
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 249
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.
246 06 Maintenance and specifications
Wheels and tires
Glossary of tire terminology

The 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 tire's 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
vehicle, 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 vehicle has been parked for at least 3 hours.
247 06 Maintenance and specifications
Wheels and tires
Vehicle loading
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
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

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
1
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 vehicle 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.
1Where permitted
NOTE
Please consult state or provincial regulations restricting the use of studded winter tires before installing such tires.
251 06 Maintenance and specifications
Wheels and tires
Temporary Spare
The spare tire in your vehicle 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 vehicle 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.

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.
253 06 Maintenance and specifications
Wheels and tires
Changing a wheel
Spare wheel
The spare wheel (Temporary spare) is only intended for temporary use. Replace the spare wheel with a normal wheel
as soon as possible. The car's handling may be altered by the use of the spare wheel. The correct tire pressure for the
spare wheel is stated in the tire pressure tables, see pages 240 and 241
.
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.
CAUTION
The vehicle must never be driven with more than one temporary spare wheel.
The spare wheel is located in the spare wheel well with the rim side down. There are two foam blocks, one under the
spare wheel and one over/inside. The upper one contains all tools.
The same bolt runs through to secure the spare wheel and the foam blocks.
Taking out the spare wheel
1. Fold the rear edge of the floor mat forward.
2. Open the floor hatch.

3. Undo the retaining bolt.
4. Lift out the foam block with tools.
5. Lift out the spare wheel.
The other two blocks can remain in the wheel well.
After use
The foam block and spare wheel must be replaced in the reverse order. Note the arrow on the upper foam block. It
should point forward.
254 06 Maintenance and specifications
Wheels and tires
Changing a tire:
1. Apply the parking brake.
2. Put the gear selector in P.
3. Block the wheels that are on the ground with wooden blocks or large stones.
4. Remove the wheel cover (where applicable) using the lug wrench in the tool bag.With the vehicle still on the
ground, use the lug wrench to loosen the wheel nuts 1/2-1 turns by exerting downward pressure.
5. Turn the nuts counterclockwise to loosen.
6. There are two jack attachment points on each side of the vehicle. 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. Before raising the vehicle, check that the jack is still correctly

Tire sealing system
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, on the rear side of the center console in the rear seat. See
page 185
.
Accessing the tire sealing system
The tire sealing system is stowed under the floor of the trunk. To access it:
1. Fold up the floor carpeting, starting at the rear and working forward.
2. Remove the retaining screws
3. Lift out the foam plastic block holding the jack and lug wrench.
4. Lift out the tire sealing system.
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 inspected by a qualified service technician as soon as possible to determine if it can be permanently
repaired or must be replaced.
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.
257 06 Maintenance and specifications
Wheels and tires
Tire sealing system -overview

Speed limit sticker
On/Off switch
Electrical wire
Bottle holder (orange cover)
Protective hose cover
Air release knob
Hose
Bottle with sealing compound
Air pressure gauge
Protective gloves1
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
1Certain markets only.
258 06 Maintenance and specifications
Wheels and tires
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.
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.
8. Refer to the tables on pages 240 and 241
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.