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VOLVO V70
Chapter 7 - Wheels and tires
pg.117 Wheels and tires
General information118
Tire inflation120
Tire inflation pressure tables122
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)123
Self supporting run flat tires125
Tire designations126
Glossary of tire terminology127
Vehicle loading128
Uniform Tire Quality Grading129
Snow chains, snow tires, studded tires130
Temporary spare131
Changing a wheel132
pg. 118 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.
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Tread wear indicator
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).
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.
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 122
.
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. 119 Wheels and tires
Tire age
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with your tire gauge.
• Some spare tires require higher inflation pressure than the other tires. Consult the tire inflation table on page 122 or
see the inflation pressure placard.
pg. 122 Wheels and tires
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 930 lbs (420 kg)
1
Tire size Front, psi (kPa)Rear, psi (kPa)
V70
195/65R15 38 (260)38 (260)
205/55R16 38 (260)38 (260)
215/55R16 38 (260)38 (260)
235/45R17 38 (260)38 (260)
235/45R17 SSRFT
238 (260) 38 (260)
Temporary spare tire
T125/80R17 61 (420)
61 (420)
V70 R
235/45R17 39 (270)39 (270)
Temporary spare tire
T115/85R18 61 (420)
61 (420)
XC70
215/65R16 38 (260)
338 (260)
215/60R17 38 (260)
338 (260)
Temporary spare tire
T135/90R17 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 119 for more information.
3 Canadian models: 35 psi (240 kPa).
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).
Tire size Front, psi (kPa)Rear, psi (kPa)
V70
195/65R15 32 (220)30 (210)
205/55R16 32 (220)30 (210)
215/55R16 32 (220)30 (210)
235/45R17 32 (220)30 (210)
235/45R17 SSRFT --
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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 underinflated. You should stop and check your
tires as soon as possible, and inflate them to the proper pressure. Driving on a significantly underinflated 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 122
, 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 122
).
3. Drive the car for several minutes 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.
(Contd. on following page)
pg. 124 Wheels and tires
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 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
moving sensors back and forth between sets of wheels.
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. 125 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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run flat tires.
Tires of this type have specially reinforced sidewalls that make it possible to continue driving in the event of a drop in
inflation pressure. Tires of this type are mounted on special rims.
NOTE: Self supporting run flat tires are only available in conjunction with TPMS.
If a self supporting run flat tire should lose inflation pressure, the yellow TPMS warning symbol (
) in the instrument
panel lights up to alert the driver, and a message will be shown in the text window in the instrument panel.
If this occurs, reduce vehicle speed to a maximum of 50 mph (80 km/h). The vehicle can be driven approximately 50
miles (80 km), or somewhat farther if the vehicle is not heavily loaded. The tire should be replaced as soon as
possible.
Hard braking and sudden steering maneuvers should be avoided.
In certain cases, it may be difficult to see which self supporting run flat tire is defective. To determine which tire is
damaged, check the inflation pressure of all four tires.
WARNING!
• Only specially trained persons should mount self supporting run flat tires.
• If self supporting run flat tires are mounted, the vehicle must be equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System.
• After a low pressure warning has been displayed, do not exceed 50 mph (80 km/h).
• Avoid severe cornering and hard braking, and minimize the distance traveled before replacing the self supporting
run flat tire.
• Self supporting run flat tires cannot be repaired. They must be replaced if damaged or punctured.
pg. 126 Wheels and tires
Tire designations
Federal law mandates that tire manufacturers place standardized information on the sidewall of all tires (see the
illustration).
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.
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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. 130 Wheels and tires
Snow chains, snow tires, 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.
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
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Parking lights35
Passenger's seat backrest - folding60
Polishing150
Power moonroof44
Power seats58, 59
Power steering - speed sensitive101
Power steering fluid161
Power windows42
On Call Roadside Assistance183
R
R-models, checking oil level160
Radio175
Rain sensor - windshield wipers38
Reading lights - front/rear77
Rear fog light29, 35
Rear park assist87, 100
Rear reading lights77
Rear seat backrest69
Rear window - heated40
Rear-facing auxiliary seat18, 76
Rearview mirror43
Refrigerant49
Refueling90
Remote central locking system and sideview mirrors43
Remote control - keyless entry system81
Remote control - Homelink® Universal Transceiver193
Remote keyless entry system81
Remote keyless entry system - replacing batteries82
Removing the seat cushion69
Replacing bulbs141-147
Replacing fuses136
Replacing the battery162
Replacing wiper blades164
Reporting Safety Defects2
Road assistance173
Roadholding101
Roadside Assistance173
Roof load - maximum168
Roof racks103
Run flat tires125
S
Safety Defects - reporting2
Safety locks - child86
Seat belt reminder3
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Seat belts3-5, 21
- use during pregnancy4
Seat belts - cleaning151
Seats - front58, 59
Securing cargo71
Self supporting run flat tires125
Servicing157
Shiftlock91, 94, 96
Side impact airbag system (SIPS)12
Side windows - laminated39
Sideview mirrors43
Sideview mirrors - heated40
Sideview mirrors - memory function43
Snow chains130
Snow tires130
Spare tire75, 131
Spark plugs171
Speed -sensitive power steering101
Sport chassis mode99
Sport mode (automatic transmission)97
SRS8
SRS system components - inspecting14
SRS warning light29
Stability Traction Control (STC)115, 116
Start inhibitor (immobilizer)80, 91
Starting the engine91, 92
Steel grid72
Steering wheel adjustment36
Steering wheel lock36
Stop and Store bag68
Storage compartments61, 62
Storage in the glove compartment63
Storing wheels and tires118
Studded tires130
Subwoofer75, 179
Supplemental Restraint System5, 29
Suspension171
Switches in center console31
T
Tachometer27
Tailgate - driving when open102
Tailgate - locking/unlocking83
Tailgate wiper blade - replacing164
Tailgate wiper/washer39
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