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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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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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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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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.
Raise the vehicle until the wheel to be changed is lifted off the ground.
Unscrew the wheel bolts completely and carefully remove the wheel so as not to damage the thread on the studs.
Attaching the jack
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).
pg. 111 Changing wheels
Correct tightening order for wheel bolts
Installing the wheel
Clean the contact surfaces on the wheel and hub.
Lift the wheel and place it on the hub.
Install the wheel bolts and tighten hand -tight. Using the lug wrench, tighten crosswise (see illustration above) until
all bolts are snug.
Lower the vehicle to the ground and alternately tighten the bolts crosswise to 102 ft. lbs. (140 Nm).
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Trailer towing..........89
Trailer weight - maximum..........145
Transmission - automatic..........77, 81, 82
Transmission fluid (automatic)..........147
Trip computer..........32
Trip odometer..........27
Trunk - opening from the inside..........65
Trunk - unlocking with master key..........65
Trunk lights - replacing..........124
Turn signal bulbs (front)..........120
U
Unlocking the trunk with key..........65
Upholstery - cleaning..........129
V
Vanity mirror lights - replacing..........122
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)..........144
Vehicle loading..........148
Ventilation..........46
Ventilation hose, battery ........139
Volumes (oils and fluids) ........147
Volvo On Call..........150
W
Warning lights..........28, 29
Warranty..........130
Washer fluid reservoir..........134
Washer fluid solvent..........93
Washing the car..........127 - 129
Water repellent glass..........128
Waxing..........128
Weight distribution..........85
Weights..........145
Wheels - changing..........110, 111
Wheels and tires..........98 - 111
Whiplash Protection System (WHIPS)..........12
Windows - electrically operated..........41
Windshield washer solvent ........ 93
Windshield wiper blades - replacing..........141
Windshield wipers/washers..........37
Winter driving..........93
Winter/Wet driving mode..........77, 79, 81
Wiper blades - replacing..........141
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