2008 VOLVO C70 Owners Manual

178 07 Wheels and tires
Vehicle loading
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
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.
179 07 Wheels and tires
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.
ProCarManuals.com

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

182 07 Wheels and tires
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
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.
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

Accessing the spare wheel
1. Open the hatch in the floor of the trunk.
2. Release the retaining straps and lift out the spare wheel in its storage bag.
3. Open the zipper on the storage bag and lift out the spare wheel.
The wheel that was replaced by the temporary spare tire can then be placed in the storage bag.
Before raising the car
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.
185 07 Wheels and tires
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