1998 VOLVO S90 wheel size

1998 Volvo S90
disconnected, the code must
be re-entered before the radio
will function properly.
Points to remember pg. 62


Weight distribution affects
handling

At the specified curb weight
your car has a tendency to
understeer, which means that the
steering wheel has to be turned
more than might seem
appropriate for the curvature of
a bend. This ensures good
stability and reduces the risk of
rear wheel skid. Remember that
these properties can alter with
the vehicle load. The heavier the
load in the trunk, the less the
tendency to understeer.

Handling, roadholding

Vehicle load, tire design, and
inflation pressure, all affect
vehicle handling. Therefore,
check that the tires are inflated
to the recommended pressure
according to the vehicle load.
See "Tire pressure" section.
Loads should be distributed so
that capacity weight or
maximum permissible axle loads
are not exceeded.
WARNING!
An extra mat on the driver's
floor can cause the
accelerator pedal to catch.
Check that the movement of
the accelerator pedal is not
impeded. Not more than one
protective floor covering may
be used at one time.

CAUTION: Drive slowly and
carefully if going through
standing water (i.e. flooded
roadways, etc.). Damage to
engine could result if excess
water is ingested through the air
intake system. Never drive the
vehicle in water deeper than 1
foot (300 mm). See the flood
warning on page 7.
WARNING! Do not drive
with trunk lid or tailgate
open!
Poisonous exhaust gases may
enter via the trunk lid or
tailgate.
If the trunk lid/tailgate must
be kept open for any reason,
proceed as follows:
l Close the windows.
l Set the ventilation system


Roof rails/racks

Roof rails are standard
equipment on wagon models.
Load bars are available as a
retailer installed option on the
sedan models. Observe the
following points when is use:
l Avoid single-point loads.
Distribute the load evenly.
l Place heavier cargo at bottom
of load.
l Observe that center of gravity
and handling are influenced by
load weight.
l Increasing load size increases
wind resistance and, thus,
adversely affects fuel economy.
l Anchor the cargo correctly
with appropriate tie-down
equipment.
l Drive carefully. Avoid rapid
starts, fast cornering and hard
braking.
l Max. roof load is 220 lbs.
(100 kg) for removable racks.
For permanent roof racks, check
the manufacturers weight
specifications.
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1998 Volvo S90
Chapter 5 - Wheels and tires
pg. 71
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 carefull\
y.
General information, Wear indicator, Tire economy, Flat spots pg. 72

Snow chains, Winter tires pg. 73
Inflation pressure pg. 74
Uniform tire quality grading pg. 75
Wheels and tires
pg. 72
General information

Your vehicle is equipped with tires according
to the tire information label 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 section 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.
Your Volvo may be equipped with "all-season"
tires, which provide a somewhat higher degree
of winter roadholding on slippery surfaces
than tires without the "all-season" rating.
However, for optimum road holding on icy or
snow covered roads - we recommend suitable
winter tires. When replacing worn tires, it is recommended
that the tire be identical in type (radial) and size as
the one being replaced. Using a tire of the same
make (manufacturer) will prevent alteration of the
driving characteristics of the vehicle.

To improve tire economy:

l Maintain correct tire pressure.
l Drive smoothly: avoid fast starts, hard braking
and tire screeching.
l Tire wear increases with speed.
l Correct front wheel alignment is very
important. Unbalanced wheels impair tire
economy and driving comfort.
l If the wheels are rotated, they should be kept on
the same side of the car so that they revolve in the
same direction as prior to rotation.
l Hitting curbs or potholes can damage the tires
and/or wheels permanently.

Flat spots

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1998 Volvo S90
When replacing tires, be sure that the new tires
are the same size designation, type (radial) and
preferably from the same manufacturer, on all
four wheels. Otherwise there is a risk of altering
the car's road-holding and handling
characteristics.

NOTE:When storing wheel/tire assemblies (e.g.
winter tires and wheels), either stand the
assemblies upright or suspend them off the
ground. Laying wheel/tire assemblies on their
sides for prolonged periods can cause wheel and/
or tire damage.



Wear indicator

The tires have a so-called "wear indicator" in the
form of a number of narrow strips running across
or parallel to the tread. When approx. 1/16" (1.6
mm) is left on the tread, these strips show up and
indicate that the tire should be replaced.
Tires with less than 1/16" (1.6 mm) tread have a
very poor grip in rain or snow.
All tires become warm during use. After cooling,
when the vehicle is parked, the tires have a
tendency to distort slightly, forming flat spots.
These flat spots can cause vibrations similar to the
vibrations caused by imbalanced wheels.
They do, however, disappear when the tire warms
up. The degree to which the flat spots form
depends on the type of cord used in the tire.
Remember that, in cold weather, it takes longer
for the tire to warm up and consequently longer
for the flat spot to disappear.
Wheels and tires (cont.) pg. 73
Snow chains

Snow tire chains can be used on your Volvo with
the following restrictions:
l Snow chains should be installed on rear wheels
only. Use only Volvo approved snow chains.
l Snow chains can only be used on tires which
are not wider than 195 mm.
l 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 therefore CANNOT be
used.

Consult your Volvo retailer for additional snow
Snow tires, studded tires*

Tires for winter use:
Owners who live in or regularly commute
through areas with sustained periods of snow
or icy driving conditions are strongly advised
to fit suitable winter tires to help retain the
highest degree of traction.

It is important to install winter tires on all four
wheels to help retain traction during cornering,
braking and accelerating. Failure to do so could
reduce traction to an unsafe level or adversely
affect handling. Do not mix tires of different
design as this could also negatively affect overall
tire road grip.
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