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VOLVO C70
Chapter 5 - Wheels and tires
pg. 79 Wheels and tires
Page
General information, Wear indicator, Tire economy, Flat spots 80
Snow chains, Snow tires81
Inflation pressure82
Uniform tire quality grading83
pg. 80 Wheels and tires
General information
Your vehicle is equipped with tires according to the tire information label located on the rear facing side of the
right front door.
The following is an example of a tire designation code 225/50R16:
225 = tire width in mm.
50 = 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/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
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tire damage.
Wear indicator
The tires have a so called "wear indicator" in the form of a number of narrow 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
vehicle.
To improve tire economy:
Maintain correct tire pressure.
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 the wheels are rotated, they should be kept on the same side of the car so that they revolve in the same direction
as prior to 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. Remember that, in cold weather, it takes longer for the tire to warm up and consequently longer for the
flat spot to disappear.
pg. 81 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.
Snow chains may be mounted on tire dimension 195/65R15. Tire dimension 205/55R16 requires a special type of
snow chain. 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. Snow chains cannot be used on those models fitted with all-
season tires 225/50 R16 or 225/45 R17 or 225/40R18. 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.
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illustration on the following page.
Jack attachment
There is a jack attachment located in the center on each side of the car. Position the jack on the bar in the attachment
as shown in illustration above and crank while simultaneously guiding the base of the jack to the ground. The base of
the jack must be flat on a level, firm, non-slippery surface. Before raising the car, check that the jack is still
correctly positioned in the attachment.
WARNING!
The jack's attachment must engage the bar in the jack attachment (see inset illustration above). The car's weight must
not rest on the jack attachment.
Raise the vehicle until both wheels on the side of the car where the jack is attached are lifted off the ground. Unscrew
the wheel bolts completely and carefully remove the wheel so as not to damage the thread on the studs.
NOTE: To avoid excessive wear and the necessity of rebalancing, mark and reinstall wheels in the same location and
position as before removal. To lessen the chance of imbalance, each wheel hub is equipped with a guide stud to ensure
that a removed wheel can be reinstalled in its original position (as when changing over to winter tires/wheels).
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. 87 Wheel changing
WARNING!
The jack's attachment must engage the bar in the jack attachment (see inset illustration in center column on the
previous page. The car's weight must not rest on the jack attachment.
Be sure the jack is on a firm, level, non-slippery surface.
Never allow any part of your body to be extended under a car supported by a jack.
Use the jack intended for the car when replacing a wheel. For any other job, use stands to support the side of the
car being worked on.
Apply the parking brake, select position P (automatic transmission) or Reverse gear (manual transmission).
Block the wheels standing on the ground, use rigid wooden blocks or large stones.
The jack should be kept well-greased.
Installing the wheel
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Clean the contact surfaces on the wheel and hub. Lift the wheel and place it on the hub. Make sure that you align the
wheel with the guide stud on the wheel hub prior to installation. Install the wheel bolts crosswise (see illustration) and
tighten by turning lightly clockwise. Lower the vehicle to the ground and alternately tighten the bolts to 100 ft. lbs.
(130 Nm). Install the wheel cap (where applicable).
CAUTION: Correct tightening torque on wheel bolts must be observed. The wheel bolts should never be greased or
lubricated. The extended, chromed wheel bolts must not be used with steel rims, as they make it impossible to fit the
hub caps.
Correct tightening order for wheel bolts
pg. 88 Spare tire
Temporary Spare (certain models)
The spare tire in your car is called a "Temporary Spare". It has the following designation: T125/90 R15.
Recommended tire pressure (see decal on fuel filler flap) 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.
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.
WARNING!
Current legislation prohibits the use of the "Temporary 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 "Temporary Spare" in use. Do not, therefore, exceed 50 mph (80 km/h).
pg. 89 Replacing bulbs
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