- Children must never be allowed in the front passenger's seat. Volvo recommends that ALL occupants (adults and
children) shorter than 4 feet 7 inches (140 cm) be seated in the back seat of any vehicle with a passenger -side front
airbag. See page 20
for guidelines.
- Occupants in the front passenger's seat must never sit on the edge of the seat, sit leaning toward the instrument
panel or otherwise sit out of position.
- The occupant's back must be as upright as comfort allows and be against the seat back with the seat belt properly
fastened.
- Feet must be on the floor, e.g., not on the dash, seat or out of the window.
WARNING!
- No objects or accessory equipment, e.g. dashboard covers, may be placed on, attached to, or installed near the air
bag hatch (the area above the glove compartment) or the area affected by airbag deployment (see the illustration on
page 6
).
- There should be no loose articles, e.g. coffee cups, on the floor, seat, or dashboard area.
- Never try to open the airbag cover on the steering wheel or the passenger's side dashboard. This should only be
done by a trained and qualified Volvo service technician.
Failure to follow these instructions can result in injury to the vehicle occupants.
pg. 9 Safety
Occupant Weight Sensor (OWS) indicator light
Disabling the passenger's side front airbag
Volvo recommends that ALL occupants (adults and children) shorter than four feet seven inches (140 cm) be seated in
the back seat of any vehicle with a front passenger side airbag, and be properly restrained for their size and weight.
See also the child safety recommendations on page 20
.
The passenger's side front airbag is automatically enabled/disabled by the Occupant Weight Sensor (OWS), a system
that monitors the weight of the person or object in the front passenger's seat. The system consists of a silicone-filled
bag located under the padding in the front passenger's seat cushion, a control module located under this seat, and a seat
belt tension sensor, located on the outboard side of the seat.
The OWS system continuously monitors the pressure on the front passenger's seat cushion and the tension applied to
the seat belt. Based on this data, OWS assesses the weight of the occupant or object in the front passenger's seat. This
information is transmitted to the SRS system control module, which enables or disables the passenger's side front
airbag accordingly, as indicated in the table to the right.
If the system is functioning normally, the status of the front passenger's side airbag (enabled/disabled) will be shown
by the OWS indicator light as explained in the table to the right. The OWS indicator light is separate and in addition to
the SRS warning light in the instrument panel.
NOTE: When the ignition is switched on, the OWS indicator light will go on for up to 10 seconds while the system
performs a self -diagnostic test and then go out. However, if a fault is detected in the system:
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Sport mode (R-models only)
R-models are equipped with a (S)port button that can be used to engage/disengage the Sport shifting mode. An
indicator light in the button will go on when Sport mode is engaged.
With Sport mode engaged, the transmission will shift up at higher rpm in first and second gears, and will also shift
down at higher rpm for more immediate engine response during acceleration and deceleration.
pg. 94 Starting and driving
All Wheel Drive (option)
All Wheel Drive (AWD) - general information
Your Volvo can be equipped with permanent All Wheel Drive, which means that power is distributed automatically
between the front and rear wheels. Under normal driving conditions, most engine's power is directed to the front
wheels. However, if there is any tendency for the front wheels to spin, an electronically controlled coupling distributes
power to the wheels that have the best traction.
Tire dimensions
Volvo recommends that you always drive on tires of the same brand, size, construction (radial), tread pattern, load-,
speed-, traction-, temperature-, and treadwear rating. Never drive on mixed tires, except for brief periods when the
temporary spare tire is in use.
Always use properly inflated tires of correct dimensions. Tire size and inflation pressures are shown on the tire
inflation pressure placards, located on the driver's side 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.
Temporary Spare
The temporary spare tire is for temporary, low-speed, short-distance use only. Replace it with a full-size tire as soon as
possible. Do not drive on the temporary spare at speeds above 50 mph (80 km/h) or for distances greater than 50 miles
(80 km.)
Never install snow chains on a temporary spare.
pg. 95 Starting and driving
Four-C active chassis system
Four-C active chassis
The FOUR-C (Continuously Controlled Chassis Concept) active chassis system, consisting of Comfort and Sport
modes, is available as an option.
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2 0 0 6
VOLVO S60
Wheels and tires
pg. 111 Wheels and tires
General information 112
Tire inflation pressure tables116
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) - option on certain U.S. models only117
Changing tires118
Tire designations119
Glossary of tire terminology120
Vehicle loading121
Uniform Tire Quality Grading122
Snow chains, snow tires, studded tires123
Temporary Spare124
Changing wheels125
pg. 112 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
same manufacturer, on all four wheels. Otherwise there is a risk of altering the car's roadholding and handling
characteristics.
Storing wheels and tires
When storing complete wheels (tires mounted on rims), they should be suspended off the floor or placed on their sides
on the floor. Tires not mounted on rims should be stored on their sides or standing upright, but should not be
suspended.
CAUTION:
Tires should preferably be stored in a cool, dry, dark place, and should never be stored in close proximity to solvents,
gasoline, oils, etc.
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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.
WARNING!
- The wheel and tire sizes for your Volvo are specified to meet stringent stability and handling requirements.
Unapproved wheel/ tire size combinations can negatively affect your vehicle's stability and handling. Approved tire
sizes are shown in the Tire inflation pressure tables on page 116
.
- Any damage caused by installation of unapproved wheel/tire size combinations will not be covered by your new
vehicle warranty. Volvo assumes no responsibility for death, injury, or expenses that may result from such
installations.
pg. 113 Wheels and tires
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).
Tire age
Tires degrade over time, even when they are not being used, which can affect their reliability and roadholding
characteristics. Therefore, all tires older than 6 years (including the spare tire and winter tires) should be inspected by a
qualified technician, regardless of appearance or mileage. Heat caused by hot climates or frequent high loading
conditions can accelerate the aging process.
A tire's age can be determined by the DOT stamp on the sidewall (see the illustration above).
A tire with e.g., visible cracks or discoloration should be replaced immediately.
Improving tire economy:
Maintain correct tire pressure. See the tire pressure table on page 116.
Drive smoothly: avoid fast starts, hard braking and tire screeching.
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WARNING!
The TPMS system uses a radio frequency of 315 MHz. Accessory electrical equipment using the same frequency
could interfere with TPMS and should not be installed in the vehicle. Please consult your Volvo retailer, a qualified
Volvo service technician, or the accessory equipment's supplier for further information.
When low inflation pressure is detected, TPMS will light up the tire pressure warning light (
) (also referred to as a
telltale) 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.
NOTE: If a fault occurs in TPMS, the tire pressure warning light will flash for approximately 1 minute and TIRE
PRESS SYST SERVICE REQUIRED will be displayed.
Each tire, including the spare (if provided), should be checked monthly when cold and inflated to the inflation pressure
recommended by the vehicle manufacturer on the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label. (If your vehicle has
tires of a different size than the size indicated on the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label, you should consult
the appropriate section of this owner's manual to determine the proper tire inflation pressure.) When the low tire
pressure telltale is illuminated, 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. 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. Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS
malfunction telltale to indicate when the system is not operating properly. When the malfunction telltale is illuminated,
the system may not be able to detect or signal low tire pressure as intended. TPMS malfunctions may occur for a
variety of reasons, including the installation of incompatible replacement tires on the vehicle. Always check the TPMS
malfunction telltale after replacing one or more tires on your vehicle to ensure that the replacement tires are
compatible with the TPMS.
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 116
, 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 116
).
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.
pg. 118 Wheels and tires
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.
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 winter wheels without TPMS sensors are mounted on the vehicle, TIRE PRESS SYST SERVICE REQUIRED will
be displayed each time the vehicle is driven above 25 mph (40 km/h) for 10 minutes or more.
Once TPMS sensors are properly installed, the warning message should not reappear.
Volvo recommends that TPMS sensors be fitted on all wheels used on the vehicle. Volvo does not recommend
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The following information is listed on the tire sidewall:
The tire designation (the following figures are examples of a tire designation):
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 122
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. 120 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.
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WARNING!
The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on braking (straight-ahead) traction tests and is not a measure of
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 vehicle 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 tire
failure.
pg. 123 Wheels and 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.
NOTE: 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
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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. 124 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
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. 125 Wheels and tires
Changing wheels
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