1998 VOLVO V70 tires

In production, Volvo has partly or completely phased out several chemicals including freons, lead chromates,
naphtanates, asbestos, mercury and cadmium; and reduced the amount of chemicals used in our plants 50% since 1991.
In use, Volvo was the first in the world to introduce into production a three-way catalytic converter with a Lambda
sond, now called oxygen sensor, in 1976. The current version of this highly efficient system reduces emissions of
harmful substances (CO, HC, NOx) from the exhaust pipe by approximately 95% and the search to eliminate the
remaining emissions continues. Volvo is the only automobile manufacturer to offer CFC-free retrofit kits for the air
conditioning system for all models back to the M/Y 1975 240. Advanced electronic engine controls, refined
purification systems and cleaner fuels are bringing us closer to our goal.
After Volvo cars and parts have fulfilled their use, recycling is the next critical step in completing the life cycle. The
metal content is about 75% of the total weight of the car, which makes the car among the most recycled industrial
products. In order to have efficient and well controlled recycling, many Volvo variants have printed dismantling
manuals indication the weight and material of individual components. For Volvo, all homogeneous plastic parts
weighing more than 1.7 oz. (50 grams)are marked with international symbols that indicate how the component is to be
sorted for recycling.
In addition to continuous environmental refinement of conventional gasoline-powered internal combustion engines,
Volvo is actively looking at advanced technology alternative-fuel vehicles.
When you drive a Volvo, you become our partner in the work to lessen the car's impact on the environment. To reduce
your vehicle's environmental impact, you can:
Maintain proper air pressure in your tires. Tests have shown decreased fuel economy with improperly inflated
tires Follow the recommended maintenance schedule
Drive at a constant speed
See an authorized Volvo retailer as soon as possible for inspection if the check engine (malfunction indicator)
lamp illuminates, or stays on after the vehicle has started
Properly dispose of any vehicle related waste such as used motor oil, used batteries, brake pads, etc.
When cleaning your car, use Volvo's own car care products, all of which have systematically been adapted to
the environment.
Contents
Important
Before you operate your car for the first time, please familiarize yourself with the BREAK-IN information on page 66.
You should also be familiar with the information in the first three chapters of this manual.
Information contained in the balance of the manual is extremely useful and should be studied after operating the
vehicle for the first time.
This manual is structured so that it can be used for reference. It should thus be kept in the car for ready access.
Do not export your Volvo to another country before investigating the country's applicable safety and exhaust emission
requirements. In some cases it may be difficult or impossible to comply with these requirements. Modifications to the
emission control system(s) may render your Volvo not certifiable for legal operation in the U.S., Canada or other
countries.
ProCarManuals.com

Table of Contents
Page No.
Chapter and Subject
pg. 1Chapter 1 - Occupant safety
pg. 16
Chapter 2 - Instruments and controls
pg. 41
Chapter 3 - Body and interior
pg. 65
Chapter 4 - Starting and driving
pg. 85
Chapter 5 - Wheels and tires
pg. 91
Chapter 6 - In case of emergency
pg. 109
Chapter 7 - Car care
pg. 115
Chapter 8 - Volvo Service
pg. 133
Chapter 9 - Specifications
pg. 141
Chapter 10 - Audio systems
All information, illustrations and specifications contained in this manual are based on the latest product information
available at the time of publication. Volvo reserves the right to make model changes at any time, or to change
specifications or design, without notice and without incurring obligation.
CAUTION: Certain models have reduced ground clearance due to the design of the front spoiler. Please observe
caution when e.g., driving onto garage hoists, through drifted snow or when other road debris is encountered, or
when parking near curbs.
©1997 Volvo Cars of North America Inc.
Contents | Top of Page
ProCarManuals.com

accommodate possible expansion of the fuel in hot weather. Be aware that the "usable" tank will be somewhat less than
the specified maximum. When the fuel level is low, such factors as ambient temperature, the fuel's "vapor pressure"
characteristics, and terrain can affect the fuel pumps' ability to supply the engine with an adequate supply of fuel.
Therefore, it is advisable to refuel as soon as possible when the needle nears the red zone, or when the fuel warning
light comes on.CAUTION:
Do not refuel with the engine running. After refueling, close the fuel filler cap by turning it clockwise until it
clicks into place.
Allow for fuel expansion by not overfilling the tank. Overfilling could also cause damage to the emission control
systems.
NOTE: If the fuel filler cap is not closed tightly or if the engine is running when the car is refueled, the Malfunction
Indicator Lamp may indicate a fault. Use only Volvo original or approved fuel filler caps. CAUTION: Avoid spilling gasoline during refueling. Gasolines containing alcohol can cause damage to painted
surfaces, which may not be covered under the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Do not use gasoline containing methanol (methyl alcohol, wood alcohol). This practice can result in vehicle
performance deterioration and can damage critical parts in the fuel system. Such damage may not be covered under
the New Vehicle LimitedWarranty.
pg. 68 Driving economy
Economical driving conserves natural resources
Better driving economy may be obtained by thinking ahead, avoiding rapid starts and stops and adjusting the speed of
your vehicle to immediate traffic conditions. Observe the following rules:
Bring the engine to normal operating temperature as soon as possible by driving with a light foot on the accelerator
pedal for the first few minutes of operation. A cold engine uses more fuel and is subject to increased wear.
Whenever possible, avoid using the car for driving short distances. This does not allow the engine to reach normal
operating temperature.
Drive carefully and avoid rapid acceleration and hard braking.
Do not exceed speed limit.
Avoid carrying unnecessary items (extra load) in the car.
Check tire pressure regularly (check when tires are cold).
Remove snow tires when threat of snow or ice has ended.
Note that roof racks, ski racks, etc., increase air resistance and thereby fuel consumption.
Avoid using automatic transmission kick-down feature unless necessary.
Avoid using the air conditioning when it is not required. When engaged, the air conditioner's compressor places an
additional load on the engine. However, please note that fuel consumption is lower with the air conditioning on than it
is when driving with the air conditioning switched off and the windows down.
If your car is equipped with the optional Trip Computer, utilizing the fuel consumption modes can help you "learn"
how to drive more economically.
ProCarManuals.com

Chapter 5 - Wheels and tires
pg. 85 Wheels and tires
Wheels and tires
The handling and riding comfort of the vehicle is dependent on the inflation pressure and the type of tires fitted. Read
the following pages carefully. Page No.
Subject
pg. 86General information, Wear indicator, Tire economy, Flat spots
pg. 87
Snow chains, Winter tires
pg. 88
Inflation pressure
pg. 89
Uniform tire quality grading
pg. 86 Wheels and tires
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 195/60R15:
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.
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 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 on all four wheels. 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.
ProCarManuals.com

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.
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:
Maintain correct tire pressure.
Drive smoothly: avoid fast starts, hard braking and tire screeching.
Tire wear increases with speed.
Correct front wheel alignment is very important.
Unbalanced wheels impair tire economy and driving comfort.
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.
Hitting curbs or potholes can damage the tires and/or wheels permanently.
Flat spots
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 unbalanced 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. CAUTION: The car must not be driven with wheels of different dimensions. The use of different size wheels can
seriously damage your car's transmission. *
* This also applies to models equipped with All Wheel Drive (AWD). pg. 87 Wheels and tires (cont.)
Snow chains
Snow tire chains can be used on your Volvo with the following restrictions:
ProCarManuals.com

Snow chains should be installed on front wheels only (this applies to cars with front wheel drive and to cars
equipped with All Wheel Drive) . Use only Volvo approved snow chains.
Snow chains may be mounted on tire dimension 185/65R15 and 195/60R15. Tire dimension 205/55R15 and
205/50R16 require a special type of snow chain. Consult your Volvo retailer. Snow chains may not be used on
205/55R16 tires. *
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 chains cannot be used on those turbo-charged models fitted
with all-season tires 205/55 R16. Models 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.
Some strap -on type chains will interfere with brake components and therefore CANNOT be used.
Consult your Volvo retailer for additional snow chain information. CAUTION:
Check local regulations regarding the use of snow chains before installing.
Always follow the chains manufacturer's installation instructions carefully. Install chains as tightly as possible and
re-tighten periodically.
Never exceed the chain manufacture's specified maximum speed limit. (Under no circumstances should that limit
be higher than 30 mph (45 km/h).
Avoid bumps, holes or sharp turns when driving with snow chains.
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 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. Volvo recommends 185/65 R15 winter tires
on 15" wheels on all S/V 70 models including models equipped with 16" or 17" wheels.
Winter tires wear more quickly on dry roads in warm weather. They should be removed when the winter driving
season has ended.
Studded tires should be run-in 300-600 miles (500-1000 km) during which the car should be driven as smoothly as
possible to give the studs the opportunity to seat properly in the tires. The car tires should have the same rotational
direction throughout theirentire lifetime. In other words, if you wish to rotate the wheels, make sure that the same
wheels are always on the same side of the car.
ProCarManuals.com

NOTE: Please consult state or local regulations restricting the use of studded winter tires before installing such tires.
* Special snow chains are available for AWD models equipped with 205/55R16 tires. Please consult your Volvo
retailer.
** Where permittedpg. 88 Wheels and tires (cont.)
Checking and correcting tire pressure
Check the tire pressure when refueling.
The tire pressure should be corrected only when the tires are cold.
With warm tires, correct only when the pressure is too low. The tire temperature rises after driving just a few miles.
Vehicle Loading
The tires on your Volvo will perform to specifications at all normal loads when inflated as recommended on the tire
information label* located on the inside of the fuel filler flap. This label lists both the tire and vehicle design limits.
Do not load your car beyond the load limits indicated.
* Please note that the tire information label indicates pressures for both comfort and fuel economy.

Tire pressure label
pg. 89 Wheels and tires (cont.)
Uniform tire quality grading
ProCarManuals.com

ALL PASSENGER CAR TIRES MUST CONFORM TO FEDERAL SAFETY REQUIREMENTS IN ADDITION TO
THESE GRADES
TREADWEAR
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled conditions
on a specified government test course. For example, a tire graded at 150 would wear one and one half (1 1/2) times as
well on the government course as a tire graded 100. The relative performance of tires depends upon the actual
conditions of their use, however, and many depart significantly from the norm due to variation in driving habits,
service practices and differences in road characteristics and climate.
TRACTION
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A, B, and C, as measured under controlled conditions on specified
government test surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may have poor traction performance.WARNING! The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on braking (straight-ahead) traction tests and does not
include cornering (turning) traction.
TEMPERATURE
The temperature grades are AA (the highest), A, B, and C, representing the tire's resistance to the generation of heat
and its ability to dissipate heat when tested under controlled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel.
Sustained high temperature can cause the material of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire life, and excessive
temperature can lead to sudden tire failure. The grade C corresponds to a level of performance which all passenger car
tires must meet under the Federal Motor Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A represent higher levels of
performance on the laboratory test wheel than the minimum required by law. WARNING! The temperature grade for this tire is established for a tire that is properly inflated and not overloaded.
Excessive speed, underinflation, or excessive loading, either separately or in combination, can cause heat buildup and
possible tire failure.

Contents | Top of Page
ProCarManuals.com