Tyre type - SUV or car?

[GRAF]

So, what tyres should the XC40 have? In my case the standard fitment (the execrable EcoContacts) are 235/50/R19 103V XL VOL. But I have no idea if they’re the “SUV” spec or not. Looking at getting some all seasons as replacements I was perusing BlackCirles and their CC2’s marked as “VOL” are NOT the SUV spec

https://www.blackcircles.com/tyres/235- ... =allseason

Notably the SUV spec is only a C for fuel economy, the “VOL” non SUV spec is A rated.

Confusing me even further, Tyreleaders have the tyre in VOL. spec both SUV and not.

https://www.tyreleader.co.uk/car-tyres- ... inforced=1

So I’m really quite unsure what the XC49 tyre spec is - anyone enlighten me?

TIA

[Paul F]

My understanding is XL denotes extra load so SUV type vehicles. Does VOL mean Volvo?

[GRAF]

My understanding is XL denotes extra load so SUV type vehicles. Does VOL mean Volvo?

VOL is indeed Volvo specific. XL is a reinforced tyre, but there are if you look both SUV and “normal” tyres that are XL, hence my ongoing confusion. I used to have XL tyres on my A6 Avant, definitely not an SUV.

[Paul F]

Out of ideas in that case GRAF. It’ll be interesting to find out for sure. I may have been over specifying and over paying all these years.

[JFDIT]

eMail Michelin, they have been very helpful in the past

[eugen61]

XL is a customer friendly marking for tires with higher load capacity than normal for their dimension. XC40 18” rims accommodate 235/55 R18 with load index 100 or 104. The 104 index tire is marked XL. SUV marking is a customer (un)friendly tire marking. Michelin CrossClimate2 tire has for XC40 the 18” with non-SUV marking and the 19” with SUV marking.

VOL marking is for tires developed specifically for Volvo with lower rolling resistance for better mileage and smoother ride for comfort. Tire manufacturers achieve this by lowering tread depth and softening rubber compound. Therefore the OEM VOL marked tire will wear faster than its identical sized and indexed non-OEM twin.

When ordering, just make sure tires are 235/50/R19 103V XL (index 103 is equivalent to XL in your size), some brands might have SUV marking, others might not, it doesn’t matter. If you’re pursuing all season tires this review might be helpful. Even though the test is not in XC40 tire size, it does give a good comparative picture https://www.tire-reviews.com/Article/Be ... s-2024.htm

[Legin]

I have fitted cross climate 2 104 H 'vol' as they were at one time standard fitment and they are great especially when pulling 1.5 ton caravan in a very muddy field! Now as regards the Volvo label it's because the geometry of the suspension was taken into consideration when designing the tyre. Hope this helps.

[eugen61]

Now as regards the Volvo label it's because the geometry of the suspension was taken into consideration when designing the tyre.

I’m intrigued, could you share the source of this information?

[Chris John]

Now as regards the Volvo label it's because the geometry of the suspension was taken into consideration when designing the tyre.

I’m intrigued, could you share the source of this information?

I had to buy a new tyre as it had a screw in it and it couldn’t be repaired. The tyre they put on had JLR on it instead of VOL as that’s all that was available. I was assured there was no difference in the tyre.
I e mailed Volvo and the Tyre company and was also told no difference in the tyres

[eugen61]

Now as regards the Volvo label it's because the geometry of the suspension was taken into consideration when designing the tyre.

I’m intrigued, could you share the source of this information?

I had to buy a new tyre as it had a screw in it and it couldn’t be repaired. The tyre they put on had JLR on it instead of VOL as that’s all that was available. I was assured there was no difference in the tyre.
I e mailed Volvo and the Tyre company and was also told no difference in the tyres

JLR cars have a very different suspension geometry than Volvo and its confirmed tires are no different for both cars. Furthermore, Volvo XC40 has a different suspension geometry than Volvo V90 CrossCountry and yet both cars are equipped with the very same VOL tire, identical size.