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VOLVO S80
Chapter 7 - Wheels and tires
pg. 97 Wheels and tires
General  information98
Tire inflation99
Tire inflation pressure tables101
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)102
Self supporting run flat  tires103
Tire designations104
Glossary of tire terminology105
Vehicle loading106
Uniform tire quality  grading107
Snow chains, snow tires, studded tires108
Temporary spare109
Changing a wheel110
pg. 98 Wheels and tires
General  information
Your vehicle is equipped with tires according  to the vehicle's tire information placard  on the B-pillar (the structural
member at the side of the vehicle, at the rear of the driver's door opening), or on the inside of the fuel filler  door on
Canadian models.
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
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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.
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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
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