Originally Posted By: chad8
Why again are you putting 240-300 treadwear 40 series tires on a volvo. that is not what I would have done. I can see why these tire factories have us buying tires every two years. These "low" profile tires are a joke. The companies puts less rubber on their tire ,charges a fortune , and we buy into it.. There are many tires with 500- 700 treadwear that would have fit. You were satisfies with 22000 miles on a $1000 set of tires?
someting wong.
Rubber is rubber, right?
More sidewall = more flex = less performance
I'm not sure what 8/10th means for the OP, but I don't usually drive to the point of exceeding the grip of my tires. Beyond that, I've never exceeded the capabilities of the AWD to keep the ride controlled, even during an auto-cross.
As with anything, however, there is a trade off. The better grip of tires like these usually means more wear, increased tire noise, and a harsher ride, not to mention the increased risk of damaging a wheel on really nasty pot holes. My Dunlop SP60's are so loud now that I'm not sure that I'll even want to buy another tire like it. While I won't be buying 600+ tread wear tires, I will be looking to compromise some. That compromise seems to be the Conti's I mentioned earlier.
I can't wait to hear back about these tires, though, OP. I'm 2/5" wider and you're a lot more isolated in your Volvo than I am in my tin-can Impreza, but relative change from your old tires is definitely helpful.
ENJOY!