2009 VOLVO XC70 tire size

06 Maintenance and specificationsWheels and tires
06244
IntroductionYour vehicle is equipped with tires according
to the vehicle's tire information placard on the
B-pillar (the structural member at the side of
the vehicle, at the rear of the driver's door
opening).
The tires have good road holding characteris-
tics and offer good handling on dry and wet
surfaces. It should be noted however that the
tires have been developed to give these fea-
tures on snow/ice-free surfaces.
Certain models are equipped with "all-season"
tires, which provide a somewhat higher degree
of road holding on slippery surfaces than tires
without the "all-season" rating. However, for
optimum road holding on icy or snow-covered
roads, we recommend suitable winter tires on
all four wheels.
CAUTION
Some Volvo models are equipped with an
Ultra High Performance tire and wheel com-
bination designed to provide maximum dry
pavement performance with consideration
for hydroplaning resistance. As such, they
may be more susceptible to road hazard
damage and, depending on driving condi-
tions, may achieve a tread life of less than
20,000 miles (30,000 km). Even if this vehi-
cle is equipped with Volvo’s advanced AWD
or DSTC system, these tires are not
designed for winter driving, and should be
replaced with winter tires when weather
conditions dictate.When replacing tires, be sure that the new tires
are the same size designation, type (radial) and
preferably from the same manufacturer, on all
four wheels. Otherwise there is a risk of altering
the car's roadholding and handling characte-
ristics.Storing wheels and tiresWhen storing complete wheels (tires mounted
on rims), they should be suspended off the
floor or placed on their sides on the floor.
Tires not mounted on rims should be stored on
their sides or standing upright, but should not
be suspended.
CAUTION
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
G021829
Tread wear indicatorThe 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 trac-
tion.

06 Maintenance and specifications
Wheels and tires
06``245
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 altera-
tion of the driving characteristics of the vehicle.
WARNING
•
The wheel and tire sizes for your Volvo
are specified to meet stringent stability
and handling requirements. Unap-
proved wheel/tire size combinations
can negatively affect your vehicle's sta-
bility and handling. Approved tire sizes
are shown in the Tire inflation pressure
tables.
•
Any damage caused by installation of
unapproved wheel/tire size combina-
tions 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
G021823
Remember that tires are perishable goods. As
of 2000, the manufacturing week and year
(Department of Transportation (DOT) stamp)
will be indicated with 4 digits (e.g. 1502 means
that the tire illustrated was manufactured dur-
ing 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 cli-
mates, 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).
•
A tire with e.g., visible cracks or discolor-
ation should be replaced immediately.
Improving tire economy•
Maintain correct tire pressure. See the tire
pressure tables on pages 248 and 249.
•
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.

06 Maintenance and specificationsWheels and tires
06248
See also page 249 for an explanation of the designations on the sidewall of the tire.Tire inflation pressure table – U.S. modelsThe 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 pressure for up to 5 personsFront
psi/kPa
Rear
psi/kPa
225/55 R 16
225/50 R 17
245/45 R 17
35/240
35/240
T 125/80 R 17
61/420
61/420

06 Maintenance and specifications
Wheels and tires
06``249 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 pressure for up to 5 persons
Optional tire pressure for up to 3 persons
Front
psi/kPa
Rear
psi/kPa
Front
psi/kPa
Rear
psi/kPa
225/55 R16
225/50 R 17
245/45 R 17
38/260
38/260
33/230
33/230
T 125/80 R 17
61/420
61/420
61/420
61/420
Tire designations3
101112
45
6
7
8
9
21
G010753
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).
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, carry-
ing a permissible load for the vehicle, and
with correct inflation pressure. For exam-
ple, H indicates a speed rating of 130 mph
(210 km/h).

06 Maintenance and specificationsWheels and tires
06250
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 manufac-
tured, the next two are the tire size code
and the last four numbers represent the
week and year the tire was built. For exam-
ple, 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 manufactur-
er'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 indi-
cates 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 certifica-
tion 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 252 for more informa-
tion.
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.
Glossary of tire terminologyThe tire suppliers may have additional mark-
ings, 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 num-
ber on the sidewall of each tire providing
information about the tire brand and man-
ufacturing plant, tire size and date of man-
ufacturer.
•
Inflation pressure: A measure of the
amount of air in a tire.
•
Standard load: A class of P-metric or Met-
ric 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 pres-
sure.
•
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 perim-
eter 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.

06 Maintenance and specifications
Wheels and tires
06``253
TEMPERATUREThe temperature grades are AA (the highest),
A, B, and C, representing the tire's resistance
to the generation of heat and its ability to dis-
sipate heat when tested under controlled con-
ditions 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 corre-
sponds 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 per-
formance on the laboratory test wheel than the
minimum required by law.
WARNING
The temperature grade for this tire is estab-
lished for a tire that is properly inflated and
not overloaded. Excessive speed, under-
inflation, or excessive loading, either sepa-
rately or in combination, can cause heat
buildup and tire failure.
Snow chains, snow tires, studded tiresSnow chainsSnow 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.
•
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
2
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. Fail-
2Where permitted

06 Maintenance and specificationsWheels and tires
06254
ure 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.NOTE
Please consult state or provincial regula-
tions restricting the use of studded winter
tires before installing such tires.Temporary SpareThe spare tire in your vehicle is called a "Tem-
porary 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.
WARNING
Current legislation prohibits the use of the
"Temporary Spare" tire other than as a tem-
porary 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. Do not exceed 50 mph
(80 km/h).
CAUTION
The vehicle must not be driven with wheels
of different dimensions or with a spare tire
other than the one that came with the vehi-
cle. The use of different size wheels can
seriously damage your car's transmission.
G021778
The arrow shows the direction of rotation of the
tireSummer and winter tires•
When switching between summer and
winter tires, mark the tires to indicate
where they were mounted on the vehicle,
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 skid-
ding).
•
Contact a Volvo workshop if you are
unsure about the tread depth.

06 Maintenance and specifications
Wheels and tires
06``259
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 infla-
tion 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.Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS)–U.S models only
NOTE
USA – FCC ID: KR5S122780002
This device complies with part 15 of the
FCC rules. Operation is subject to the fol-
lowing 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.The tire pressure monitoring system uses sen-
sors mounted in the tire valves to check infla-
tion pressure levels. When the vehicle ismoving 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.
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 pres-
sure 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 pres-sure 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 pres-
sure. 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 driv-
er's responsibility to maintain correct tire pres-
sure, 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 mal-
function 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