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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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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.
Tread wear indicator
The tires have wear  indicator strips running across or parallel to the tread. The letters  TWI are printed on the side of
the tire. When approximately 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 offer  very poor traction.
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.
New tires
Remember that tires are perishable goods. As of 2000, the manufacturing week and  year will be  indicated with 4 digits
(e.g. 1502 means that the tire illustrated was manufactured during week 15 of 2002).
Improving tire economy:
• Maintain correct tire pressure. See  the tire pressure table  on page 101.
• 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.
• Tires must  maintain the same direction of rotation throughout their lifetime.
• When replacing tires, the tires with the most  tread should be  mounted on the rear wheels to reduce the chance of
oversteer during hard braking.
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Tire inflation pressure tables
Tire pressures recommended by Volvo for your vehicle. Refer to the tire inflation placard  for information specific to
the tires installed on your vehicle at the factory.Cold  tire pressure for vehicle loads up to 890 lbs (400 kg)
1
Tire size Front, psi (kPa)Rear, psi (kPa)
S80   
205/65R15 39 (270)39 (270)
215/55R16 39 (270)39 (270)
225/50R17 39 (270)39 (270)
235/45R17  SSRFT
239 (270) 39 (270)
235/40R18 39 (270)39 (270)
Temporary  spare tire 
T125/80R17 61 (420)
61 (420)
1 These weights include  the weight of all occupants of the car plus cargo.
2 Self supporting run flat tires. See  page 103 for more information.
Optional tire pressure. These inflation pressures may only be  used when the vehicle is not fully loaded. Optional cold tire pressure that may only be  used for vehicle loads up to 495 lbs (225 kg). psi (kPa)
Tire size Front, psi (kPa)Rear, psi (kPa)
S80   
205/65R15 32 (220)30 (210)
215/55R16 32 (220)30 (210)
225/50R17 32 (220)30 (210)
235/45R17  RFT (SST) --
235/40R18 35 (240)35 (240)
Temporary  spare tire 
T125/80R17 61 (420)
61 (420)
pg. 102 Wheels and tires
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)  - option on certain U.S. models only  
The tire pressure monitoring  system uses sensors  mounted in the tire valves to check inflation pressure levels. When
the vehicle is moving at a  speed of 20 mph (30 km/h) or faster, these sensors  transmit inflation pressure data to a
receiver located in the vehicle.
USA  - FCC ID: MRXTG315AM04
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC rules.  Operation is subject to the following conditions:  (1) This device
may not cause harmful interference, and  (2) this  device must  accept any  interference received,  including interference
that may cause undesired operation.
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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
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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
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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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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.
pg. 110 Changing wheels
Insert flat end  of lug wrench  and turn/pull  straight out
Changing wheels  
The spare wheel is located under the carpet  on the trunk floor.  The jack and  crank are secured in the wheel recess.  
There are two jack attachment points  on each side of the car.
To change a wheel:
 Engage the parking brake.
 Put the gear selector in (P)ark.
 Remove the wheel cap (where applicable)  using the lug wrench  in the tool bag.
 With the car still  on the ground, use the lug wrench  to loosen the wheel bolts  1/2 -1 turn by exerting downward
pressure. Turn  the bolts  counterclockwise to loosen.
Loosen wheel bolts
 Position the jack on the bar in the attachment ( A in the illustration below) and  crank while simultaneously guiding
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 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
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