2 0 0 1
VOLVO
S40 & V40
Chapter 5 - Wheels and tires
pg. 77 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
78
Snow chains, Snow tires, Studded tires79
Inflation pressure80
Uniform tire quality grading81
"Special spare" tire82
pg. 78 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
ProCarManuals.com
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.
UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADING LOCATING THE GRADE
Quality grades can be found where applicable on the tire sidewall between tread shoulder and maximum section width.
Treadware 200 Traction AA Temperature AWARNING!
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.
pg. 82 Spare tire
Special Spare
The spare tire in your car is called a "Special Spare". It has the following designation: 124/90 R15 96M.
Recommended tire pressure (see the bottom line of the decal on the fuel filler door) should be maintained irrespective
of which position on the car the Special Spare tire is used on.
In the event of damage to this tire, a new one can be purchased from your Volvo retailer.WARNING!
Current legislation prohibits the use of the "Special Spare" tire other than as a temporary replacement for a punctured
tire. In other words, it must be replaced as soon as possible by a standard tire. Roadholding, etc., may be affected
with the "Special Spare" in use. Do not, therefore, exceed 50 mph (80 km/h).
ProCarManuals.com
