[fluidicjoy]

Originally Posted by CA Ram Suraj

Hey,
Just have a few issues;
1. My 2018 model V40 CC’s bumper touches while getting out of a basement and ramps.
Has anyone tried Rogerab suspension buffers for V40 CC? Reviews and feedback is helpful.
2. The stocks Pirelli RFT tyres 225/45/r18 are delicate I must say. Anyone else faced with such an issue? Any solution for this or changing to regular Non RFT tyres help?

Any inputs in this regard is much appreciated.

Thanks
Ram Suraj

Hi, a passionate car guy and friend of mine who is not on the forum and owns a V40 read your reply and asked me to share his message with you.

"Tell him to upgrade tyre size to 245/45/R18 and put spacers from Volvo V50 CC which will increase the height by 25mm."

Hope this helps

[CA Ram Suraj]

Originally Posted by fluidicjoy

Hi, a passionate car guy and friend of mine who is not on the forum and owns a V40 read your reply and asked me to share his message with you.

"Tell him to upgrade tyre size to 245/45/R18 and put spacers from Volvo V50 CC which will increase the height by 25mm."

Hope this helps

Thanks a lot.
Please convey my thanks and regards

Ram Suraj

[vjbox]

50K update-

So the car reached its 50k milestone recently and did it with some drama.

So we were on our way back from Coimbatore to Chennai. You know the usual GST corridor, roads are certainly fine overall. We were doing some good speeds on the Tindivanam stretch at night, super smooth roads mostly and out of nowhere we hit a nasty pothole that we didn't even get to see as we were tailing another V40 CC ahead (tell me about the coincidence right?). Lucky for him he managed to dodge the pothole, we had zero reaction time and we hit the pothole at a good triple digit speed. We heard a nasty thud on the front left wheel and the next second I managed to pull over to the left as I immediately sensed vibrations due to the blown out tyre. It was remarkable as to how poised the car remained despite a tear at those speeds, no drama whatsoever and I was able to bring the car to a graceful stop. Incredible sense of safety that the car reassured us.

Although it was scary as we had to pull over at a speeding section at night. We have had many pothole drive through in the past but this time around, just like how you narrated, it was our turn to face it. The alloy was clearly bent and we had to switch to the space saver with the help of a local. That 45 minutes stop was scary as I had to move my family aside, place the warning triangle on the side of the road and make sure it was seen on top of the hazard lights. Luckily I had my friend with me who got hold of a local and we managed to change the tire and got out of that place. Drove back at a speed no greater than 60 or 70 KMPH for a good 120+ KMS. On returning, the hunt for the 225/45s started, as I literally called every tire dealer out here in Chennai to check on the Michelins or Contis as at least this time I wanted to switch from Pirellis ( I find them noisy) . No Michelins and they had Contis but* I wasn't as fortunate in getting the tires as 225/45/18s are extremely difficult to get hold of (25k a tire, ouch!).

In the meanwhile I had to face an episode with the Volvo Service as they messed up the alloy wheel claim and delayed the tyre procurement as I exhausted all options from the market. I eventually had to get the wheel repaired after getting the new set of tires ( had to replace all 4 as they were nearing their end of life)

Got the 50K service done and the service centre reported an unusual pull to the right from their road test. I verified it my self and found a noticeable pull to the right. For the first time in 4 years, I had a bitter experience with the Service centre as they took more than 20 days just to resolve the issue citing various reasons. I had to then really put my foot down and escalated the issue with Volvo India after which it was sorted.

I got the car out while waiting for the part and got the Alloy Wheel repaired. The shop did a decent job and was able to take care of the bend to the best extent possible. He did have a professional machine and reviews were reassuring. We also found a crack in the Alloy after I noticed a loss of pressure in the tyre and he promptly sealed it. Was fairly happy with the outcome overall.



The bent alloy at the repair centre. Hard to notice the bend from this angle but it was prominent enough.



The Alloy Wheel Straightener machine



Had to again go for the Pirellis this time. They are rather noisy compared to the Michelins and Contis but what you get is excellent grip and traction at higher speeds. I hate the roar though!


They ultimately diagnosed the issue to be the faulty steering rack ( mostly the ball joint) but they decided to change it under Extended Warranty. The part was incidentally available in India ( sort of a miracle with Volvo) and they were able to get it in under a week.




Older rack removed



New rack installed




Got another alignment done after the Steering rack was replaced.

After the steering rack change and the alloy wheel repair the vehicle has been fine and steering seems a lot more effortless and smoother ( not sure if the older one already showed signs of issues that I wasn't paying attention to?)



With our daily beater, the Tiago NRG



Chilling in Yercaud

Now I have decided to downgrade to 17 inchers once these new set of Pirellis wear out, for two clear reasons. One, this tyre spec is hard to get and two, the 18 inchers are more vulnerable to damage due to potholes. At least from the recent episode. I am more than willing to trade the grip levels to added comfort and peace of mind. That's all in the store for now!

[CA Ram Suraj]

I faced a similar episode on Bangalore Mysore Highway and my tyre blew. Luckily the rim and other parts were intact. I had also contacted all the major tyre stores in Bangalore for this 225/45r/18 and was able to source from a dealer. The dealer instead suggested me to upgrade to 245/45r/18 which was easily available in all the shops.
I upgrade the tyres to MRF Perfinza 245/45r/18 after a lot of research. And it was a good decision I made. The ride quality is much better and I can drive with confidence even on potholes as the side wall is much thicker and the tyres are solid.
You can consider this option if your rim issue is sorted. This size tyres are easily available in various brands like Conti, Pirelli, etc.

[vjbox]

Originally Posted by CA Ram Suraj

I faced a similar episode on Bangalore Mysore Highway and my tyre blew. Luckily the rim and other parts were intact. I had also contacted all the major tyre stores in Bangalore for this 225/45r/18 and was able to source from a dealer. The dealer instead suggested me to upgrade to 245/45r/18 which was easily available in all the shops.
I upgrade the tyres to MRF Perfinza 245/45r/18 after a lot of research. And it was a good decision I made. The ride quality is much better and I can drive with confidence even on potholes as the side wall is much thicker and the tyres are solid.
You can consider this option if your rim issue is sorted. This size tyres are easily available in various brands like Conti, Pirelli, etc.

Glad to know you did fine despite the tyre blow-out. I am sure the car would remained poised under those circumstances too.

Coming to the tires, yes the 225/45/R18s are a pain to procure and you only tend to get the OEM spec Pirellis. They are largely fine with good grip levels but the roar from them on coarse surfaces is a big turn off.

My SA didn't quite support me with the upsizing options citing manufacturer prescribed compatibility, as I too was offered the same spec by some of the Tyre dealers here. Although I am curious how the side wall on the 245s are thicker when the profile is still 45? ( I assume yours is a Cross Country model too and not the standard V40)

Also did you have to perform any calibration after installing the 245s? I heard it messes with deflection limiters and other electronic aids ( form the V40 Club forums) so I did not really tread in that direction.

Also is there any side protrusion or offset given the 225 to 245 increase?

[CA Ram Suraj]

[center][center][left]

Originally Posted by vjbox

Glad to know you did fine despite the tyre blow-out. I am sure the car would remained poised under those circumstances too.

Coming to the tires, yes the 225/45/R18s are a pain to procure and you only tend to get the OEM spec Pirellis. They are largely fine with good grip levels but the roar from them on coarse surfaces is a big turn off.

My SA didn't quite support me with the upsizing options citing manufacturer prescribed compatibility, as I too was offered the same spec by some of the Tyre dealers here. Although I am curious how the side wall on the 245s are thicker when the profile is still 45? ( I assume yours is a Cross Country model too and not the standard V40)

Also did you have to perform any calibration after installing the 245s? I heard it messes with deflection limiters and other electronic aids ( form the V40 Club forums) so I did not really tread in that direction.

Also is there any side protrusion or offset given the 225 to 245 increase?

Yeah mine is also 2018 V40 Cross Country.
Yeah initially even for me SA asked me to go with Pirelli from Volvo itself. But checked outside. As getting 225/45/18 was a pain and also the road noise made me upgrade. I have now driven almost 10k kms after upgrading and it is perfectly fine. No issues noted and even service centre didn't point out any issues with this.

Coming to the side profile, 45 height is the percentage of the width and hence 245/45/18 would have a slightly thicker side wall (245*45%=110mm, which is roughly 4.4 inches), whereas the 225/45/18 the side wall is roughly 4 inches (225*45%=101mm, 4 inches). So, the side wall profile is slightly better and more the side profile more durable it is.

I haven't got any calibrations done post upgrading the tyres. I know there will be slight change in the odo metre and the speedometer reading. The error would be roughly 2.7%, i.e., After covering 10,000 kms, the odo would show 10,270 kms the error being 270 kms which is negligible. But, I've got better drivability, confidence (not having to worry driving on B'lore potholes by mistake), road noise is almost zero or negligible as I've opted for regular tubeless tyres and not the run flat tyres. And also the ground clearance has increased a bit, not checked the numbers though. I've also got suspension buffers, so don't have any issue with the bottom scraping anywhere.

Also added picks below. The front is the original tyres and the back one is upgraded ones. Have changed all 4 tyres.

[vjbox]

Originally Posted by CA Ram Suraj

[center][center][left]

Yeah mine is also 2018 V40 Cross Country.
====
Also added picks below. The front is the original tyres and the back one is upgraded ones. Have changed all 4 tyres.

Sweet! This now gives me confidence to take this route when my current set wears out. I could then put off purchasing the 17 inch wheels. I could totally see the gains in the side profile from that picture of the rear wheel. ( I almost thought you were running a staggered setup and then realised the front is the older/ original Pirelli)

Aside the ODO, I also assume your speed reading would be slightly off too.

I haven't considered the suspension buffers as I haven't had any scraping for the large part except for 1 or 2 instances. Again something I could consider if they are improves the handling.

Has the new 245s affected the turning radius or any sort of rubbing in the wheel wheel when turning given the added width ?

I suppose you can get the calibration/SW update done if its available just to be sure so stability systems and speedo work properly.

[CA Ram Suraj]

Originally Posted by vjbox

Sweet! This now gives me confidence to take this route when my current set wears out.
========
I suppose you can get the calibration/SW update done if its available just to be sure so stability systems and speedo work properly.

Yes agree that there will be slight error even in the speed. Should check and get the calibrations done.

Buffers really did help in a more refined rides over bumps and bad roads. I didn’t notice any increase in ground clearance though.

I haven’t noticed much of a diff in the turning radius. Even if it is present, they aren’t very evident.

Initially even I was skeptical re this upgrade but later due to unavoidability of the original size and also I was suggested by couple of reputable tyre shops in Bangalore. Also this was the suggestion given by one our member’s (TeamBhp) friend who has got it done as well in the same thread.

[CA Ram Suraj]

I just noticed that the new S60 houses 235/45/18 Conti tyres. I just looked at the error and it is 1.3% (245 profile error is 2.7%), which is fine I guess. But the tyres are very expensive. The regular tubeless tyres (Non RFT) costs around 23k each, whereas the 245/45/18 regular tubeless (Non RFT) costs around 16k each.
And sure of the availability as well.

[vjbox]

56K Update-



Yet another tyre side wall tear after I hit a pothole last night while on the GST highway. This tyre is part of the new set and has only run 6K KMS since I got them after the recent episode of alloy wheel damage and tyre tear. Must say that the GST highway especially between Tindivanam and Chengalpet is worse now and are sprawling with potholes. I wasn't even speeding this time and yet the the tyre gave up. Its extremely frustrating being stuck with the OEM spec Pirellis. Checked with Volvo and they them selves have no idea if the stock is available. One of my known Tyre dealer is only able to secure a Continental of similar spec ( 225/45/r18) and even the Volvo TN Service guy is asking to go for it. I asked him if I can instead go for the 245/45/r18s and he is obviously saying it could affect the steering / rack etc.

Seriously contemplating this time to go for the 245s like our fellow member CA Ram Suraj here did. Unable to PM you CA Ram Suraj. If you are looking at the post, please try and PM me so I can seek your help

Can members advise me on the following?

1. Procure 1 tyre of continental ( same spec) - Will need to put up with the difference in tread and not sure if it would affect the ride? - Damage is 26K INR

2. Bite the bullet and go for the 245/45/18s which are easily available but risk the extended warranty ( 1 year left) - Damage is 60K INR for all 4 new tyres.

@Mods - please help put some light on this issue so I can take an informed decision.

[Turbanator]

Originally Posted by vjbox

1. Procure 1 tyre of continental ( same spec) - Will need to put up with the difference in tread and not sure if it would affect the ride? - Damage is 26K INR

2. Bite the bullet and go for the 245/45/18s which are easily available but risk the extended warranty ( 1 year left) - Damage is 60K INR for all 4 new tyres.

245 will be a tad too much width, though the higher side wall will mean less prone to such cuts. Check what's the width of your rims first- the best will be to speak to some guy who handles premium cars, can try this person - Karan - 99710 99239. He can advise you and offer you something.

https://www.mycarhelpline.com/index....ize&Itemid=463

[vjbox]

Originally Posted by Turbanator

245 will be a tad too much width, though the higher side wall will mean less prone to such cuts. Check what's the width of your rims first- the best will be to speak to some guy who handles premium cars, can try this person - Karan - 99710 99239. He can advise you and offer you something.

https://www.mycarhelpline.com/index....ize&Itemid=463

Thanks for the word of advice Turbanator. I actually sought help from a fellow Team-BHP member who gave a contact of a non-member who seems to be running the 245/45/r18 setup for over 1L KMS without any hassles on the same MY model as mine (Much like our other member Suraj) Another contact from Kerala who runs a Tyre business seems to be running the same setup in his V40 CC, I was told.

For now I managed to source a single Pirelli from TyresnMore whose service was pleasantly surprising. I ordered the tyre yesterday and I got them fitted right at my place by their team. They seem have a capable mobile setup and did a diligent job I must say.

Nevertheless I am pulling the trigger with the Conti 245s for the ultimate piece of mind on the upcoming trips and have decided to keep the Pirellis as a backup ( incase of any unforeseen extended warranty claims) where I can install them in just case.

Some pics from today's installation by TyresnMore.



The Nasty Sidewall tear due to a pothole ( I dread these)



New Tyre mounted and balanced ( although its out of balance now with the other set and I need to run an alignment and balancing when getting the 245s)



Their Mobile setup



New tyre installed in its place

Taking the car for a general check up tomorrow before a long trip that's coming up this weekend. Will post the impressions on the 245s from the trip.

[Turbanator]

Originally Posted by vjbox

I am pulling the trigger with the Conti 245s for the ultimate piece of mind on the upcoming trips and have decided to keep the Pirellis as a backup ( incase of any unforeseen extended warranty claims) where I can install them in just case.

See if you can find Michelins instead.

[vjbox]

Originally Posted by Turbanator

See if you can find Michelins instead.

Sure, shall try and find them.

[CA Ram Suraj]

Originally Posted by vjbox

56K Update-

Attachment 2391924

Yet another tyre side wall tear after I hit a pothole last night while on the GST highway. This tyre is part of the new set and has only run 6K KMS since I got them after the recent episode of alloy wheel damage and tyre tear. Must say that the GST highway especially between Tindivanam and Chengalpet is worse now and are sprawling with potholes. I wasn't even speeding this time and yet the the tyre gave up. Its extremely frustrating being stuck with the OEM spec Pirellis. Checked with Volvo and they them selves have no idea if the stock is available. One of my known Tyre dealer is only able to secure a Continental of similar spec ( 225/45/r18) and even the Volvo TN Service guy is asking to go for it. I asked him if I can instead go for the 245/45/r18s and he is obviously saying it could affect the steering / rack etc.

Seriously contemplating this time to go for the 245s like our fellow member CA Ram Suraj here did. Unable to PM you CA Ram Suraj. If you are looking at the post, please try and PM me so I can seek your help

Can members advise me on the following?

1. Procure 1 tyre of continental ( same spec) - Will need to put up with the difference in tread and not sure if it would affect the ride? - Damage is 26K INR

2. Bite the bullet and go for the 245/45/18s which are easily available but risk the extended warranty ( 1 year left) - Damage is 60K INR for all 4 new tyres.

@Mods - please help put some light on this issue so I can take an informed decision.

Hi,
Sorry for the delay response.
I was travelling outside India and didn't see your message.

Yeah using 245/45/R18 and no issues so far. Have completed 10k kms so far. I got this at Madhus Tyre Centre Wilson Garden, Bangalore.

Hope this helps

Thanks
Regards