaper than 215/65 16's It is important to match or exceed the original speed and load ratings when changing.
geo