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VOLVO S80
Chapter 7 - Wheels and tires
pg. 79 Wheels and tires
General information, Wear indicator, Tire economy, Flat spots80
Snow chains, Winter tires81
Inflation pressure, Spare tire82
Uniform tire quality grading83
Changing wheels84
pg. 80 Wheels and tires
General information
Your vehicle is equipped with tires according to the tire information label on the inside of the fuel tank cover.
The following is an example of a tire designation code: 225/55 R16
225 = tire width in mm.
55 = tire profile. This is the relationship (in percent) between the section height and width of the tire.
R = radial tires.
16 = 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/icefree surfaces. Certain models are
equipped with "all-season" tires, which provide a somewhat higher degree of road holding 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 roadholding 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
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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.
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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
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