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178 07 Wheels and tires
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
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.
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
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2 0 0 8
VOLVO S40
246 11 Specifications
Label information 248
Dimensions and weights250
Engine oil253
Engine specifications255
Electrical system256
Volvo programs259
247 11 Specifications
248 11 Specifications
Label information
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Dimensions and weights
Dimensions
CAUTION
The maximum permissible axle loads and/or the gross vehicle weight must not be exceeded.
WARNING
When adding accessories, equipment, luggage and other cargo to your vehicle, the total capacity weight must not be
exceeded.
251 11 Specifications
Dimensions and weights
Weights
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1FWD = Front Wheel Drive
2AWD = All Wheel Drive
3Models equipped with the B5244S7 engine (engine code 39, which is the 6th and 7th digits from the left in your vehicle's VIN number, see page
249 for the location of the VIN plate), may not be used to tow trailers or vehicles of any kind. This could cause damage to the vehicle's emission
control systems.
252 11 Specifications
Dimensions and weights
Specifications and capacities
NOTE
The transmission oil does not normally need to be changed during the service life of the vehicle. However, it may be
necessary to replace the oil if the vehicle is often driven in areas of sustained temperature extremes (hot or cold),
when towing a trailer over long distances, for prolonged driving in mountainous areas, or if the vehicle is often
driven short distances in temperatures under 40°F (5°C).
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253 11 Specifications
Engine oil
Oil specifications
Engine oil must meet the minimum ILSAC specification GF-3, API SL, or ACEA A1/B1. Lower quality oils may not
offer the same fuel economy, engine performance, or engine protection.
Volume: 6.1 US qts (5.8 liters).
Volume between the MIN and Max marks on the dipstick: approximately 1.4 US qts (1.3 liters).
Volvo recommends Castrol.
Depending on your driving habits, premium or synthetic oils may provide superior fuel economy and engine
protection. Consult your Volvo retailer or a trained and qualified Volvo service technician for recommendations on
premium or synthetic oils.
Oil additives must not be used.
NOTE
Synthetic oil is not used when the oil is changed at the normal service intervals. This oil is only used at customer
request, at additional charge. Please consult a trained and qualified Volvo service technician.
Oil viscosity (stable ambient temperatures)
Operation in hot climates
When temperatures exceed 104° F (40° C) in your area, Volvo recommends, for the protection of your engine, that you
use a heavier weight oil, such as such as SAE 5W -40 or 0W -40. See the viscosity chart.
Operation in temperate climates
Incorrect viscosity oil can shorten engine life. Under normal use when temperatures do not exceed 104° F (40° C),
SAE 5W -30 will provide good fuel economy and engine protection. See the viscosity chart.
Extreme engine operation
Synthetic oils meeting SAE 0W -30 or 0W -40 and complying with oil quality requirements are recommended for
driving in areas of sustained temperature extremes (hot or cold), when towing a trailer over long distances, and for
prolonged driving in mountainous areas.
254 11 Specifications
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Vehicle Event Data200
Vehicle Identification Number249
Volvo and the environment7
Volvo Customer Care Center, contacting1, 19, 22
Volvo Inflatable Curtain25
Volvo maintenance200
Volvo On Call Roadside Assistance259
W
Warning flashers69
Warning symbol49, 51
Warranties200
Washer fluid206
Water, driving through129
Weight distribution128
Weights251
Wheel nuts182
Wheels
removing184
storing168
Whiplash Protection System (WHIPS)27
Windshield washer fluid206
Windshield wiper blades208
WMA files, CDs containing242
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