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1996 Volvo 850
Wheels and tires
pg. 5:1 Wheels and tires
Wheels and tires
The handling and riding comfort of the vehicle is dependent on the infla\
tion pressure and the type of
tires fitted. Read the following pages carefully.
5:2 General information, Wear indicator, Tire economy, Flat spots
5:3Snow chains, Winter tires
5:4Inflation pressure
pg. 5:2 Wheels and tires
General information
Your vehicle is equipped with tires according to the tire information la\
bel located on the rear facing side
of the right front door.
The following is an example of a tire designation code:
195 = tire width in mm.
60 = tire profile. This is the relationship (in percent) between the s\
ection height and the width of the tire.
R = radial tires.
15 = diameter in inches on all four wheels.
The tires have good road holding characteristics and offer good handling\
on dry and wet surfaces. It
should be noted however that the tires have been developed to give these\
features on snow/ice-free
surfaces. Certain models are equipped with "all-season" tires, which pro\
vide a somewhat higher degree
of winter roadholding on slippery surfaces than tires without the "all-s\
eason" rating. However, for
optimum road holding on icy or snow covered roads - we recommend suitabl\
e winter tires on all four
wheels. When replacing tires, be sure that the new tires are the same si\
ze designation, type (radial) and
preferably from the same manufacturer, on all four wheels. Otherwise the\
re is a risk of altering the car's
road-holding and handling characteristics.
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1996 Volvo 850
pg. 5:3 Wheels and tires
Snow chains
Snow tire chains can be used on your Volvo with the following restrictio\
ns:
l Snow chains should be installed on your front wheels only.
l Snow chains may be mounted on tire dimension 185/65R15 and 195/60R15. Ti\
re dimension
205/55R15 and 205/50R16 require a special type of snow chain. Consult yo\
ur Volvo retailer. Snow
chains may not be used on 205/55R16
If accessory, aftermarket or "custom" tires and wheels are installed and\
are of a size different than the
original tires and wheels, chains in some cases CANNOT be used. Snow cha\
ins cannot be used on those
turbo models fitted with all-season tires 205/55 R16 or 205/45 R17. Mode\
ls equipped with 205/55 R15
or 205/50 R16 need specially designed snow chains. Sufficient clearances\
between chains and brakes,
suspension and body components must be maintained.
l Some strap-on type chains will interfere with brake components and there\
fore CANNOT be used.
CAUTION:
l Check local regulations regarding the use of snow chains before installi\
ng.
l Always follow the chains manufacturer's installation instructions carefu\
lly. Install chains as tightly
as possible and re-tighten periodically.
l Never exceed the chain manufacture's specified maximum speed limit. (Un\
der no circumstances
should that limit be higher than 30 mph (45 km/h).
l Avoid bumps, holes or sharp turns when driving with snow chains.
l The handling of the vehicle can be adversely affected when driving with \
chains. Avoid fast or sharp
turns as well as locked wheel braking.
Snow tires, studded tires *
Tires for winter use:
Owners who live in or regularly commute through areas with sustained per\
iods of snow or icy driving
conditions are strongly advised to fit suitable winter tires to help ret\
ain the highest degree of traction.
It is important to install winter tires on all four wheels to help retai\
n traction during cornering, braking
and accelerating. Failure to do so could reduce traction to an unsafe le\
vel or adversely affect handling.
Do not mix tires of different design as this could also negatively affec\
t overall tire road grip. Volvo
recommends 185/65 R15 winter tires on 15" wheels on all 850 models inclu\
ding models equipped with
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Page 196 of 265
1996 Volvo 850
WARNING!
Current legislation prohibits the use of the "Temporary Spare" tire othe\
r than as a temporary
replacement for a punctured tire. In other words, it must be replaced as\
soon as possible by a standard
tire. Roadholding, etc.., may be affected with the "Temporary Spare" in \
use. Do not, therefore, exceed
50 mph (80 km/h).
Temporary Spare (certain models)
The spare tire of your car is what is called a "Temporary Spare". It has\
the following designation:
T115/70 R15 or T125/90R15.
Recommended tire pressure (see decal on fuel filler flap) should be ma\
intained irrespective of which
position of the car the Temporary Spare tire is used on.
In the event of damage to this tire a new one can be purchased from your\
Volvo retailer.
Contents | Top of Page
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Page 235 of 265

1996 Volvo 850
pg. 8:8 Servicing (cont.)
Fuel System
The fuel system is all-electronic and is microprocessor-controlled. It c\
an continually compensate for
variation in engine load, speed and temperature to give the best economy\
and power. A mass air flow
sensor measures the inducted air. In this way the system can make instan\
taneous adjustments for
changes in air temperature or density, thus always assuring the best eco\
nomy with the lowest possible
exhaust emissions.
Heated oxygen sensor
This is an emission control system designed to reduce emissions and impr\
ove fuel economy. The heated
oxygen sensor monitors the composition of the exhaust gases leaving the \
engine. The exhaust gas
analysis is fed into an electronic module. This adjusts the air-fuel rat\
io to provide optimum conditions
for combustion and efficient reduction of the three major pollutants (h\
ydrocarbons, carbon monoxide
and oxides of nitrogen (NOx) by a three-way catalytic converter.
Secondary Air Injection (certain models)
This system adds air to the hot exhaust gases as they are expelled from \
the engine. This causes a
secondary combustion of residual hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide, resul\
ting in lower emissions
levels in the exhaust gases.
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1996 Volvo 850
Do not use oils with other viscosity ratings. The use of incorrect visco\
sity oil can shorten engine life.
Volvo recommends the use of energy-conserving oils. Look for the API lab\
el. Synthetic oils complying
with oil quality requirements are recommended for: Driving in areas of s\
ustained temperature extremes
(hot or cold), when towing a trailer over long distances or for a prol\
onged driving in mountainous areas.
Extra oil additives must not be used unless advised by an authorized Vol\
vo retailer.
SAE 15W/40 is recommended for use in driving conditions that raise oil t\
emperature and increase oil
consumption (i.e., mountain driving, trailer towing).
NOTE: SAE 15W-40 must not be used at low ambient temperatures; see visco\
sity chart.
Changing oil and oil filter
Oil and oil filter changes should be made as specified in the following \
table:
If driving conditions include: Then the correct oil/oil filter change interval
is:
l Extended periods of idling and/or low-speed
operation
l Frequent short trips less than 7 miles 11 km
l Extended periods of driving in dusty and/or sandy
areas
l Trailer towing
l Driving in mountainous areas EVERY
5,000 miles= 8,000 km
OR EVERY 6 MONTHS,
WHICHEVER COMES FIRST
l Primarily highway driving
l Frequent trips of longer than 7 miles = 11 km
EVERY
10,000 miles = 16,000 km
5,000 miles= 8,000 km *
OR EVERY 12 MONTHS,
WHICH EVER COMES FIRST
* Turbo models
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