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What size snow tire should I buy for my 2016 XC90 T8 Inscription Plug-In Hybrid? XC90 2016

posted by  someone claiming to be Hugh on  Thu Feb 25 17:04 CST 2021 [RELATED]

Hello All,

I own a 2016 XC90T8 Inscription Hybrid-Plug in that came equipped with Pirelli Scorpion Verde tires in the size of 275/45R20. I am thinking of purchasing 4 snow tires. I looked at the complete printed owner's manual (p.451) under the "Snow Tire" heading, and found no recommendation for the appropriate snow tire size. In contrast, the owner's manual for my 1996 850 GLT recommended a narrower snow tire (185/65R15) versus the all season tires it came equipped with 195/60R15. The rational being that a narrower tire will more easily slice through the snow.

I put a call into Volvo's Customer Care Department, and it said that Volvo didn't recommend a specific snow tire size because the XC90 came equipped with tires ranging in size from 18" to 22". It was recommended I consult with my local Volvo dealer to see if it sold snow tire packages and what size tire it recommended. I'm sure my local Volvo dealer will recommend what ever sized snow tire it is trying to sell at that particular moment.

My question to the Brickboard community is: Based upon the information above, what size snow tire would you recommend? Thank you in advance to all who respond.

Hugh








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    What size snow tire should I buy for my 2016 XC90 T8 Inscription Plug-In Hybrid? XC90 2016

    posted by  KlausC on  Fri Feb 26 10:45 CST 2021
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    last visit: Fri Oct 24 10:15 CST 2014
    [RELATED]

    It's a little late in the season?? You will want wheels and tires combination, unless you want a shop to tear up your wheels mounting tires twice every year.

    If you want to keep the 20" wheels, play with a tire size calculator. Keep changing the width and aspect ratio to get the tire down to about 225/55/20.

    If you go for 18" rims, then you could get 235/65/18 and tire rack has some 'snow' tires.
    --
    Keeping it running is better than buying new








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      What size snow tire should I buy for my 2016 XC90 T8 Inscription Plug-In Hybrid? XC90 2016

      posted by  someone claiming to be Hugh on  Fri Feb 26 13:32 CST 2021 [RELATED]

      Klaus,

      Thank you for your reply and advice. Some follow up questions:

      1) If I went to an 18" versus the original 20" tires that came XC90 T8, would that adversely affect the handling and operation of the vehicle?

      2) Is there a formula or calculator you are using to reduce the summer (All Season?) tires 275/45R20 that came with the XC90 T8 down to 225/55R20 for a snow tire?

      Klaus thank you in advance for your reply. I realize it may be too late in the season to obtain snow tires now, but I will hold onto this information to act upon next winter. Fortunately for me, my three other Volvo wagons all have mounted snows on alloy wheels. You are right, I don't want to pay for the mounting and dismounting (together with wear & tear) of putting the snow tires on each fall to be removed in the spring.


      Hugh








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        What size snow tire should I buy for my 2016 XC90 T8 Inscription Plug-In Hybrid? XC90 2016

        posted by  will rehsper on  Mon Mar 1 10:42 CST 2021
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        last visit: Tue Jul 3 14:55 CST 2012
        [RELATED]

        1) I wouldn't call the change adverse, but the ride and handling may be different. I say this based on experience with a Mini Cooper using 17" wheels with run-flat tires in the summer and 15" snow tires in the winter. The short stiff sidewalls of the 17 inchers made the steering very direct and the ride rock hard. Conversely the tall sidewalls of the 15 inch tires significantly improved the ride quality at the expense of the near instantaneous change of direction during steering. The differences were amplified by the super thick sidewalls of the run-flats and the soft rubber compound of the snow tires.

        Whether you will noticed such a marked difference with your XC90 is debatable; they are quite different vehicles after all.

        A lot of folks look for a smaller wheels size for their winter snows because they are less prone to damage when encountering curbs and such and also because a smaller diameter tire is generally cheaper to buy.
        --
        XC60 / Odyssey








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          What size snow tire should I buy for my 2016 XC90 T8 Inscription Plug-In Hybrid? XC90 2016

          posted by  someone claiming to be Hugh on  Mon Mar 1 12:54 CST 2021 [RELATED]

          Will,

          Thank you for your reply. As I mentioned to Klaus above, I am thinking of purchasing used Volvo alloy wheels identical to the ones currently on the XC90 T8. I have two 850 wagons, and each Volvo has a set of four (used) alloy wheels that i have mounted snow tires on. I like the look of the alloy wheels, plus if during the summer an alloy wheel gets damaged, it is very easy to swap in one of the snow tires, and send the damaged rim out to be repaired. My inclination now is to purchased the used alloy wheels and mount 20" snow tires for next season. Again, thank you for your response.








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        What size snow tire should I buy for my 2016 XC90 T8 Inscription Plug-In Hybrid? XC90 2016

        posted by  KlausC on  Sun Feb 28 19:50 CST 2021
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        last visit: Fri Oct 24 10:15 CST 2014
        [RELATED]

        Should have been 225/65/18.

        https://www.tacomaworld.com/tirecalc?tires=275-45r20-225-65r18

        Not all sizes are created, you will have to shop around or change the sizes. You might also look for 19 inch wheels that fit Volvo.
        --
        Keeping it running is better than buying new








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          What size snow tire should I buy for my 2016 XC90 T8 Inscription Plug-In Hybrid? XC90 2016

          posted by  someone claiming to be Hugh on  Mon Mar 1 12:48 CST 2021 [RELATED]

          Klaus,

          I haven't looked at it yet, but I assume the "Tacomaworld" website will lead me to a tool to calculate the proper snow tire size based upon the summer (all season) tires on my XC90. From what I've been told, I can use 18" rims for snow tires according to my local Volvo dealer. Although it will cost more money per snow tires, I am inclined to obtain 20" used alloy wheels. I purchased used alloy wheels to mount snow tires for my two 1996 850 wagons. I liked the look of the alloy wheels, plus if I ever had to send an alloy wheel off to be repaired, I could use a snow tire alloy wheel while I had the damage rim repaired. That had a value.

          Hugh







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