
WARNING!
- Under-inflation is the most common cause of tire failure and may result in severe tire cracking, tread separation, or
"blowout," with unexpected loss of vehicle control and increased risk of injury.
- Under-inflated tires reduce the load carrying capacity of your vehicle.
When weather temperature changes occur, tire inflation pressures also change. A 10-degree temperature drop causes a
corresponding drop of 1 psi (7 kPa) in inflation pressure. Check your tire pressures frequently and adjust them to the
proper pressure, which can be found on the vehicle's tire information placard or certification label.
Checking tire pressure
Cold tires
Inflation pressure should be checked when the tires are cold.
The tires are considered to be cold when they have the same temperature as the surrounding (ambient) air.
This temperature is normally reached after the car has been parked for at least 3 hours.
pg. 100 Wheels and tires
After driving a distance of approximately 1 mile (1.6 km), the tires are considered to be hot. If you have to drive
farther than this distance to pump your tire(s), check and record the tire pressure first and add the appropriate air
pressure when you get to the pump.
If checking tire pressure when the tire is hot, never "bleed" or reduce air pressure. The tires are hot from driving and it
is normal for pressures to increase above recommended cold pressures. A hot tire at or below recommended cold
inflation pressure could be significantly under-inflated.
To check inflation pressure:
1. Remove the cap from the valve on one tire, then firmly press the tire gauge onto the valve.
2. Add air to reach the recommended air pressure
3. Replace the valve cap.
4. Repeat this procedure for each tire, including the spare.
5. Visually inspect the tires to make sure there are no nails or other objects embedded that could puncture the tire and
cause an air leak.
6. Check the sidewalls to make sure there are no gouges, cuts, bulges or other irregularities.
NOTE:
• If you overfill the tire, release air by pushing on the metal stem in the center of the valve. Then recheck the pressure
with your tire gauge.
• Some spare tires require higher inflation pressure than the other tires. Consult the tire inflation table on page 101
or
see the inflation pressure placard.
pg. 101 Wheels and tires
ProCarManuals.com

When low inflation pressure is detected, TPMS will light up the tire pressure warning light () in the instrument
panel, and will display a message in the text window. The wording of this message is determined by the degree of
inflation pressure loss.
When the tire pressure monitoring system warning light is on, one or more of your tires is significantly under-inflated.
You should stop and check your tires as soon as possible, and inflate them to the proper pressure as indicated on the
vehicle's tire information placard.
Driving on a significantly under-inflated tire causes the tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure. Under-inflation
also reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect the vehicle's handling and stopping ability. Each tire,
including the spare, should be checked monthly when cold and set to the recommended inflation pressure as specified
in the vehicle placard and owner's manual.
NOTE: TPMS indicates low tire pressure but does not replace normal tire maintenance. For information on correct tire
pressure, please refer to the table on page 101
, or consult your Volvo retailer.
Erasing warning messages
When a low tire pressure warning message has been displayed, and the tire pressure warning light has come on:
1. Use a tire pressure gauge to check the inflation pressure of all four tires.
2. Re-inflate the tire(s) to the correct pressure (consult the tire pressure placard or the table on page 101
).
3. Drive the car for at least one minute at a speed of 20 mph (30 km/h) or faster.
This will erase the warning text and the warning light will go out.
WARNING!
Incorrect inflation pressure could lead to tire failure, resulting in a loss of control of the vehicle.
Changing tires
Please note the following when changing or replacing the factory installed TPMS wheels/tires on the vehicle:
Only the factory-mounted wheels are equipped with TPMS sensors in the valves.
If the vehicle is equipped with a temporary spare tire, this tire does not have a TPMS sensor.
If, for example, winter wheels/tires are used that are not equipped with TPMS sensors, the message TIRE PRESSURE
SYSTEM SERVICE REQUIRED will be displayed after the car has been driven for several minutes at approximately
35 mph (50 km/h) or faster.
This message will remain on until wheels with TPMS sensors are mounted on the vehicle and it has been driven for at
least one minute at a speed of 20 mph (30 km/h) or faster.
TPMS valves can be fitted on winter wheels or full-size spare wheels/tires. Consult your Volvo retailer.
CAUTION!
When inflating tires with TPMS valves, press the pump's mouthpiece straight onto the valve to help avoid bending or
otherwise damaging the valve.
pg. 103 Wheels and tires
Self supporting run flat tires (option)
Certain models equipped with the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) can also be equipped with self supporting
ProCarManuals.com

run flat tires.
Tires of this type have specially reinforced sidewalls that make it possible to continue driving in the event of a drop in
inflation pressure. Tires of this type are mounted on special rims.
NOTE: Self supporting run flat tires are only available in conjunction with TPMS.
If a self supporting run flat tire should lose inflation pressure, the yellow TPMS warning symbol (
) in the
instrument panel lights up to alert the driver, and a message will be shown in the text window in the instrument panel.
If this occurs, reduce vehicle speed to a maximum of 50 mph (80 km/h). The vehicle can be driven approximately 50
miles (80 km), or somewhat farther if the vehicle is not heavily loaded. The tire should be replaced as soon as
possible.
Hard braking and sudden steering maneuvers should be avoided.
In certain cases, it may be difficult to see which self supporting run flat tire is defective. To determine which tire is
damaged, check the inflation pressure of all four tires.
WARNING!
• Only specially trained persons should mount self supporting run flat tires.
• If self supporting run flat tires are mounted, the vehicle must be equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System.
• After a low pressure warning has been displayed, do not exceed 50 mph (80 km/h).
• Avoid severe cornering and hard braking, and minimize the distance traveled before replacing the self supporting
run flat tire.
• Self supporting run flat tires cannot be repaired. They must be replaced if damaged or punctured.
pg. 104 Wheels and tires
Tire designations
Federal law mandates that tire manufacturers place standardized information on the sidewall of all tires (see the
illustration).
The following information is listed on the tire sidewall:
The tire designation (the following figures are examples of a tire designation):
ProCarManuals.com

1. 215: the width of the tire (in millimeters) from sidewall edge to sidewall edge. The larger the number, the wider the
tire.
2. 65: The ratio of the tire's height to its width.
3. R: Radial tire.
4. 15: The diameter of the wheel rim (in inches).
5. 95: The tire's load index. In this example, a load index of 95 equals a maximum load of 1521 lbs (690 kg).
6. H: The tire's speed rating, or the maximum speed at which the tire is designed to be driven for extended periods of
time, carrying a permissible load for the vehicle, and with correct inflation pressure. For example, H indicates a speed
rating of 130 mph (210 km/h).
NOTE: This information may not appear on the tire because it is not required by law.
7. M+S or M/S = Mud and Snow, AT = All Terrain, AS = All Season
8. U.S. DOT Tire Identification Number (TIN): This begins with the letters "DOT" and indicates that the tire meets all
federal standards. The next two numbers or letters are the plant code where it was manufactured, the next two are the
tire size code and the last four numbers represent the week and year the tire was built. For example, the numbers 317
mean the 31st week of 1997. After 2000 the numbers go to four digits. For example, 2501 means the 25th week of
2001. The numbers in between are marketing codes used at the manufacturer's discretion. This information helps a tire
manufacturer identify a tire for safety recall purposes.
9. Tire Ply Composition and Material Used: Indicates the number of plies indicates or the number of layers of rubber-
coated fabric in the tire tread and sidewall. Tire manufacturers also must indicate the ply materials in the tire and the
sidewall, which include steel, nylon, polyester, and others.
10. Maximum Load: Indicates the maximum load in pounds and kilograms that can be carried by the tire. Refer to the
vehicle's tire information placard or the safety certification label, located on the B-Pillar or the driver's door or on the
inside of the fuel filler door on Canadian models, for the correct tire pressure for your vehicle.
11. Treadwear, Traction, and Temperature grades: See page 107
for more information.
12. Maximum permissible inflation pressure: the greatest amount of air pressure that should ever be put in the tire. This
limit is set by the tire manufacturer.
pg. 105 Wheels and tires
Glossary of tire terminology
The tire suppliers may have additional markings, notes or warnings such as standard load, radial tubeless, etc.
Glossary of tire terminology
• Tire information placard: A placard showing the OE (Original Equipment) tire sizes, recommended inflation
pressure, and the maximum weight the vehicle can carry.
• Tire Identification Number (TIN): A number on the sidewall of each tire providing information about the tire
brand and manufacturing plant, tire size and date of manufacturer.
• Inflation pressure: A measure of the amount of air in a tire.
• Standard load: A class of P-metric or Metric tires designed to carry a maximum load at 35 psi [37 psi (2.5 bar) for
ProCarManuals.com

NOTE: For trailer towing information, please refer to the section "Towing a trailer" on page 89.
Permissible axle weight
The maximum allowable weight that can be carried by a single axle (front or rear). These numbers are shown on the
Federal/Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS/CMVSS) label. The total load on each axle must never
exceed its maximum permissible weight.
Gross vehicle weight (GVW)
The vehicle's curb weight + cargo + passengers.
NOTE:
• The location of the various labels in your vehicle can be found on page 144
.
• A table listing important weight limits for your vehicle can be found on page 145
.
Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit
(1) Locate the statement "the combined weight of occupants and cargo should never exceed XXX pounds" on your
vehicle's placard.
(2) Determine the combined weight of the driver and passengers that will be riding in your vehicle.
(3) Subtract the combined weight of the driver and passengers from XXX kilograms or XXX pounds.
(4) The resulting figure equals the available amount of cargo and luggage load capacity. For example, if the "XXX"
amount equals 1400 lbs. and there will be five 150 lb. passengers in your vehicle, the amount of available cargo and
luggage load capacity is 650 lbs. (1400-750 (5 x 150) = 650 lbs.)
(5) Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo being loaded on the vehicle. That weight may not safely
exceed the available cargo and luggage load capacity calculated in Step 4.
(6) If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your trailer will be transferred to your vehicle. Consult this
manual
1 to determine how this reduces the available cargo and luggage load capacity of your vehicle.
WARNING!
- Exceeding the permissible axle weight, gross vehicle weight, or any other weight rating limits can cause tire
overheating resulting in permanent deformation or catastrophic failure.
- Do not use replacement tires with lower load carrying capacities than the tires that were original equipment on the
vehicle because this will lower the vehicle's GVW rating. Replacement tires with a higher limit than the originals do
not increase the vehicle's GVW rating limitations.
1 See "Towing a trailer" on page 89.
pg. 107 Wheels and tires
Uniform tire quality grading
ALL PASSENGER VEHICLE TIRES MUST CONFORM TO FEDERAL SAFETY REQUIREMENTS IN
ProCarManuals.com

ADDITION TO THESE GRADES
Quality grades can be found, where applicable, on the tire sidewall between the tread should and maximum section
width. For example:
Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature A
TREADWEAR
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled conditions
on a specified government test course. For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one and one half (1 1/2) times as
well on the government course as a tire graded 100. The relative performance of tires depends upon the actual
conditions of their use, however, and many depart significantly from the norm due to variation in driving habits,
service practices and differences in road characteristics and climate.
TRACTION
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A, B, and C, as measured under controlled conditions on specified
government test surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may have poor traction performance.
WARNING!
The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on braking (straight-ahead) traction tests and does not include
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 minimum level of performance that 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.
WARNING!
The temperature grade for this tire is established for a tire that is properly inflated and not overloaded. Excessive
speed, under-inflation, or excessive loading, either separately or in combination, can cause heat buildup and possible
tire failure.
pg. 108 Wheels and tires
Snow chains, snow tire, studded 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.
• 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.
ProCarManuals.com

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.
• 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
1
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.
• 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.
NOTE: Please consult state or provincial regulations restricting the use of studded winter tires before installing such
tires.
1 Where permitted
pg. 109 Wheels and tires
Temporary Spare
The spare tire in your car is called a "Temporary Spare".
Recommended tire pressure (see the placard on the B-pillar or on the 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
ProCarManuals.com

Install the wheel cap (where applicable).
WARNING!
· The jack must correctly engage the bar in the jack attachment (A). The car's weight must not rest on the jack
attachment (B). See illustration on page 110
.
· 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 and put the gear selector in the (P)ark position.
· Block the wheels standing on the ground, use rigid wooden blocks or large stones.
· The jack should be kept well-greased
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.
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.
pg. 112
This page intentionally left blank.
Contents | Top of Page
ProCarManuals.com