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.
180 07 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.
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.
ProCarManuals.com
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.
181 07 Wheels and tires
Wheel nuts
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 aluminium 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.
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.
ProCarManuals.com
183 07 Wheels and tires
Temporary spare
Temporary spare (option)
The spare tire in your car is called a "Temporary Spare".
Recommended tire pressure (see the placard on the B-pillar) 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.
Location of the optional spare wheel and tools
The spare wheel is packed in a storage bag and is located under the panel in the floor of the trunk.
On cars with a spare wheel, the jack and lug wrench are secured in a foam plastic block placed in the center of the
wheel.
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.
The retaining straps securing the spare wheel is attached to two eyelets in the floor of the spare wheel's storage
compartment.
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.
184 07 Wheels and tires
Changing a wheel
Changing a wheel
ProCarManuals.com
Positioning the jack1
There are two jack attachment points on each side of the car.
6. Position the jack correctly in the attachment (see illustration above) and crank while simultaneously guiding the base
of the jack to the ground. The base of the jack must be flat on a level, firm, non-slippery surface.
7. Before raising the car, check that the jack is still correctly positioned in the attachment.
1Not included on models equipped with the tire sealing system.
WARNING
The jack must correctly engage the jack attachment.
Be sure the jack is on a firm, level, non-slippery surface.
Never allow any part of your body to be extended under a car supported by a jack.
Use the jack intended for the car when changing a tire. For any other job, use stands to support the car.
Apply the parking brake and put the gear selector in the Park (P) position.
Block the wheels standing on the ground, use rigid wooden blocks or large stones.
The jack should be kept well-greased and clean, and should not be damaged.
No objects should be placed between the base of jack and the ground, or between the jack and the attachment bar
on the vehicle.
Removing the wheel
8. Raise the vehicle until the wheel to be changed is lifted off the ground.
9. Unscrew the wheel bolts completely and carefully remove the wheel so as not to damage the threads on the studs.
Installing a wheel
1. Clean the contact surfaces on the wheel and hub.
2. Lift the wheel and place it on the hub.
3. Install the wheel nuts and tighten hand -tight. Using the lug wrench, tighten crosswise until all nuts are snug.
4. Lower the vehicle to the ground and alternately tighten the bolts crosswise to 96 ft. lbs. (130 Nm).
5. Install the wheel cap (where applicable).
186 07 Wheels and tires
ProCarManuals.com
Tire sealing system
Introduction
Certain models are equipped with a tire sealing system that enables you to temporarily seal a hole in the tread surface
and reinflate a flat tire, or to adjust a tire's inflation pressure.
The system consists of an air compressor, a container for the sealing compound, wiring to connect the system to the
vehicle's electrical system via one of the 12-volt sockets, and a hose used to connect the system to the tire's inflation
valve.
The 12-volt sockets are located in the front tunnel console and in the trunk (option). See pages 66
and 108.
Accessing the tire sealing system
The tire sealing system is stowed in the compartment in the rear side of the ski hatch in the center of the rear seat
backrest. See page 109
for information on opening this hatch
NOTE
The tire sealing system is only intended to seal holes on the tire's tread area, not the sidewall.
Tires with large holes or tears cannot be repaired with the tire sealing system.
WARNING
After using the tire sealing system, the vehicle should not be driven farther than approximately 120 miles (200
km). Have the tire replaced as soon as possible.
The vehicle should not be driven faster than 50 mph (80 km/h) while using a tire that has been temporarily
repaired with the tire sealing system.
After using the tire sealing system, drive carefully and avoid abrupt steering maneuvers and sudden stops.
187 07 Wheels and tires
Tire sealing system
Overview
1. Speed limit sticker
2. On/Off switch
ProCarManuals.com
3. Electrical wire
4. Bottle holder (orange cover)
5. Protective hose cover
6. Air release knob
7. Hose
8. Bottle with sealing compound
9. Air pressure gauge
WARNING
Please keep the following points in mind when using the tire sealing system:
The sealing compound bottle (no. 8 in the illustration) contains 1.2-Ethanol and natural rubber-latex. These
substances are harmful if swallowed.
The contents of this bottle may cause allergic skin reactions or otherwise be potentially harmful to the skin, the
central nervous system, and the eyes.
Precautions:
Keep out of reach of children.
Do not ingest the contents.
Avoid prolonged or repeated contact with the skin.
Hands should be washed thoroughly after handling.
First aid:
Skin: Wash affected areas of skin with soap and water. Get medical attention if symptoms occur.
Eyes: Flush with plenty of water for least 15 minutes, occasionally lifting the upper and lower eyelids. Get
medical attention if symptoms occur.
Inhalation: Move the person to fresh air. If irritation persists, get medical attention.
Inflating tires
The tire sealing system can be used to inflate the tires. To do so:
1. Park the car in a safe place.
2. The compressor should be switched off. Ensure that the on/off switch is in position 0 (the 0 side of the switch should
be pressed down).
3. Take out the electrical wire and hose.
4. Remove the valve cap from the tire's inflation valve and screw the hose connector onto the valve as tightly as
possible by hand.
5. Connect the electrical wire to the nearest 12-volt socket in the vehicle.
6. Start the vehicle's engine.
ProCarManuals.com
WARNING
The vehicle's engine should be running when the tire sealing system is used to avoid battery drain. Therefore, be
sure the vehicle is parked in a well ventilated place, or outdoors, before using the system.
Children should never be left unattended in the vehicle when the engine is running.
7. Check the tire's inflation pressure on the gauge. Switch off the compressor briefly to get a clear reading from the
pressure gauge.
188 07 Wheels and tires
Tire sealing system
8. Refer to the tables on pages 172 and 173 for the correct tire inflation pressure. If the tire needs to be inflated, start
the tire sealing system's compressor (press the on/off switch to position I ). If necessary, release air from the tire by
turning the air release knob counterclockwise.
CAUTION
The compressor should not be used for more than 10 minutes at a time to avoid overheating.
9. Turn off the compressor (press the on/off switch to position 0) when the correct inflation pressure has been reached.
10. Unscrew the hose from the tire's inflation valve and reinstall the valve cap.
11. Disconnect the electrical wire from the 12-volt socket.
189 07 Wheels and tires
Tire sealing system
Tire sealing system-temporarily repairing a flat tire
ProCarManuals.com
Temporarily repairing a flat tire is done in two stages:
Stage 1: The hole is sealed by pumping sealing compound into the tire. The car is then driven a short distance to
distribute the sealing compound in the tire.
NOTE
Do not remove any foreign objects (nails, etc.) from the tire before using the sealing system.
NOTE
Stage 2: The tire's inflation pressure is checked and adjusted if necessary.
WARNING
Never leave the tire sealing system unattended when it is operating.
Keep the tire sealing system away from children.
Be sure the vehicle is parked safely off the road and away from moving traffic.
Apply the parking brake.
Stage 1: Sealing the hole
1. Open the cover on the tire sealing kit.
2. Peel off the speed limit sticker and affix it to the steering wheel hub where it will be clearly visible to the driver.
3. Ensure that the on/off switch is in position 0 (the 0 side of the switch should be pressed down).
4. Put on the gloves included in the tire sealing system.
5. Unscrew the orange cover over the bottle holder and unscrew the cap on the bottle of sealing compound.
NOTE
Do not break the seal on the bottle. This occurs automatically when the bottle is screwed into the holder.
6. Screw the bottle into the bottle holder.
WARNING
The bottle is equipped with a catch to keep it securely in place and help prevent sealing compound leakage. Once in
place, the bottle cannot be unscrewed. This must be done by a Volvo retailer.
7. Remove the valve cap from the tire's inflation valve and screw the tire sealing system's hose connector onto the
valve as tightly as possible by hand.
8. Connect the electrical wire to the nearest 12-volt socket in the vehicle.
190 07 Wheels and tires
Tire sealing system
ProCarManuals.com