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VOLVO S60
Wheels and tires
pg. 105 Wheels and tires
General information 106
Tire pressure108
Tread wear indicators109
Changing wheels110
Uniform Tire Quality Grading112
pg. 106 Wheels and tires
General information
General information about wheels and tires
Your vehicle is equipped with tires according to the tire information label on the inside of the fuel filler door.
All tires have a dimension designation.
Example of designation: 215/55R16.
215 section width (mm)
55 relationship between section
height and width
R radial tire
16 wheel rim diameter (")
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/ice-free 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
tire damage.
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New tires
Remember that tires are perishable goods. This tire was manufactured week 15 in 1998! (158). As of 2000,
manufacturing year and week will be indicated with 4 digits (e.g. 0015 means that the tire is manufactured year 2000,
week 15).
Improving tire economy:
Maintain correct tire pressure. See the tire pressure label on the inside of the fuel filler door.
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 tires are rotated, they must be kept on the same side of the car so that they revolve in the same direction as before
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. 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. 107 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 195/65 R15. For tires of other dimensions, 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 strap -on type chains will interfere with brake components and therefore CANNOT be used.
All Wheel Drive models : Snow chains should only be installed on the front wheels. Only chains adapted for AWD
models should be used.
NOTE: Consult your Volvo retailer for additional snow chain information
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 you exceed 31
mph (50 km/h)
Avoid bumps, holes or sharp turns when driving with snow chains.
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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 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.
Temporary Spare
The spare tire in your car is called a "Temporary Spare". It has the following designation: T125/80 R17.
Recommended tire pressure (see decal on Fuel filler door) should be maintained irrespective of which position on the
car the Temporary 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 "Temporary Spare" tire other than as a temporary replacement for a
punctured tire. It must be replaced as soon as possible by a standard tire. Road holding and handling may be affected
with the "Temporary Spare" in use. Do not exceed 50 mph (80 km/h). Do not drive farther than 50 miles (80 km) on
a temporary spare tire.
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.
NOTE: Certain models may be equipped with a full-size spare tire. When used, it should be inflated to the same
pressure as the tire it is replacing.
pg. 109 Wheels and tires
Tread wear indicators
Tires have tread
wear indicators The tires have wear indicator 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
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Trailer indicator lamp25
Trailer towing98
Transmission - automatic86
Transmission - Geartronic88
Transmission - manual85
Transmission - sport shifter85
Trip computer35
Trip odometer22
Trunk - opening from the inside72
Trunk - unlocking72
Turn signals - normal turns32
Turn signals - lane change position32
Type designations144
U
Uniform Tire Quality Grading111
, 112
Unlocking71
Unlocking the trunk72
Use of Additives79
V
Valet key68
Vanity mirror59
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)144
Vehicle loading108
VIN (Vehicle Identification Number)144
Volvo and the environmentiii
Volvo On Call155
W
W - Winter87
, 89
Warning23
Warning symbol in center of dashboard23
Warranties118
Washer fluid reservoir122 , 125
Washing the car114
Waxing115
Weight distribution83
Weights145
Wheels106
WHIPS14
Windshield washer33
Windshield washer fluid reservoir125
Windshield wipers33
Winter tires106
Winter/ Wet driving mode103
Wiper blades127
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