2003 VOLVO S80 snow chains

2 0 0 3
VOLVO S80
Chapter 7 - Wheels and tires
pg. 91 Wheels and tires
General information, Wear indicator, Tire economy, Flat spots92
Snow chains, Snow tires/studded tires93
Inflation pressure, Spare tire94
Uniform tire quality grading95
Changing wheels96
pg. 92 Wheels and tires
General information
Your vehicle is equipped with tires according to the tire information label on the inside of the fuel filler door.
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
tire damage.
Wear indicator
The tires have wear indicator strips running across or parallel to the tread. When approx. 1/16" (1.6 mm) is left on the
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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 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.
Volvo recommends rotating the tires every 7,500 miles (12,000 km). Tires should be rotated front -to-back/back-to-
front only. Tires must maintain the same direction of rotation throughout their lifetime, and should never be rotated
from one side of the vehicle to the other.
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. 93 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 strap -on type chains will interfere with brake components and therefore CANNOT be used.
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 that limit
be higher than
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31 mph (50 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.
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 215/55 R16 winter tires on all four wheels .
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 (500-1000 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 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. 94 Wheels and tires
Tire pressure label
Checking and correcting tire pressure
Check the tire pressure regularly.
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
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Seat belts..........2, 3, 14
Seat belts - cleaning..........113
Seats - front..........52
Servicing..........117, 118
Shiftlock..........73, 74, 76
Side direction indicator - replacing..........109
Side impact airbag system (SIPS)..........8
Side marker lights - replacing..........109
Sideview mirrors..........40
Sideview mirrors - heated..........37
Sideview mirrors - memory function..........40
Snow chains..........93
Snow tires..........93
Spare tire.......... 57, 94
Spark plugs..........117, 132
Specifications..........130
Speed -sensitive power steering..........79
SRS..........6
SRS diagnostic system..........26
Stability Traction Control (STC)..........17, 29
Start inhibitor (immobilizer)..........60, 73
Starting the engine..........73
Steering wheel adjustment ........ 36
Steering wheel lock..........36
Storage compartment in center console..........56
Storage compartments..........55
Studded tires..........93
Sun blinds..........42
Sun roof..........41
Supplemental Restraint System..........4, 26
Suspension..........132
Switches in center console ........ 29
T
Tachometer..........25
Tail light bulbs - replacing ........ 106
Temperature gauge..........25
Temporary spare tire..........94
Text window..........28
Three-way catalytic converters..........89
Timing belt..........117
Tire pressure..........94
Tires..........79, 92 - 95
Tires - changing..........96, 97
Tool bag..........57
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