I had to run up to Northern Broward County from my location (Homestead, FL) to deliver some supplies to friends who could not get out. I hit a constant wind out of the west/northwest at about 35-40mph with gusts much higher. Cars and trucks were being blown all over the Turnpike. In comparison the same gusts just gave my Volvo a little nudge. I do have pretty new Goodyear tires and the car is kind of low with me in it...I am a fat bastid! In all I am impressed with the performance of this car in the wind and rain with one small excpetion. This car is SO heavy I believe it has a distinct tendency to lock up and slide in emergency breaking on wet roads. Of course this can be managed by an experienced driver and is likely just the price one pays for driving a car without ABS but I feel the weight of this car contributes to this effect. Although not recommended to drive into a hurricane I felt pretty confident to do so with the brick and came out in one piece to tell the tale!

think your hydroplaning probably has more to do with the goodyears than the vehicle. havent experianced it michelin's , did have a problem with another volvo that i put pirelli's, they were more like a boat. think this storms tryin to drive everyone here nuts, a freind told me its probably just hangin round for the new on to catch up.
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mike, 1988 Volvo 240DL 114k , , previous 79 & 81 Volvo 244s

Mike,
Actually I am not having a hydroplaning problem. Actually the car handles pretty well in deep water conditions...ask me how I know. I am somewhat concerned about the air scoop being so low when going through deep water but I just gulp and go as slow as prudence allows. No, in water, at speed, the car just feels solid on the road. The problem comes when I slam on the brakes. It is worse with water on the road but I have slid the car on dry roads too. Perhaps it is the Goodyears but I have not had the same effect occur on my wife's Accord and it wears the same type of tires. My truck has Michelins too and I do not have a problem with water or sliding but it has ABS!

Actually if you have the air inlet set up as stock the intake is 1/2 way up the inside edge of the left headlight. the air box may be set at the bottom of the rad but the input goes thru the rad support and into a snorkel that is 12 to 13 inches high.

Be more concerned about the security of your belly pan and the condition of your Alt wiring.

BTW With the OEM 80 series tires I had no trouble with hydroplaning, once I switched to 70's and 65's I started skating. The 80's (the old 185R14) seemed to cut thru the water and find the pavement while the wider stance of the 65's acted like a surfboard.

It takes one hell of a hard stop for my wagon to slide on dry road.

Maybe your tires are just worn.

ABS would make a difference though...
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If you listen to the radio in Portland, OR, you may know me as "Portland's Favorite Soul Brother!"

goofed up sorry