2007 VOLVO S40 Owners Manual

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.
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 165
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.
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Tire designations
The tire suppliers may have additional markings, notes or warnings such as standard load, radial tubeless, etc.
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162 07 Wheels and tires
Glossary of tire terminology
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
Metric tires]. Increasing the inflation pressure beyond this pressure will not increase the tires load carrying capability.
Extra load : A class of P-metric or Metric tires designed to carry a heavier maximum load at 41 psi [43 psi (2.9 bar)
for Metric tires]. Increasing the inflation pressure beyond this pressure will not increase the tires load carrying
capability.
kPa : Kilopascal, a metric unit of air pressure.
PSI: Pounds per square inch, a standard unit of air pressure.
B-pillar : The structural member at the side of the vehicle behind the front door.
Bead area of the tire : Area of the tire next to the rim.
Sidewall of the tire: Area between the bead area and the tread.
Tread area of the tire : Area of the perimeter of the tire that contacts the road when mounted on the vehicle.
Rim: The metal support (wheel) for a tire or a tire and tube assembly upon which the tire beads are seated.
Maximum load rating : a figure indicating the maximum load in pounds and kilograms that can be carried by the
tire. This rating is established by the tire manufacturer.
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.
Recommended tire inflation pressure : inflation pressure, established by Volvo, which is based on the type of tires
that are mounted on a vehicle at the factory. This inflation pressure is affected by the number of occupants in the car,
the amount of cargo, and the speed at which the vehicle will be driven for a prolonged period. This information can be
found on the tire inflation placard(s) located on the driver's side B-pillar or on the inside of the fuel filler door on
Canadian models, and in the tire inflation table in this chapter.
Cold tires : The tires are considered to be cold when they have the same temperature as the surrounding (ambient)
air. This temperature is normally reached after the car has been parked for at least 3 hours.
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Vehicle loading
Loading the vehicle
Properly loading your vehicle will provide maximum return of vehicle design performance.
Before loading your vehicle, familiarize yourself with the following terms for determining your vehicle's weight
ratings, with or without a trailer, from the vehicle's Federal/Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards
(FMVSS/CMVSS) label, and the vehicle's tire information placard:
Curb weight
The weight of the vehicle including a full tank of fuel and all standard equipment. It does not include passengers,
cargo, or optional equipment.
Capacity weight
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All weight added to the curb weight, including cargo and optional equipment. When towing, trailer hitch tongue load
is also part of cargo weight.
NOTE
For trailer towing information, please refer to the section "Towing a trailer" on page 147
.
Permissible axle weight
The maximum allowable weight that can be carried by a single axle (front or rear). These numbers are shown on the
Federal/Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS/CMVSS) label. The total load on each axle must never
exceed its maximum permissible weight.
Gross vehicle weight (GVW)
The vehicle's curb weight + cargo + passengers.
NOTE
The location of the various labels in your vehicle can be found on page 227.
A table listing important weight limits for your vehicle can be found on page 229.
Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit
(1) 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) Subtract the combined weight of the driver and passengers from XXX kilograms or XXX pounds.
(4) The resulting figure equals the available 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 available cargo and
luggage load capacity is 650 lbs. (1400-750 (5 x 150) = 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 calculated in Step 4.
(6) If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your trailer will be transferred to your vehicle. Consult this
manual
1 to determine
1 See "Towing a trailer" on page 147.
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Vehicle loading
how this reduces the available cargo and luggage load capacity of your vehicle.
WARNING
Exceeding the permissible axle weight, gross vehicle weight, or any other weight rating limits can cause tire
overheating resulting in permanent deformation or catastrophic failure.
Do not use replacement tires with lower load carrying capacities than the tires that were original equipment on the
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vehicle because this will lower the vehicle's GVW rating. Replacement tires with a higher limit than the originals do
not increase the vehicle's GVW rating limitations.
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Uniform tire quality gradings
Uniform tire quality gradings
ALL PASSENGER VEHICLE TIRES MUST CONFORM TO FEDERAL SAFETY REQUIREMENTS IN
ADDITION TO THESE GRADES
Quality grades can be found, where applicable, on the tire sidewall between the tread shoulder 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,
maintenance 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. The traction
grade assigned to this tire is based on braking (straight-ahead) traction tests and is not a measure of cornering (turning)
traction.
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.
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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
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.
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Temporary spare
Temporary spare
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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.
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Wheel nuts
Types of wheel nuts
There are two different types of wheel nut, depending on whether the wheels are steel or aluminum.
Steel rims - low nut
Steel rims are normally secured using the low type of nut, although steel rims may also use the high type.
WARNING
Never use the short type of nut for aluminum wheels. This could cause the wheel to come loose.
Aluminum wheels - high nut
Only the high type of nut can be used for aluminum wheels. This is considerably different from other types of nut
because it has a rotating conical thrust washer.
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NOTE
This nut can also be used on steel wheels.
Lockable wheel nut
If steel wheels with lockable wheel nuts are used in combination with wheel covers, the lockable wheel nut must be
fitted to the stud nearest the air valve. The wheel cover cannot otherwise be installed on the wheel.
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Tire rotation
Summer and winter tires
When switching between summer and winter tires, mark the tires to indicate where they were mounted on the car,
e.g. LF = left front, RR = right rear
Tires with tread designed to roll in only one direction are marked with an arrow on the sidewall.
Incorrectly mounted tires impair the car's braking properties and ability to force aside rain, snow and slush.
The tires with the most tread should always be at the rear (to reduce the risk of skidding).
Contact a Volvo workshop if you are unsure about the tread depth.
Tire rotation
Your vehicle has no recommended tire rotation. The following information is intended to help you understand why.
Tread set
As a tire ages and the rubber cures, front and rear tires set at different angles. Therefore, if tires are rotated, the tread
will eventually set at an angle that is a compromise. Even if ride, handling, and road noise may still seem acceptable,
they may not be optimal. Further, tires that are rotated, but not on a regular basis, may actually cause more tire noise,
faster tire wear, and unpleasant changes in steering feel and vehicle handling.
A tire that can fully adapt to its position will provide better steering feel, lower tire noise, and better fuel economy.
Braking stability performance
Your vehicle is driven mainly by the front tires, which will wear faster. This can be beneficial. Having more tread on
the rear tires will help reduce oversteer. Oversteer is when a vehicle wants to keep turning because of momentum and
dynamic forces on its suspension.
Suspension wear diagnostics
Every suspension needs periodic inspection and maintenance. A tire's wear pattern can be an aid in detecting a
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suspension problem. Each tire, if left in place, tells a story about the suspension. Tire rotation, on the other hand, could
make suspension wear harder to detect. Early detection is very important, because suspension problems can make tire
wear worse.
If you do rotate your tires...
Please follow the tire manufacturer's recommendations, as outlined in the tire manufacturers tire warranty pamphlet.
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Changing a wheel
Changing a wheel
The spare tire, jack, and crank are located under the carpet on the floor of the cargo area.
To change a tire:
1. Engage the parking brake.
2. Put the gear selector in Park (P).
3. Block the wheels that are on the ground with wooden blocks or large stones.
4. Remove the wheel cap (where applicable) using the lug wrench in the tool bag.
5. With the car still on the ground, use the lug wrench to loosen the wheel nuts 1/2 - 1 turn by exerting downward
pressure. Turn the nuts counterclockwise to loosen.
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