My Michelin P235/60R18 Pilot HXMXM4 are in need of replacement for my Volvo XC90 (2004). I have 27k miles on these tires.

When I checked the local tire store, they said the cost to replace was $227 per tire. So I am looking to see if anyone has a more "economical" suggestion. I figure that if you are going to pay $227 per tire, they ought to last longer than 27K miles. The tire I need is pretty much for bay area driving, meaning no snow, mud, etc, but some rain. Mostly city streets and highway driving.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Brad

Tire rack has the Michelin's at $183, they also have the pirelli scorpions at $147, and Yokohama's at $155

Stay away from the Pirelli's. They came on my XC90 as original equipment and didn't even last 20K miles !!! I went with Michelins - much better !!!

I wouldnot put anything rated below V, so all 3 above are good, cheaper tires are not good.

The XC90 eats through tires like no tomorrow. Perhaps because it is such a heavy vehicle. $227 is too much to spend per tire if you will need to replace them every two years or so.

I think Sam's Wholesale or Sears may carry the Michellin's lower prices. You could check their websites.

I had a Suburban and only got around 30-40K on the first three sets of tires. I put on a set of Michelin LTX tires and when I sold it there was 75K on those tires and still had tread. The truck also ran smoother than it ever had before. Sometimes, you just get what you pay for.

ORIGINAL: betty2u

I think Sam's Wholesale or Sears may carry the Michellin's lower prices. You could check their websites.



But those Michellins are the Rejects from the Tire Stores. They are not as good of a Quailty as the tire stores.

Go to Sam's, Sears, Wal-Mart and wherever and get the best price. Then go to a tire store and get them to match it. I always get good prices at NTB.

I had the same problem on my T6 AWD with Michelin Tires... they stink! I just purchased and installed Yokohama HTS Geolander G052... only hitch is that they don't come in OEM 235/60/18! I checked with Tire rack and decided to go with the wider 255/55/18 (same overall diameter) and pressed with the Yokohamas. I think the ride is improved and they look alot better than the Michelins. My only concern is that the dealership said I should have stuck with OEM sizes... anyone see any issues?

Cheers,
Russ

I had the same problem with the Michelin Sychrone ( Pirelli's were 10x worse ). I just had a set of Bridgestone Dueler H/L Alenza's mounted for $155/tire.
These tires came highly recommended to me, I researched them and so far I am VERY satisfied. They have exceptional wet traction
and have no noise issues. Forget these over priced tires. There is equal or better quality out there for less dollars.
Also, after hassling with Volvo since I bought the XC90 48,000 miles ago about uneven tire wear, I am convinced part of the problem is with the car. Either the AWD system or alignment problems; but they need to own up to it!

Rangley1,

What size tires you buy?

Russ

What ever you get just dont get the Pirelli's all i ever do is see problems with them.

I need to replace my Michelin pilots and wanted something more reasonably priced and longer treadwear. I found more options looking at 255/55/18 as opposed to 235/60/18, but my dealer refuses to put them on because and I quote, "they are not approved by Volvo and would jeopardize the safety of my car".Is this true? and if yes, how does it affect thecar since I read many postwhere others have installed the 255/55/18 and the diameter is the same. The tires that I found and wanted to use are the Bridgestone Dueler H/L Alenza which I have read many good reviews on. Thoughts?

to the last post - RadiatorSprints

i installed a set of Goodyear Eagle Response 255/55/18's on my 2005 xc90. It is a superior tire over the michelin pilot's, which ran for about 25K miles. This larger tire size is within range for the specs of the 18" rims. I had a long conversation with a guy at Heico regarding this topic. With the 255/55's you will feel a massive improvement in handling, cornering, stability and feel. I will tell you that there is a slight increase in road noise, but not significant enough to notice after a few hundred miles.

So to answer your question, your xc90 is in no jeopardy with the 255/55/18's. I also looked into the dueler's seems to be a good tire based on reviews. My real world experience is that the goodyear eagle responses have improved the performance of this SUV drastically.

One last note, make sure that you get an exact alignment when you do the switch. if your volvo is mis-aligned by the slightest fraction - it will eat any tire you put on it within weeks. You cannot adjust the toe on an xc90 - make sure your installer knows that.

good luck....

Just wondeing... anyone want a set of 4 four brand new225/55/17's? Made by Aurora? for $150 shipped?

ORIGINAL: bradnight

My Michelin P235/60R18 Pilot HXMXM4 are in need of replacement for my Volvo XC90 (2004). I have 27k miles on these tires.

When I checked the local tire store, they said the cost to replace was $227 per tire. So I am looking to see if anyone has a more "economical" suggestion. I figure that if you are going to pay $227 per tire, they ought to last longer than 27K miles. The tire I need is pretty much for bay area driving, meaning no snow, mud, etc, but some rain. Mostly city streets and highway driving.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Brad


XC90V8, '05.
Nokian SUV-WR
$800 for four, including free stems and shipping (no TAX) from Tiresbyweb.

My OEM Michelin's (same as yours) are just about down to the belts with only 22.5k on them.... Feathering due to poor (no) realignment following rack replacement at 18.5 didn't help. Like folks say, this is a 4500lb truck, f=mv, so tires and brakes take a beating. I also just replaced my front pads (not rotors, which were still fine) with Akebono EUR1003 ceramics. Best thing I ever did. Smooth as silk, progressive and better braking distance than original pads, and NO DUST !!!

ORIGINAL: NA850ESTATE

Just wondeing... anyone want a set of 4 four brand new225/55/17's? Made by Aurora? for $150 shipped?



Hello NA850ESTATE:

Please post sales thread in the "For Sale/Trade" section.


GENERAL OPINION (with some personal preference):

If it were my car, I would go with name brand's tyres and I personally like Bridgestone but they come at a price. I would never put on cheap, generic tyres. Also, make sure that the XC90 is rated for Passenger-rated tyres (P235, etc..), as some heavier vehicles require Light-Truck rated tyres (L/T235, etc...). The info should be labeled on the door sill, inside the fuel filler panel or in the owner's manual. If the OEM Michelins came with "P" rated, you can use Passenger-rated tyres.

See following recall; it may be affecting the unusual tyre wear. The recall is affecting 2003-2006 XC90s; info on the 2007 model was unavailable at the moment.

Also, unadjustable toe-setting is not very common so double check (but it may be correct, as I am not privy to the XC90s).





2003 VOLVO XC90 Recall ID from NHTSA: 06V155000

Auto Recall Date: 20060505
Vehicle Component: STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY
Estimated Vehicles Affected: 108766
2003 VOLVO XC90 Defect Summary:
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES,THE OUTER TIE ROD BALL JOINT CAN DEFORM AT HIGH LOADS CAUSING A LOSS OF THE CLAMPING FORCE AND THE NUT MAY LOOSEN, WHICH MAY EVENTUALLY LEAD TO A FATIGUE FRACTURE OF THE OUTER TIE ROD BALL JOINT.
Defect Consequence:
THE DRIVER MAY NOTICE THAT THE VEHICLE IS DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy:
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE OUTER BALL JOINT TIE RODS WITH IMPROVED OUTER BALL JOINT TIE RODS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 23, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO AT 1-800-458-1552.
Notes: VOLVO CARS OF N.A. LLC., R157

Drive safe, much of your safety depends on the tyres.


JPN

Our 06 with 20K miles came with new Toyo's Proxes S/T. I guess the originals were not worth a damnto sell the car. I thought it a bit odd to already have new tires at the time but was most delighted to have new rubber. (I hate buying tires!) This Toyo is a V rated tire and seems to drive wellwith no noise to speak of.It also has a nice tread pattern. We are are rounding 24K miles and they seem to be holding well. I am seiously thinking of 5K mile rotations after reading about tread wear on here.

ORIGINAL: RadiatorSprings

I need to replace my Michelin pilots and wanted something more reasonably priced and longer treadwear. I found more options looking at 255/55/18 as opposed to 235/60/18, but my dealer refuses to put them on because and I quote, "they are not approved by Volvo and would jeopardize the safety of my car".Is this true? and if yes, how does it affect thecar since I read many postwhere others have installed the 255/55/18 and the diameter is the same. The tires that I found and wanted to use are the Bridgestone Dueler H/L Alenza which I have read many good reviews on. Thoughts?


Update (3000miles later)

I went ahead and had the Bridgestone Dueler H/L Alenza (255/55/18) installed, since the guys at the tire store was able to convince me that if I didn't like them after 500 miles I can return them. I have to say these were the best set of tires I have ever had and I have had Michelin, Yokohama, and Toyo (on other cars). I am very impressed with these tires, they are very quite and the traction and handling of my xc90 were much improved. After my brother drove my car he was so impressed that he replaced his toyo proxes with the Alenza's (305/40/22) on his Truck, there was a big noticeable difference on the ride and performance of his truck. Needless to say he is very happy with them as well.

Good for you:)! Be sure to rotate them (front-to-rear only for directionally-oriented tyres) at every or every other oil change to get the most out of them.


JPN

[/quote]

XC90V8, '05.
Nokian SUV-WR
....
[/quote]

Hello safetyfirst,
What is your opinion about these tires? Hownoisy are they?

I am about to order the new XC90. Among all additional options I saw MICHELIN DIAMARIS 235/65 R18 tires.
So you wouldn’t recommend them, right?
Would it be good idea just to accept the standard Volvo tires which are coming (Continental I suppose) or could you recommend some other solution like to change them directly to these Nokian ones and to have them all year round then?

ORIGINAL: Petrovich



XC90V8, '05.
Nokian SUV-WR
....
[/quote]

Hello safetyfirst,
What is your opinion about these tires? How noisy are they?

Hello Petrovich. I find these tires as quiet as the OEM Michelins when they were new. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the Nokians are MUCH quieter than the worn Michelins.

I am about to order the new XC90. Among all additional options I saw MICHELIN DIAMARIS 235/65 R18 tires.
So you wouldn’t recommend them, right?

Actually, I have used Michelins a lot in the past. They are very good tires. However, the XC90 is a heavy vehicle and tires and brakes get worn quickly. The Nokians' treadwear rating in US is 500, compared to the 300 for the OEM Michelin, so they should last 1.6 times as long. The Nokians have a deeper tread to begin with, which may explain a better tread wear rating (bigger number is better). I was concerned that with a 500 rating, the tires might be very hard, but this does not appear to be the case. They are quiet and handle as well as the original Michelins. As they are an extreme weather tire, I was interested in using them up in the High Sierras where snow is a concern. Actually, last year the OEM Michelins did very well in the mountains and I did not require snow chains. The Nokians have frost warning buttons on the sidewall - they change form green to dark grey at close to freezing point.

Would it be good idea just to accept the standard Volvo tires which are coming (Continental I suppose) or could you recommend some other solution like to change them directly to these Nokian ones and to have them all year round then?


Conti's are nice tires, but every tire is different. OEM tires re often not as good as after-market tires. I'd suggest you use what ever comes with the car, then get new tires later ! An important suggestion would be to have your alignment checked after you take delivery. Many XC90's come from the factory with poor alignment. This causes the tires to wear quickly - see thread on Swedespeed web site forum with tire "feathering". Get the alignment performed at your delivery dealer. If it is not correct, you can ask the dealer to pay for it. If it is correct, they don't have to do a realignment. Either way, it's worth the investment.

Good luck.

I replaced my Michelin OEMs at 21K miles for the Goodyear Eagle ResponseEdge (235/60R-18 103V VSB and treadwear rating of 440).50K mile warranty from GoodYear. Got mine for about $169/tire installedby GoodYear w. extra road hazard warranty. Live in Colorado and we ski every weekend.Still waiting for a solid snow fall in the Mountains so I can test them in snow. 9K miles so fare and happy with the performance (I drive hard). No noticeable wear.

Hi all,

Adding my 2 cents worth to this thread. I was surprised to read of all the issues with tires on the XC90 and the premature tire wear by so many(or what I consider premature anyway).

Our XC90 is an '05, and came factory equipped with Michelin Pilots. We took delivery of it as a demo vehicle with 4,800 miles on it in January of '06, so exactly 2 years ago, and it now has 53,800 miles on it with the orginal tires. I was just looking at them the other day,and they are still in fine shape! I think we'll be able to make it through this winter, and perhaps into the summer before I look to replace them at this point.

We have poor roads here in Michigan, and also live on a dirt road so the tires have been subjected to weather and road abuse these two years and have held up well in my opinion.

I can say that we've been having the vehicle dealer serviced since new, religiously taking it in for the 7,500 mile maintenance intervals at which time the tires get rotated (front to back only of course). I also make sure they are properly inflated at all times. I wonder if those little things are making the difference?

My wife drives the vehicle every day. While she's not a speed demon she does have a lead foot and there's never any grass growing beneath her tires. Her driving is a combination of freeway speeds and light to light city driving, a total of 75 miles every day. Whenever I drive it it's on the long hauls, and usually sail along at 80-85 mph. I continue to remark about how quiet these tires are compared to other SUV/tire combinations I've had, including two Explorers and an Expedition, and the handling has been fantastic in all weather conditions. I am still trying to figure out if it's the Volvo or the tires or both, because they really are that quiet.

I'm not quitesure why we're having this type of tire life in contrast to the experience of other posters are having... can therotation schedule and inflation really make that much difference? Our XC is the V8 AWD, incidentally. Thoughts or comments would be appreciated.

We have a 2004 AWD model and have found that the inside tire has completed eroded (beyond bald) on all four tires. The tire store said it was our maintance, the dealership said it's the tires.

We've owned the vehicle for 6months - new tires at time of purchase and have driven a total of about 15,000 miles mainly highway driving. We have the vehicle serviced every 3,500 milesand the tires rotated/balanced each time (this was because it always seems to be pulling to the left or right by the time we need to take it in).

I've checked other forums (tire ones) and noted that bridgestone (the one we have on our truck) is noted for buldges and bad tread and I've also seen that this particular vehicle also seems to have issues. I'm not sure what the problem is - the car, the tire, or what...but if I have to spend $1500 for 4 new tires/alignment every six months, we won't be keeping it for a long time as it'll be too expensive to maintain.

We've owned BMW, Subaru, VW, GM and now Volvo...we love the Volvo for overall feel, safety, etc - but this tire thing is the first time we've had this type of experience and are disappointed that so many others also seem to have issues similar to ours.