Don't like low profile want bigger sidewall can I go with 17 inch rim and bigger sidewall

URDRWHO · Post by **URDRWHO** » 07 May 2024, 05:18

When we first got our 2016 V60 my wife had no medical problems but she does now and the low profile tires increase her pain. Every bump and pot hole, which there are many, are not fun. So I am thinking of going to 215 50 17. I don't care if the wheels don't look cool, or wonderful or what ever. In my 70's with a wife with physical issues and that places me into function over form. I could go with 235 45 17 to keep the wider tire but I'm really into the biggest sidewall I can get. Flex in cornering, does anyone think I'm zipping through curvy country roads anymore?

I have read were people have stayed with their 18 inch rims like mine has but gone up to the 45 and had decent results in a better ride. Not sure how much to have Volvo do the computer input for a such a thing.

Or we find another car which right now is not a good idea with the inflated pricing in the used car market.

Post by **matthew1** » 07 May 2024, 08:26

Go to 16 or even 15. Air down 10%.

Post by **volvolugnut** » 07 May 2024, 08:35

I don't know if 15 or 16 inch wheels will clear the brakes. Someone else will need to answers this before you get new wheels.
volvolugnut

Post by **matthew1** » 07 May 2024, 08:57

Ah right. Damn new-age big brake Volvos...

Post by **MoVolvos** » 07 May 2024, 10:01

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You don't have many options. A tire change may not help with the pain. Don't want to get personal but only you and wife knows her condition and whether it's going to be a chronic or short term issue and if the pain could get worst before getting better. Does getting in and out of the car exacerbate the situation? You may have to switch to another Volvo or another Make.

Before dumping all that money into new tires and wheels may I suggest you go test drive an XC60 or other Make. Pain is one of those things that can change you not only physically but psychologically also. If your wife is already associating Volvo with a rough ride... You also have to decide how far you need or want to go to make her comfortable. Volvo For Life may not equal Volvo For Wife!

You can only go with 17". Even if you find a 16" wheel it will no longer be safe as the suspension was not made to respond to such a tall side walls.
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: 2016 Volvo V60.png (129.68 KiB) Viewed 1799 times

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URDRWHO · Post by **URDRWHO** » 04 Jul 2024, 16:00

I got my manual out to see what tires and wheels can be fitted on the 2016 V60. Because my car has the brakes/calipers of a Polestar I can'g go down under 18 inch wheels.

But for all 2016 V60's choices are as follows:

235/45/17 (36 PSI)
215/50/17 (38 PSI)
235/40/18 (38 PSI)
235/45/18 (38 PSI)
235/40/19 (38 PSI)

Warning - 19 " wheels may never be used on vehicles that are not equipped what the R-design or the sport chassis options.

So instead of changing wheels, I went with 235/45/18 and yes my wife's pain can feel a bit of positive difference. Her pain is pretty much permanent. I went with Michelin Cross Climate 2. Wild looking tires but I like them and they are quiet and smooth.

Because the aspect ration is different I called a dealer about getting a computer update for the new tires. No can do. "We can only do an upgrade if you get new wheels." Fine I understand but do you understand that new wheels means a new diameter. So if you can do the upgrade for a different diameter wheel/tire combo why can't you do it for a tire that is mentioned in the manual. She goes and asks again. Comes back, we can only do the computer upgrade for new wheels.

235/40R18 Equal 25.4 inches diameter
235/45R17 Equal 25.3" inches diameter

So if you have software to change from an 18 inch to a 17 inch with a .1 difference why can't you just do it for the tire? For now I'll just remember I am going faster than my speedo shows. Also we were actively looking to replace this car but with these new tires I kind of like it again.

Post by **matthew1** » 04 Jul 2024, 16:10

That dealer insistence is idiotic. I'm sorry you're in this pickle. Sounds like you fixed the problem and your speedo isn't off by much. So hey.

(As I was reading down this thread to refresh my memory on the background of your question, a thought came to me: same wheel, but a tire with a bigger sidewall, then have a dealer or 3rd party program in the new tire circumference, which is the path you took anyway minus the programming.)

URDRWHO · Post by **URDRWHO** » 05 Jul 2024, 04:36

They are being idiots. This car, in the manual, discussing having different sized wheels, different sized tires. So if the idiot says he can only do wheels, then "pretend" my car had a 17 inch wheel with a 235/45/17 and tell the computer to program for a 235/45/18. Computers only know what you plug into it. The computer can't see that --- "hey I see an 18 inch wheel, no can do." Do they even hear what they are saying??? I'm trying to find a third party but Volvo's are pretty addicted to VIDA.

matthew1 wrote: ↑04 Jul 2024, 16:10 That dealer insistence is idiotic. I'm sorry you're in this pickle. Sounds like you fixed the problem and your speedo isn't off by much. So hey.

(As I was reading down this thread to refresh my memory on the background of your question, a thought came to me: same wheel, but a tire with a bigger sidewall, then have a dealer or 3rd party program in the new tire circumference, which is the path you took anyway minus the programming.)

Post by **scot850** » 05 Jul 2024, 08:22

Although not of much help here, my neighbor has a 2015 V60 Polestar. The original owner spec's it for smaller brakes so he could fit smaller winter rims with taller sidewalls due to all the rough roads around here. The car is a 1/1 special order.

Neil.

Post by **Krons** » 05 Jul 2024, 08:34

I wouldn’t worry about the 0.1 difference. Even airing down to 34 or 32 psi you likely wont damage the tires. Can use an infrared temp gun to see if they are building too much heat.