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VOLVO
S & V 40
Chapter 5 - Wheels and tires
pg. 75 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.  General  information, Wear indicator, Tire economy, Flat spots
76
Snow chains, Winter tires77
Inflation pressure78
Uniform tire quality  grading79
"Special spare" tire80
pg. 76 Wheels and tires
General  information
Your vehicle  is equipped  with tires according to the tire information label located on the inside  of the fuel filler
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  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/icefree surfaces. 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  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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        Page 40 of 84

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.
Consult your Volvo retailer for additional snow chain information.
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  195/55 R15 winter tires
on 15" steel rims  on all S/V 40 models.
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  runin 300600 miles (5001000 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 their entire 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.
NOTE:  Please consult state or provincial regulations  restricting the use of studded winter tires before installing such
tires.
CAUTION:
· Check local  regulations  regarding the use of snow chains before installing.
· Always follow the chain manufacturer's installation  instructions carefully. Install chains as tightly as possible and
retighten periodically.
· Never  exceed the chain manufacturer'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.
* Where permitted.
pg. 78 Wheels and tires
Checking and correcting  tire pressure
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        Page 84 of 84
Wheel changing82,83,84
Wheels and  tires76
Whiplash Protection System  (WHIPS)9
Windows - electrically -operated36
Windshield washer nozzles116
Windshield wiper blades - replacing94
Winter driving71
   
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