Page 55 of 96

tire damage.
Wear indicator
The tires have a socalled "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 become visible 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. See the tire pressure label on the inside of the fuel tank cover.
· 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 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 or with a spare tire other than the one that came with
the car. The use of different size wheels can seriously damage your car's transmission.
pg. 81 Wheels and tires
Snow chains
Snow chains can be used on your Volvo with the following restrictions:
· Snow chains should be installed on front wheels only. Use only Volvo approved snow chains.
· Special snow chains must be mounted on 215/55 R16, 225/55 R16 and 225/50 R17 tires. Consult your Volvo retailer.
· 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. Sufficient clearances between chains and brakes, suspension and
body components must be maintained.
· Some strapon type chains will interfere with brake components and therefore CANNOT be used.
ProCarManuals.com
Page 58 of 96

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, under-inflation, or excessive loading, either separately or in combination, can cause heat buildup and possible
tire failure.
pg. 84 Changing wheels
Insert flat end of lug wrench and turn/pull straight out
Changing wheels
The spare wheel is located under the carpet on the trunk floor. The jack and crank are secured in the wheel recess.
There are two jack attachment points on each side of the car.
To change a wheel:
· Engage the parking brake.
· Put the gear selector in (P)ark.
· Remove the wheel cap (where applicable) using the lug wrench in the tool kit.
· With the car still on the ground, use the lug wrench to loosen the wheel bolts 1/2 1 turn. Turn the bolts
counterclockwise to loosen.
ProCarManuals.com
Page 78 of 96

rubber seals.
WARNING!
The distributor ignition system operates at very high voltages. Special safety precautions must be followed to
prevent injury. Always turn the ignition off when:
· Replacing distributor ignition components e.g. plugs, coil, etc.
· Do not touch any part of the distributor ignition system while the engine is running. This may result in unintended
movements and body injury.
Front suspension
Spring strut suspension with integrated shock absorbers and control arms linked to the support frame. Powerassisted
rack and pinion steering. Safety type steering column.
The alignment specifications apply to an unladen car but include fuel, coolant and spare wheel.
Toe-in measured on the wheel rims: 2.3 mm +/ 0.8 mm
Toe-in measured on tire sides: 2.8 +/ 0.9 mm
Rear suspension
Individual rear wheel suspension with longitudinal support arms, double link arms and track rods.
Toe-in measured on the tire sides: 1.9 mm +/ 1.9 mm
Vehicle loading
The tires on your Volvo should perform to specifications at all normal loads when inflated as recommended on the tire
information label. The label is located on the inside of the fuel tank cover. The label lists both tire and vehicle design
limits. Do not load your car beyond the load limits indicated. WARNING!
Improperly inflated tires will reduce tire life, adversely affect vehicle handling and can possibly lead to failure
resulting in loss of vehicle control without prior warning.
All specifications are subject to change without prior notice.
pg.123 Electrical system
Electrical system
12 Volt, negative ground.
Voltagecontrolled generator. Singlewire system with chassis and engine used as conductors. Grounded on chassis.
Battery
ProCarManuals.com