We just added an '04 S60 2.5T to our our garage to go withour '02 XC70. The 2.5T, of course, comes with the OEM 17" wheels. I've never been a fan of low-profile tires (I'm not a sport driver; we just need family cars). After the recent horrendous winter weather, I was even less of a fan of them. The poor S60 had to be parked for weeks. It was utterly useless in just a couple of inches of snow.

I've always had a set of steel winter wheels with studded snow tires in the garage for my other cars. Of course, I've learned that the 2.5T, with its larger brake calipers, can't take 16" steel wheels. With 17" steelies not being available for this car (according to the local shops), we're left with having to fit a set of alloy 17" wheels with low-profile snow tires. Even the most inexpensive package at a local discount chain exceeds $1,200 for a set like this! Wow!

So...rethinking...maybe we'll just fit a better set of M+S all-season tires on the OEM 17" wheels. Some of you have said good things about the Michelin Pilot Sport and the Bridgestone Potenza. What's the collective wisdom about the best affordable option for tires with good snow performance for this car? I'd like to hear from our Canadian neighbors, too. We live right at the border and the exchange rate is favorable for us right now....

Thanks in advance!

 

My beastie is now on the second winter with 16" Steel Wheels, wearing 205/55R16 Dulop SP Winter Sport 3D - I keep the 17s for my summer treads. Live in a semi-rural area in NH, about 2 hours from the Canadian border so I've seen a fair amount of snow. An added benefit with this size winter tire is a tighter turning radius since the 17s tend to rub inside the wheel wells quite a bit sooner. I got the whole package through Tire Rack for under $700 with wheel covers (they only made it through the first season) and bags for the off season tires while they're stored. The 16s fit on without a problem and I haven't seen any wear issues around the calipers. I also invested in a new set of lug bolts for the summer since the chrome on the original set was almost non-existent.

 

I also suggest going here,

http://www.tirerack.com

I'm sure you could find a better deal on a combo package.

 

try craigslist, or local discount tire outlets
you can always get studded tires if they are available, AWD with studs makes your car a monster!!

 

i have an 04 S60 2.5T with 215/55/16s on, and i use some average UHPAS tires for summer and i just bought Michelin Alpin PA2s for it. the PA2 were rated very very high and i have been absolutly fine in the Chicago winter so far. i got them next day shipped and installed for 550 from discount tire.

 

Thanks VERY MUCH to you guys who responded. None of the so-called "experts" at three local tire shops believe that a 16" wheel will fit the 2.5T, even though I tell them that a 16" was available as an OEM wheel on this car. This gives me confidence to order a set online. I really, really want my sweetie to be safe, driving around with the best skins Ican afford for our extra-slippery snow out here in the Pacific NorthWet.

 

also remember that there are two main types of winter tires:

1) studless winter tires are soft and wear 20% faster, they are for driving on compacted snow ALL the time, like moutain passes and country roads, anything that doesnt see a plow or salt too often.

2) performance winter tires will last 4 winters and they are for driving in town, or areasthat will recieve a good amount of snow but will be salted and plowed ona reg basis.they are good onwet and dry surfaces too.

just remember that winter tires are different because of therubber compound, notso much the tread. that being said the main difference between the two is the performance winter is for city winters, and the studless for rural winters.

go to tirerack.com, click brands, click a tire, and at the botton it will ask if you want to compare tires, click that, and arating chart comesup that list1-10 in every catagory.

good luck

Greg