1997 V70 Are there any tyre experts here?

Bob 88 · Post by **Bob 88** » 31 May 2015, 15:12

Some time ago I bought a set of almost new Pirelli P6000 tyres on eBay complete with rims from a car identical to mine, assuming the tyres would be identical too (the extra rims was so that I would have an extra set for winter tyres)

My original tyre size was 195/65/15 and the ebay tyres were 195/60/15.
My question is why would an identical car be fitted with a different tyre profile?

Also, I find the Pirellis a bit "screechy" on tight bends, could anyone recommend alternatives?

thedancingfiddle · Post by **thedancingfiddle** » 31 May 2015, 20:02

I'm pretty sure that 195/60/15 is actually the "correct" tire size for these cars. Thats what I've always had, and what other 850s I've seen have.... why your car had different ones, who knows!

Post by **scot850** » 31 May 2015, 20:13

FWD 850 and S/V70s (not sure about V70 and 850AWD) where in my experience fitted with 195/60/15 wheels unless fitted with 16" rims. V70XC (AWD) were fitted with 195/65/15 tires (same rims). I also had 205 wide tires on my 98 V70XC. Either way, your handbook should have the correct tire listed.
Can't remember if UK cars had a plate on the drivers' side door "B' piller, or on the fuel filler flap that lists tire size and air pressure.

There was a thread recently on this and the math escapes me for now but I think it worked out the 65 profile tire affected the speedometer reading by 7% over the 60 profile (I think that is right).

As to tire choice of brands, I personally like Toyo and Michelin, don't like Khumo and find some Pirelli's noisy.

Neil.

Post by **precopster** » 31 May 2015, 23:14

During the 2000s I would buy nothing but P6000s however tyre technology has moved forward quite markedly since then.

I found the P6000s were great for the first 15,000kms however became noisy and skittish after that.

Try to find a build date on the sidewall of the tyres. ...they may be older than you suspect.

BTW I too like the Toyo Teo series.

Post by **JRL** » 01 Jun 2015, 05:18

A VERY old tire and (IMO) one of the worst out there
195/60 is the correct size

Post by **erikv11** » 01 Jun 2015, 07:03

It's a 3% difference between those two sizes, e.g. https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums ... hp?t=69752

Post by **JBC2565** » 01 Jun 2015, 07:12

I recently bought BRIDGESTONE TURANZA SERENITY PLUS TIRES and have been very happy with them.

Post by **shaker_chi** » 01 Jun 2015, 16:12

Just take a look at the inside of your gas tank cover, should indicate the correct size tire. P195/60R15 was most likely the original. I went to a P205/55R15 gives me a little better handling, but not as good in the snow.

Bob 88 · Post by **Bob 88** » 02 Jun 2015, 13:48

I just checked inside the filler flap and it says 195/60.
The tyre shop must have fitted the wrong size and the next guy just followed suit.

Many thanks for the pointers, very helpful.