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2 0 0 3 
VOLVO
S40 & V40
Chapter 5 - Wheels and tires
pg. 79 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
80
Snow chains, Snow tires, Studded tires81
Inflation pressure, Tire rotation82
Uniform tire quality  grading83
"Special spare" tire84
pg. 80 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 38 of 85

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" 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  run-in 300-600 miles (50-1000 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 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.
* Where permitted.
pg. 82 Wheels and tires
Checking and correcting  tire pressure
 Refer to the tire pressure label  located on the inside of the fuel filler  door. The tire pressures shown on the top line
of the label  will provide best fuel economy. The tire pressures shown on the second line will provide a  softer ride, but
may reduce fuel economy.
 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  door*. This label  also lists vehicle load limits. Do not load
your car beyond  the indicated limits.
*Please note that the tire information label  indicates pressure for both comfort and  fuel economy.
Tire pressure  label on fuel filler  door
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        Page 82 of 85
Transmission Lamp67
Trip Computer27
Trip odometer20
Trunk  - opening from  the inside - S4046
Tuning modes, radio - changing142
Turn  signals25
U
UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY  GRADING83
Uniform  tire quality grading83
Upholstery  - cleaning105
V
Vanity mirrors51
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)108
Vehicle loading125
Volvo On Call128
Volvo SRS4
W
W  - Winter/Wet Weather67
Warning flashers26
Warning lights22,23
Warranty109
Washer fluid reservoir118
Washing103
Waste bin - rear34
Waxing104
Weights127
Wheel changing86, 87, 88
Wheels and  tires80
Whiplash Protection System  (WHIPS)9
WHIPS9
Windows - electrically -operated38
Windshield wiper blades - replacing98
Winter driving75
   
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