Hey Folks, my 07 S60 has OEM 215/55/16 tires on it. I am needing to throw some snows on and am curious about using a 205/55/16 tire instead of the 215. I have read the calculation comparisons online and understand the speedometer will be ever so slightly off, but my main concern now is that with a reduced .4 inch width each tire will I have any adverse handling characteristics (other than whats expected when you go from a nice all season to a squishy winter)?

I know .4 inches is not much but don't want to throw the vehicle dynamics off too much...I have an appt to have 205's mounted vs the 215 OEM size per recommendation of the shop the narrower slices through snow better (which I knew). Anyone have experience with this "step down" on tire sizes for winter, if so, do you think I am getting myself into trouble here?

Interesting if you go to tire rack it specs out both 205 and 215 55 series as OEM original sizes for the 07 2.5t FWD....again not so much worried about the in my opinion negligable gain in traction from going narrower as much as I am safety/handling wise.

Best Regards
Steve

Steve,

A narrow tire is better for the snow. I run 205/50/16 on my 850 in the summer and 195/60/15 for snow tires. You should be good to go.
--
Zack 94' 850 Turbo Wagon (232k)

I wouldn't worry about it unless you are planning on driving at 10/10ths most of the time. If I had to consistently to deal with a lot of snow I would go with a narrower, taller tire and not be concerned with a few millimeters change in ride height upsetting the vehicle dynamics. Advice from Volvo's lawyers may differ...

Greg

Thanks Greg, I put the 205's on, no noticeable difference other than what is to be expected with a softer tread compound. The tire is great, very quiet actually and performed well in some leftover snow from the storm in the Northeast. Overall very happy.


Best Regards
Steve