[JF]

I hope to have more success with this thread <IMG SRC="http://www.swedespeed.com/ubb/wink.gif"><P>Winter is coming, and I am looking for rims and tires. My Volvo parts guy is offering Volvo steel rims with Gislaved tires. I know the tires are really good (my father and brother have those on their Volvos). I might choose the Nokian Hakka 1 though. I need studs on the tires and the Nokian are very good at that. I don't know about Gislaved with studs (grip, noise, wear, etc.)<P>Now for the rims, is it worth the price to get the Volvo ones? It is 60% more for the factory ones! The part guy said they were stronger. He had complaints about the regular steel ones he is also offering. So, what do I do? Anyone with experience with winter rims on their Volvo?<P>Thanks,<P>JF

 

[JF]

Oh well... Thank you all for your precious inputs.<P>I suppose you all live in California and that you let the dealership make your oil change (see other thread). That I can understand... But, to simple yes/no questions, no is a valid answer, don't you think? Empty threads, geez...<P>Go to <A HREF="http://www.i-club.com/" TARGET=_blank>http://www.i-club.com/</A> and pretend you own a Subaru. Ask about how to change the "muffler bearing" and you will get replies even though no one knows what a muffler bearing is. You might say they have a LOT more members on i-club than here, but is it really quantity or quality that matters?<P><BR>Wait a minute, there is a thread about snow tires in V70 NEW... Should i answer and tell them that the Blizzaks are good only when new and that they don't perform very well after 1 winter? nah, why bother... I am just a new member not interrested in minor problems taken care on warranty or on wheels smaller than 16". I don't start the good or right threads it seems...<P>Deceived JF...<P>PS Maybe I have the "invisible mode" ON? I salute you nevertheless.

 

[scott m]

JF,<BR>I am afraid I can't offer too much insite into your problem, I don't need studded tires, but I can tell you that the gilvaseds are good, and that they are probably as good at designing studs as the nokian's. I have heard good things about both so I don't think you can go wrong with either. <BR>As for the rims, given the problems I have had with aftermarket parts I would probably go for the volvo rims (what I intend to do in a month or so). But if you ask the parts guy to show you both maybe you can make a more informed decision that way. If the aftermarket ones look okay then go for them (but don't be upset if they don't last as long as you hoped), otherwise bite the bullet and buy the Volvo ones. Either way I wish you safe and happy motoring.<P>(BTW I don't often look at the old V70 section, but that doesn't excuse other's from not helping you with your question).<BR>

 

[JF]

Thanks Scott for your answer and opinion. I actually went to the dealership to look at the "aftermarket" rims the other day. I misunderstood the guy there. They don't sell rims other than Volvo brand... I guess I won't be able to really compare then. Like you said though, I should better go with the OEM ones, which I will do. While I am at it, I will also go with the Gislaved studded tires to give them a try. I know that un-studded they are great, let's see with studs!<P>Thanks again, I really apreciate your insights <IMG SRC="http://www.swedespeed.com/ubb/smile.gif"><P>JF

 

[scott m]

No Problem JF,<BR>I know it can be frustrating to try and figure out what is best and not getting an answer to a question only makes it worse. I will be going out to get 4 steel rims for my new v40 in the next month (the alloys from the 740 don't fit) and will have to get two more snows to replace the worn out ones from the 740 ( thankfully the other two are the correct size, so I don't have to buy 4). I just won't drive without snows on the car through the winter (and having driving in Quebec in the winter in the past would be really concerned by anyone not using snow tires there!) Hope everything works out well <IMG SRC="http://www.swedespeed.com/ubb/smile.gif"><BR>

 

[S.R.]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by JF:<BR><B><BR>Now for the rims, is it worth the price to get the Volvo ones? It is 60% more for the factory ones! The part guy said they were stronger. He had complaints about the regular steel ones he is also offering. So, what do I do? Anyone with experience with winter rims on their Volvo?<P>Thanks,<P>JF</B><HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P>JF,<P>I think that it would be a good idea to go with the OEM winter wheels as well. Since you live in Canada and most likely see a lot of snow/ice, I am sure you will get your money back with regards to how much you use them. Another good thing about them is, if you ever sell your car and buy another Volvo with the same bolt pattern and offset, you can just keep those winter wheels and you will be set.<P>-Drew<BR>

 

[JF]

Thanks guys,<P>Yes, I will now definately go with the Volvo stuff. Also, I noticed that our offset is weird (for the 70 series anyway). I think it is +20mm meaning that it is rare (and I am not talking about the bolt pattern!). I thus suspect the aftermarket rims to maybe not be the correct offset in order to suit more type of cars. That could cause handling problems, I don't know...<P>Scott, how do you like your V40? Is it roomy enough? How does it compare to the 740?<P>I will post my comments when I get the wheels. They should arrive next week (with the snow maybe?!?!!)<P>JF <IMG SRC="http://www.swedespeed.com/ubb/smile.gif">

 

[scott m]

JF<BR>I really like my V40 so far (I have over 7000 km on it since August) I can honestly say I have no complaints about anything on the car. The handling is miles above the old 740 and it rides better too. I find it way to easy to go down winding roads at speeds far higher than in the 740 (and the 740 wasn't all that bad, the V40 just does it without any effort at all). As I am adjusting to it I am (finally) able t keep the speed down on the highway (when I first got it I was cruising at 140km/h and not realising it, the power delivery is that good and the car is that much quieter). The fuel economy is much better (to be expected with a five speed auto vs a four speed auto and a lighter car). Space wise it is a bit narrower but everywhere else it seems to have about the same amount of space, plus it's a wagon (the 740 was a sedan) so the versatilty is great (trips to Ikea are much easier, as are trips to the cottage). The 740 was a 16valve so it had decent power, but the v40 blows it out of the water there too. Don't get me wrong I loved the 740 too but the v40 is a big step over it (despite what some people might think), I have driven my father's 850 a fair amount too and my car handles at least as well but rides better. Quality wise it is flawless (paint had absolutely no orange peel or any other flaws). I guess you can tell I really like the car. And before you ask I didn't test the new v70 or s60 as they were a bit out of my price range (the v40 was my limit) so I didn't want to get attached to a car I couldn't get. I intend to keep the v40 for quite a few years (I think it should last as well as the older volvos so expect to get at least 10-15 years out of it) so who knows what or when the next one will be.<BR>

 

[captain snark]

Perhaps we can compare notes at a later date as I went and bought after market steel rims. <P>On another note since you live in Montreal you may take a few trips to Ontario where studded tires are illegal. Just FYI

 

[JF]

Hi there,<P>I just got the tires today. They didn't get the size I ordered and I took them anyway. I wanted 185/65/15 and they got 195/65/15 which make them bigger in diameter and larger thread wise. Apparently, they don't get 185 from Volvo as a package anymore... I suspect this to be on the BS side. They are the new Gislaved unidirectional Nord-Frost 3 with studs. The studs are dispersed compared to the in-line style of the NF 1 & 2. <P>If you read Russian:<BR> <A HREF="http://www.autoreview.ru/new_site/year2000/n21/tyres/tyres2.htm" TARGET=_blank>http://www.autoreview.ru/new_site/year2000/n21/tyres/tyres2.htm</A> <P>The rims are Volvo and I got the hub caps as well. For your info, I got the whole package for 991$+tax (CND).<P>Capt, yes I know about the laws in Ontario. I don't think I have to go there during the winters though. I will sometimes visit Ottawa or else during the summer time. Thanks for reminding me though! BTW, do you know what would happen if caught with studs with a Quebec licence plate? Will I get a fine (how much?). Will I get towed out of the province? Will the car be impounded? So many questions that were asked between friends here.<P>Thanks a lot, will let you know how the rubbers are when the snow comes!<P>JF <IMG SRC="http://www.swedespeed.com/ubb/smile.gif">

 

[captain snark]

As far as fine it'll cost ya $105CDN (might be a bit more they just revamped the victim surcharge on fines).<P>As far as what they will do it depends on who you come across. If your out of province you might get fined and asked to park or asked to cross the river to Hull if in Ottawa. I personaly would probably write a warning ticket and if you got stopped again give ya the keeper and have you park it. You would have to take your chances on driving it later or towing it. Yes I'm a cop in Ontario.<BR>If your vehicle is registered in Ontario you'd get the fine or 72hrs to remove the studded tires. If you get stopped by the OPP get ready for the fine.<P>PS I just got my rims with 195/60 15 Blizzak WS 50's ($768 taxes in CDN)...I can't wait for the snow!<p>[This message has been edited by captain snark (edited 10-30-2001).]

 

[JF]

Thanks cap' for the answer! <P>JF

 

[JF]

Okay, the guy lied to me. They do have the 185 for the new Nord Frost 3. I put the 195/65 on the car and it was DANGEROUS with the studs. The car had a tendancy to "slide" at speeds over 50km/h+ (30mph+). <P>I went straight to the dealer and they changed the tires for the size I wanted. They delivered my 185/65 2 days after at work only to find that 2 tires weren't properly studded. 20% of the studs were not fully inserted. I went back to the dealer and got the tires back. They are on the car since then. They are much noisier than the Nokian Hakka 1 from my previous car but they seem to have good grip for studded tires.<P>Next time I will go to a tire shop. There is no way a dealership can handle a tire business!<P>I will keep you posted when snow is here.<P>JF