ICQ>

Hi Chris! One of the important issues with tires is matching the tire to the type and size rims you have. Since you have a wagon and if you have the steel rims, like I do (I took the 25 spoke alloy wheels off the moment the car was rolled off the truck at the dealer's lot), I will recommend the Michelin metric radial, which is an "82" series tire. If you have the alloy rims, you MUST make sure the bead width (the edge of the tire that goes against the rim) is compatible with the width of the rim. If it isn't you literally face death if you get out on the road on them. Rim sizes are usually stamped on the rim somewhere. Most tire reference books will list the rim sizes and types.

The problem you will face is the same one I have fought over the years. When you get the tire recommended for the car, it will be a "sport radial" which only means that instead of two body plies plus two steel belts, you will only have TWO body plies and ONE steel belt. (There will probably be a lot of BB'ers, who will argue this point, but that is the accepted definition of a sport radial in the industry in which I worked for nearly 10 years.) I personally don't like this arrangement on the wagon (or the sedan for that matter), so, if I don't know what size tire I want, in order to get a match, I usually will ask for the 185R14 sport radial to be brought out and laid on the floor. Then I have the tire that has the construction I want (in my case it would be the "original" Michelin metric radial, which is an 82 series tire, with two + two plies) brought out and laid by it. If the sidewall width (height from floor) is the same and the overall tire height is the same when you stand it up next to the tire called for in the book, you can use that tire on your car, without worrying about wheel well clearances or speedometer problems. I know that this sounds like a low-tech "solution", and it IS, but it always works. If you fiddle around with all sorts of different types of tires, you can "plow yourself up a snake". You can use the Pirellis, Bridgestones, Dunlops and all the exotic tires made around the world, and I have used almost all of them, but I have found that the Michelin "metric" radials are the most reliable in crisis handling situations as well as "durability driving". I have put over 85,000 miles on more than one set and not only on the Volvo.

Any discussion of tires can get "heated", as many are passionate about the subject. You may have a number of suggestions other than this, but whatever you do, put the best quality tires on your car that you can afford. Your control of your car is no better than the tires on the ground and don't let anyone tell you to put lesser tires on your car, just because it's only driven "in town". This is the worst mistake one can make. If you run into a salesman who suggests this, turn your back on him and LEAVE!

Good Luck and I'd be interested to know what you decide.