
Tires should preferably be  stored  in a  cool, dry, dark place, and  should never be  stored  in close proximity  to
solvents, gasoline, oils,  etc.
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.
pg. 143 Wheels and tires
General information
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 pages 146 and  147
.
 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.
 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. It is recommended that tires generally be  replaced  after 6
years of normal service. Heat caused by hot climates, frequent high loading conditions or Ultra Violet (U.V) exposure
can accelerate the aging process.
You should replace  the spare tire when you replace  the other road tires due  to the aging of the spare.
A tire's age can be  determined by the DOT stamp on the sidewall (see the illustration above).
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A tire with e.g.,  visible cracks or discoloration should be  replaced  immediately.
Improving tire economy:
 Maintain correct tire pressure. See  the tire pressure tables on pages 146 and  147.
 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.
Hitting curbs or potholes can damage the tires and/or wheels permanently.
pg. 144 Wheels and tires
General information
Tire inflation
Check tire inflation pressure regularly.
Tables listing  the recommended inflation pressure for your vehicle can be  found on pages 146 and  147
. A tire inflation
pressure placard  is also located on the driver's side Bpillar (the structural member at the side of the vehicle, at the rear
of the driver's door opening). This placard  indicates the designation of the factory-mounted tires on your vehicle, as
well as load limits and  inflation pressure.
NOTE:  The placards shown indicate inflation pressure for the tires installed on the vehicle at the factory only.
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 Use a  tire gauge to check the tire inflation pressure, including the spare, at least once a  month and  before long trips.
You are strongly urged to buy a  reliable tire pressure gauge, as automatic  service station gauges may be  inaccurate.
 Use the recommended cold inflation pressure for optimum tire performance and  wear.
 Under-inflation or over-inflation may cause uneven treadwear  patterns.
WARNING!
 Under-inflation is the most  common cause of tire failure and  may result in severe tire cracking,  tread separation,
or "blowout," with unexpected loss of vehicle control and  increased risk of injury.
 Under-inflated tires reduce the load carrying capacity of your vehicle.
When weather temperature changes occur, tire inflation pressures also change. A 10- degree temperature drop causes a
corresponding drop of 1 psi (7 kPa) in inflation pressure. Check your tire pressures frequently and  adjust them to the
proper pressure, which  can be  found on the vehicle's tire information placard  or certification label.
Checking tire pressure
A certain amount of air seepage from  the tires occurs naturally and  tire pressure fluctuates with seasonal changes in
temperature. Always check tire pressure regularly.
Cold tires
Inflation  pressure should be  checked when the tires are cold.
pg. 145 Wheels and tires
General information
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 vehicle has been parked for at least 3 hours.
After driving a  distance of approximately 1 mile (1.6 km), the tires are considered to be  hot. If you have to drive
farther than this  distance to pump your tire(s), check and  record the tire pressure first and  add  the appropriate air
pressure when you get to the pump.
If checking tire pressure when the tire is hot, never "bleed" or reduce air pressure. The tires are hot from  driving and  it
is normal for pressures to increase above recommended cold pressures. A hot tire at or below  recommended cold
inflation pressure could be  significantly under-inflated.
To check  inflation pressure:
- Remove the cap from  the valve on one  tire, then firmly press the tire gauge onto the valve.
- Add air to reach the recommended air pressure.
- Replace the valve cap.
- Repeat this  procedure for each tire, including the spare.
- Visually inspect the tires to make sure there are no nails or other objects embedded that could puncture the tire and
cause an  air leak.
- Check the sidewalls to make sure there are no gouges, cuts, bulges or other irregularities.
NOTE:
 If you overfill  the tire, release air by pushing on the metal stem in the center  of the valve. Then recheck the pressure
with your tire gauge.
 Some spare tires require higher inflation pressure than the other tires. Consult the tire inflation tables on pages 146
and  147, or see the inflation pressure placard.
pg. 146 Wheels and tires
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Tire inflation pressure table - U.S. models
The following tire pressures are 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 pressures up to five persons
Tire size Front,  psi (kPa)Rear, psi (kPa)
S60
195/65R15
205/55R16
215/55R16
235/45R17
235/45R17  SSRFT
1
35 (240) 35 (240)
235/40R18 39 (270)39 (270)
Temporary  spare tire
T125/80R17 61 (420)
61 (420)
S60 R
235/45R17
235/40R18 39 (270)
39 (270)
Temporary  spare tire
T115/85R18 61 (420)
61 (420)
1. Self supporting run  flat  tires. See page 150 for  more information.
Load ratings
The load ratings in the tables above translate as follows:
91 =  1365 lbs (615 kg), 93 =  1433 lbs (650 kg), 99 =  1709 lbs (755 kg)
Speed ratings
The speed ratings in the tables translate as follows:
M =  81 mph (130 km/h), V= 149 mph (240 km/h), W=  168 mph (270 km/h)
See  also page 151
 for an  explanation of the designations on the sidewall of the tire.
pg. 147 Wheels and tires
Tire inflation pressure table - Canadian models
The following tire pressures are 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.
Tire size Cold tire pressures
up to five persons
psi (kPa)Optional pressure
up to three persons
psi (kPa)
  FrontRearFront Rear
S60
195/65R15
205/55R16
215/55R16
235/45R17 38 (260)
38 (260)32 (220) 32 (220)
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235/40R1839(270)39(270)35 (240) 35 (240)
Temporary  spare tire
T125/80R17 61 (420)
61 (420)61 (420) 61 (420)
S60 R
235/45R17
235/40R18 39(270)
39(270)35 (240) 35 (240)
Temporary  spare tire
T115/85R18 61 (420)
61 (420)61 (420) 61 (420)
pg. 148 Wheels and tires
Tire Pressure Monitoring System  (TPMS) - option on certain U.S. models only
The tire pressure monitoring  system uses sensors  mounted in the tire valves to check inflation pressure levels. When
the vehicle is moving at a  speed of approximately 20 mph (30 km/h) or faster, these sensors  transmit inflation pressure
data to a  receiver located in the vehicle.
USA  - FCC ID:  MRXTG315AM04
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC rules.  Operation is subject to the following conditions:  (1) This device
may not cause harmful interference, and  (2) this  device must  accept any  interference received,  including interference
that may cause undesired operation.
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
determine the proper tire inflation pressure for those tires.)
As an  added safety feature, your vehicle has been equipped with a  tire pressure monitoring  system (TPMS) that
illuminates  a  low tire pressure telltale when one  or more of your tires is significantly under-inflated. Accordingly,
when the low tire pressure telltale illuminates,  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.
Please note that the TPMS is not a  substitute for proper tire maintenance, and  it is the driver's responsibility  to
maintain correct tire pressure, even if under-inflation has not reached the level  to trigger illumination of the TPMS low
tire pressure telltale.
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a  TPMS malfunction indicator to indicate when the system is not operating
properly. The TPMS malfunction indicator is combined  with the low tire pressure telltale. When the system detects a
malfunction, the telltale will flash  for approximately one  minute and  then remain continuously illuminated. This
sequence will continue  upon subsequent  vehicle start-ups as long as the malfunction exists. When the malfunction
indicator 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 replacement  or alternate  tires or wheels
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on the vehicle that prevent the TPMS from  functioning properly. Always check the TPMS malfunction telltale after
replacing one  or more tires or wheels on your vehicle to ensure that the replacement  or alternate  tires and  wheels allow
the TPMS to continue  to function properly.
NOTE:
 TPMS indicates low tire pressure but does not replace  normal tire maintenance. For information on correct tire
pressure, please refer  to the tables on pages 146 and  147
, 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:
pg. 149 Wheels and tires
Tire Pressure Monitoring System  (TPMS) - option on certain U.S. models only
- Use a  tire pressure gauge to check the inflation pressure of all four tires.
- Re-inflate the tire(s) to the correct pressure (consult the tire pressure placard  or the tables on pages 146 and  147
).
- Drive the vehicle 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.
Changing wheels with TPMS
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 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. 150 Wheels and tires
Self supporting run flat tires (option)
Self supporting run flat  tires
Certain  models equipped with the Tire Pressure Monitoring System  (TPMS) can also be  equipped with self  supporting
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.
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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. 151 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.
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).
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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 155
 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. 152 Wheels and tires
Glossary of tire terminology
Tire suppliers may have additional markings, notes or warnings such as standard load, radial tubeless, etc.
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.
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