2006 SAAB 9-3 tire size

266 Car careTire markingsAn example of the meaning of the different
markings in a tire size is given below for a
tire size of 225/45 R17 94H:
225 Tire section width, mm
45Aspect ratio, i.e. the section height
as a percentage of the section
width
R Radial ply
17Wheel rim diameter 17 in at bead
seats
94 Tire load index
H Speed rating
Tire load indices
91Tire approved for max. 1355 lbs.
(615 kg)
93 Max. 1433 lbs. (650 kg)
94 Max. 1477 lbs. (670 kg)
95 Max. 1521 lbs. (690 kg)
97 Max. 1609 lbs. (730 kg)Speed ratings
QTire approved for speeds up to
100 mph (160 km/h)
S Max. 112 mph (180 km/h)
T Max. 118 mph (190 km/h)
H Max. 130 mph (210 km/h)
V Max. 149 mph (240 km/h)
W Max. 168 mph (270 km/h)
Y Max. 186 mph (300 km/h)
TIN-codea Manufacturer´s Identification Mark
b Tire Size
c Tire Type Code
d Date of Manufacture
93U S M 06.book Page 266 Friday, February 18, 2005 1:15 PM
ProCarManuals.com

267 Car care
Loading Your VehicleThis is an example of what your vehicle´s
Tire-Loading Information/Certification label
might look like. It is located on the B-pillar
and shows how much weight your vehicle
may properly carry. The label tells you the
proper size, and recommended inflation
pressures for the tires on your vehicle. It
also gives you important information about
the number of people that can be in your
vehicle and the total weight that you can
carry. This weight is called the Vehicle
Capacity Weight, and includes the weight of
all occupants, cargo and all nonfactory-
installed options.
Tire Terminology and DefinitionsAir Pressure: The amount of air inside the
tire pressing outward on each square inch of
the tire. Air pressure is expressed in pounds
per square inch (psi) or kilopascal (kPa).
Accessory Weight: This means the com-
bined weight of optional accessories, for
example, automatic transmission, power
steering, power brakes, power windows,
power seats, radio and air conditioning.
Aspect Ratio: The relationship of a tire´s
height to its width.
Belt: A rubber coated layer of cords that is
located between the plies and the tread.
Cords may be made from steel or other rein-
forcing materials.
Bias Ply Tire: A pneumatic tire in which the
ply cords that extend to the beads are laid at
alternate angles substantially less than 90
degrees to the centerline of the tread.
Cold Inflation Pressure: The amount of air
pressure in a tire, measured in pounds per
square inch (psi) or kilopascal (kPa), before
a tire has built up heat from driving. See
“Inflation - Tire Pressure” on page 257.
Curb weight: This means the weight of a
motor vehicle with standard and optional
equipment including the maximum capacity
of fuel, oil and coolant, without passengers
and cargo.DOT Markings: A code molded into the
sidewall of a tire signifying that the tire is in
compliance with the U.S. Department of
Transportation motor vehicle safety stan-
dards. The DOT code includes the Tire
Identification Number (TIN), an alphanu-
meric designator which can also identify the
tire manufacturer, production plant, brand
and date of production.
GVWR: Gross Vehicle Weight Rating see
“Loading Your Vehicle” on page 267.
GAWR FRT: Gross Axle Weight Rating for
the front axle, see “Loading Your Vehicle”
on page 295.
GAWR RR: Gross Axle Weight Rating for
the rear axle, see “Loading Your Vehicle” on
page 267.
Intended Outboard Sidewall: The side of
an asymmetrical tire that must always face
outward when mounted on a vehicle.
Kilopascal (kPa): The metric unit for air
pressure. There are 6.9 kPa to one psi.
Light Truck (LT-Metric) Tire: A tire used
on light duty trucks and some multipurpose
passenger vehicles.
Load Index: An assigned number ranging
from 1 to 279 that corresponds to the load
carrying capacity of a tire.
This label can only be found on vehicles
sold in the U.S.
Vehicles sold in Canada have the tire
information label in the glove box, see
page 307.93U S M 06.book Page 267 Friday, February 18, 2005 1:15 PM
ProCarManuals.com

268 Car careMaximum Load rating: The load rating for
a tire at the maximum permissible inflation
pressure for that tire.
Maximum Loaded Vehicle Weight: The
sum of curb weight; accessory weight; vehi-
cle capacity weight; and production options
weight.
Maximum Permissible Inflation Pres-
sure: The maximum cold inflation pressure
to which a tire may be inflated.
Normal occupant weight: The number of
occupants a vehicle is designed to seat mul-
tipled by 150 pounds (68 kg). See “Loading
Your Vehicle” on page 267.
Occupant Distribution: Designated seat-
ing positions.
Outward Facing Sidewall: The side of a
asymmetrical tire that has a particular side
that faces outward when mounted on a vehi-
cle. The side of the tire that contains a white-
wall bears white lettering or bears manufac-
turer, brand and or model name molding on
the other sidewall of the tire.
Passenger (P-Metric) Tire: A tire used on
passenger cars and some light duty trucks
and multipurpose vehicles.Recommended Inflation Pressure: Vehi-
cle manufacturer´s recommended tire infla-
tion pressure shown on the tire placard, see
“Inflation - Tire Pressure” on page 257 and
“Loading Your Vehicle” on page 267.
Radial Ply Tire: A pneumatic tire in which
the ply cords that extend to the beads are
laid at substantially 90 degrees to the cen-
terline of the tread.
Rim: A metal support for a tire or a tire and
tube assembly upon which the tire beads
are seated.
Sidewall: The portion of a tire between the
tread and the bead.
Speed rating: An alphanumeric code
assigned to a tire indicating the maximum
speed at which a tire can operate.
Traction: The friction between the tire and
the road surface. The amount of grip pro-
vided.
Treadwear Indicators: Narrow bands,
sometimes called “wear bars”, that show
across the tread of a tire when only
2/32 inch of tread remains. See “When It Is
Time for New Tires” on page 259.Tread Width: The width of the tire´s tread.
UTQGS: Uniform Tire Quality Grade Stan-
dards, a tire information system that pro-
vides consumers with ratings for a tire´s
traction, temperature and treadwear. Rat-
ings are determined by tire manufacturers
using government testing procedures. The
rating are molded into the sidewall of the
tire. See “Uniform Tire Quality Grading” on
page 261.
Vehicle Capacity Weight: Is the number of
designated seating positions multipled by
150 pounds (68 kg) plus the rated cargo
load. See “Loading Your Vehicle” on
page 267.
Vehicle Maximum Load on the Tire: Load
on an individual tire due to curb weight,
accessory weight, occupant weight and
cargo weight.
Vehicle Placard: A label permanently
attached to a vehicle showing original
equipment tire size and the recommended
cold inflation pressure. See “Loading Your
Vehicle” on page 267.93U S M 06.book Page 268 Friday, February 18, 2005 1:15 PM
ProCarManuals.com

269 Car care
Steps for Determining Correct
Load Limit1 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 Substract the combined weight of
the driver and passengers from
XXX kilograms or XXX pounds.
4 The resulting figure equals the avail-
able 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 avail-
able cargo and luggage load capac-
ity is 650 lbs. (1400–750 (5x150) =
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 calcu-
lated in Step 4.
6 If your vehicle will be towing a trailer,
load from your trailer will be trans-
ferred to your vehicle. Consult this
manual to determine how this
reduces the available cargo and
luggage load capacity of your vehi-
cle.
Winter tiresWinter (snow) tires are recommended for
winter climates where the majority of your
driving will be done on snow and ice. Winter
tires should be fitted to all four wheels to
maintain a proper balance. Your Saab
dealer can advise you of to the correct size
tire for your car (if different from the original
size) and also supply Saab approved winter
tires pre-mounted on steel or alloy rims.
Winter tires normally use a different speed
rating compared to summer/all season tires.
Make sure not to exceed the stated speed
rating on the tires you use.
93U S M 06.book Page 269 Friday, February 18, 2005 1:15 PM
ProCarManuals.com

305 Technical data
Recommended tire/engine combinationsRF/XL = Reinforced (or Extra Load) tire.
2.0t 2.0 Turbo 2.8 V6
All season tires
215/55 R16 97 H RF/XL x – –
225/45 R17 94 V RF/XL x x –
235/45 R17 94 V – – x
Summer tires
235/45 R17 94 W – – x
Winter (snow) tires
215/55 R16 93 Q x x x
225/45 R17 94 Q M+S RF/XL x x –
235/45 R17 94 Q – – x
Wheel sizes
6.5 x 16" x x –
7 x 17" x x –
7.5 x 17" – – x
93U S M 06.book Page 305 Friday, February 18, 2005 1:15 PM
ProCarManuals.com

306 Technical dataRecommended lowest tire pressure, cold tires
Tire size Load/speed
mph (km/h)
*
Front
psi/kPaRear
psi/kPa
All season tires
215/55 R16 97 H
XL/RF1–3 pers./0–100 (0–160)
4–5 pers./0–100 (0–160)
1–5 pers./100– (160–)35/240
35/240
41/28032/220
32/220
38/260
225/45 R17 94 V
RF/XL1–3 pers./0–100 (0–160)
4–5 pers./0–100 (0–160)
1–5 pers./100– (160–)35/240
35/240
41/28035/240
35/240
41/280
235/45 R17 94 V 1–3 pers./0–100 (0–160)
4–5 pers./0–100 (0–160)
1–5 pers./100– (160–)xx
Summer tires
23525/45 R17 94 W 1–3 pers./0–120 (0–190)
4–5 pers./0–120 (0–190)
1–5 pers./120– (190–)35/240
35/240
41/28035/240
35/240
41/280
Winter tires
215/55 R16 93 Q 1–3 pers./0–100 (0–160)
4–5 pers./0–100 (0–160)35/240
41/28035/240
41/280
225/45 R17 94 Q
M+S RF/XL1–3 pers./0–100 (0–160)
4–5 pers./0–100 (0–160)36/250
42/29036/250
42/290
235/45 R17 94Q 1–3 pers./0–100 (0–160)
4–5 pers./0–100 (0–160)xx
Compact spare
125/85 R16 99 M Max 50 (80) 60/420 60/420
* Do not exceed posted speed limits.
By cold tires is meant tires that are the same temperature as the sur-
rounding air temperature.
The values for tire pressure in table above are for tires at 68°F
(20°C).
The tire pressure will increase as the tires become warm (e.g. during
highway driving), and decrease as they cool.
When the temperature of the tires increases or decreases by 10
degrees the tire pressure will correspondingly increase or decrease
by 2 psi/10 kPa.
93U S M 06.book Page 306 Friday, February 18, 2005 1:15 PM
ProCarManuals.com

317 Index
Tire inspection and rotation
_______ 258
Tire markings
__________________ 266
Tire pressure monitoring, automatic
_ 254
Tire sidewall labeling
____________ 264
Tire sizes
_____________________ 304
Tire terminology and definitions
____ 267
Tire, changing
__________________ 273
Tire, spare
_____________________ 270
Tires
_________________________ 256
Tools and spare wheel
___________ 270
Touching up paintwork ___________ 279
Towbar
_______________________ 198
Towbar load
___________________ 200
Towing
_______________________ 205
Towing a trailer
_________________ 198
Towing the car _________________ 206
Traction Control System (TCS)
_____ 183
Transmission oil, checking
________ 222
Transmission oil, grade
___________ 301
Transmission, automatic __________ 173
Transmission, manual
____________ 172
Transporting the car
_____________ 207
Treadwear indicators ____________ 259
Trip computer
___________________ 94
Trip meter
______________________ 89
Troubleshooting, A/C and ACC
____ 282
Trunk lid, driving when open
_______ 204
Trunk lid, opening
________________ 53
Turbo gauge
____________________ 90
TCS
__________________________ 183
UUniform tire quality grading
________ 261
Upholstery care
_________________ 276
Upholstery, cleaning
_____________ 276
Useful tips on night driving
________ 205
Useful tips on starting
____________ 163
VVanity mirror
___________________ 142
Vehicle identification number
______ 307
Vehicle recovery
________________ 207
Vehicle Data Collection
___________ 292
WWarning labels
___________________ 8
Warning lights
___________________ 84
Warning triangle ________________ 105
Warnings and messages on SID,
Convertible
____________________ 73
Washer fluid ___________________ 230
Washer jets ____________________ 231
Washers
______________________ 106
Washing ______________________ 277
Washing a Convertible
___________ 278
Waxing and polishing
____________ 279
Wear indicators, tires ____________ 259What Will You See After an Airbag
Inflates?
______________________ 43
Wheel replacement
______________ 262
Wheels and tires, sizes ___________ 304
When it is time for new tires
_______ 259
Windshield washers
_____________ 106
Windshield wipers
_______________ 106
Wing mirrors
___________________ 132
Winter driving __________________ 195
Winter tires
____________________ 269
Wiper blades ___________________ 230
Wipers
________________________ 106
XXenon headlights
________________ 233
Xenon headlights, head light levelling
102
93U S M 06.book Page 317 Friday, February 18, 2005 1:15 PM
ProCarManuals.com