2013 VOLVO XC90 winter tires

06 Starting and driving
Cold weather precautions
06
168
If you wish to check your vehicle before the
approach of cold weather, the following advice
is worth noting:
•Make sure that the engine coolant contains
50 percent antifreeze. Any other mixture
will reduce freeze protection. This gives
protection against freezing down to –31 °F
(–35 °C). See section "Coolant".
•The use of "recycled" antifreeze is not
approved by Volvo. Different types of
antifreeze must not be mixed.
•Volvo recommends using only genuine
Volvo antifreeze in your vehicle's radiator.
Your Volvo retailer stocks plenty of Volvo
engine coolant to protect your vehicle dur-
ing cold weather.
•Try to keep the fuel tank well filled – this
prevents the formation of condensation in
the tank. In addition, in extremely cold
weather conditions it is worthwhile to add
fuel line de-icer before refueling.
•The viscosity of the engine oil is important.
Oil with low viscosity (thinner oil) improves
cold-weather starting as well as decreas-
ing fuel consumption while the engine is
warming up. 0W-30 oil is recommended for
driving in areas with sustained low temper-
atures.
•The load placed on the battery is greater
during the winter since the windshield wip-
ers, lighting, etc. are used more often.Moreover, the capacity of the battery
decreases as the temperature drops. In
very cold weather, a poorly charged bat-
tery can freeze and be damaged. It is there-
fore advisable to check the state of charge
more frequently and spray an antirust oil on
the battery posts.
•Volvo recommends the use of snow tires
on all four wheels for winter driving – see
section "Wheels and tires."
•To prevent the washer fluid reservoir
from freezing, add washer solvents con-
taining antifreeze (see page 222 for the
location of the washer fluid reservoir). This
is important since dirt is often splashed on
the windshield during winter driving,
requiring the frequent use of the washers
and wipers. Volvo Washer Solvent should
be diluted as follows:
•Down to 14 ° F (–10 ° C): 1 part washer
solvent and 4 parts water
•Down to 5 ° F (–15 ° C): 1 part washer sol-
vent and 3 parts water
•Down to 0 ° F (–18 ° C):1 part washer sol-
vent and 2 parts water
•Down to –18 ° F (–28 ° C): 1 part washer
solvent and 1 part water
•Use Volvo Teflon Lock Spray in the locks.
NOTE
Avoid the use of de-icing sprays as they can
cause damage to the locks.
W – Winter/Wet driving mode – enhanced
vehicle traction
•Mode W will only function if the gear selec-
tor is in the (D)rive position.
•Press the button at the base of the gear
selector to engage/disengage this driving
mode.
•An LED in the button will light up to indicate
that W is engaged and this will also be dis-
played in the instrument panel (see
page 58).
•This mode may be selected for starting/
moving off on slippery roads.

07 Wheels and tires
General information
07
176
Introduction
Your 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).
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. They may be
more susceptible to road hazard damage
and, depending on driving conditions, may
achieve a tread life of less than 20,000 miles
(30,000 km). Even if this vehicle is equipped
with Volvo’s advanced AWD or DSTC sys-
tem, these tires are not designed for winter
driving, and should be replaced with winter
tires when weather conditions dictate.
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.
Most 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, foroptimum road holding on icy or snow-covered
roads, we recommend suitable winter tires on
all four wheels.
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.
New Tires
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., 1510 means
that the tire illustrated was manufactured dur-
ing week 15 of 2010).
Tire rotationYour vehicle has no required tire rotation. Tire
wear is affected by a number of factors such
as tire inflation, ambient temperature, driving
style, etc.
NOTE
•If the tires are rotated, they should only
be moved from front to rear or vice
versa. They should never be rotated left
to right/right to left.
•Ideally, tire rotation should be done the
first time after approximately 3,000
miles (5,000 km) and thereafter at
6,000-mile (10,000-km) intervals. Some
customers find that tire rotation may
help to get extra mileage from tire life.
•Tire rotation should only be performed
if front/rear tire wear is fairly even and
tread height is above 1/16" (1.6 mm).
Your Volvo retailer can also provide guidance
based on your particular driving circumstan-
ces.
Tire ageTires 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 climates, frequent
high loading conditions or Ultra Violet (U.V)

07 Wheels and tires
General information
07

177
exposure can accelerate the aging process.
The temporary spare1 should also be replaced
at 6-year intervals, even if it has never been
used.
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 discoloration
should be replaced immediately.
Tread wear indicator
G020323
The 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 thetread, 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.
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.
Improving tire economy
•Maintain correct tire pressure (see the
inflation pressure table on page 181).
•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.
Summer and winter tires
G020325
The arrows shows the direction of rotation of the
tire
•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.
1Option or accessory on some models

07 Wheels and tires
Snow chains, snow tires, studded tires
07
187 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.
•All Wheel Drive models: Snow chains
should only be installed on the front
wheels.
•Certain size tires may not allow the assem-
bly of snow chains/traction devices.
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 tires1
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 duringcornering, braking, and accelerating. Fail-
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 opportu-
nity 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.
1Where permitted

07 Wheels and tires
Changing wheels
07
198
check that the jack is still correctly posi-
tioned in the attachment.
7. Raise the vehicle until the wheel to be
changed is lifted off the ground.
8. Unscrew the wheel bolts completely and
carefully remove the wheel so as not to
damage the threads on the studs.
NOTE
To avoid excessive wear and the necessity
of rebalancing, mark and reinstall wheels in
the same location and position as before
removal. To lessen the chance of imbal-
ance, each wheel hub is equipped with a
guide stud to ensure that a removed wheel
can be reinstalled in its original position (as
when changing over to winter tires/wheels).
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 vehicle. The use of different size
wheels can seriously damage your vehi-
cle's transmission.
•Correct tightening torque on wheel
bolts must be observed.
•The wheel bolts should never be
greased or lubricated.
•Extended, chromed wheel bolts must
not be used with steel rims, as they
make it impossible to fit the hub caps.
Installing the wheel1. Clean the contact surfaces on the wheel
and hub.
2. Lift the wheel and place it on the hub.
3. Install the wheel bolts and tighten hand-
tight. Using the lug wrench, tighten cross-
wise until all bolts are snug.
4. Lower the vehicle to the ground and alter-
nately tighten the bolts crosswise to
103 ft.lbs. (140 Nm).
5. Install the wheel cover (where applicable).
WARNING
•The jack must correctly engage the bar
in the jack attachment. The vehicle's
weight must not rest on the jack attach-
ment. See illustration "Attaching the
jack" on the previous page.
•Be sure the jack is on a firm, level, non-
slippery surface.
•Never allow any part of your body to be
extended under a vehicle supported by
a jack.
•Use the jack intended for the vehicle
when replacing a wheel. For any other
job, use stands to support the side of
the vehicle being worked on.
•Apply the parking brake and put the
gear selector in the (P)ark 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.

12 Index
12
305
changing............................................. 195
changing from summer to winter........ 177
designations....................................... 182
improving economy............................ 177
inflation............................................... 179
inflation pressure, checking................ 179
inflation pressure table.......................181
load ratings......................................... 180
rotation............................................... 176
Self-supporting run flat tires (SST)..... 202
spare................................................... 188
speed ratings...................................... 180
storing................................................. 178
tire sealing system.............................. 189
tread wear indicator............................ 177
Tire sealing system.................................. 189
Towing a trailer........................................ 163
Towing - cars with All Wheel Drive.......... 162
Towing the vehicle................................... 161
Trailer hitch - detachable......................... 166
Trailer towing........................................... 163
Transmission
shiftlock override.................................. 23
Transmission, automatic.......................... 148
Tread wear indicator................................ 177
Treble....................................................... 253Trip computer............................................ 76
Trip odometer............................................ 58
Turn signals............................................... 71
U
Uniform Tire Quality Grading...................186
Unlocking fuel filler door............................ 69
Unlocking the car..................................... 130
Unpaved roads, driving on...................... 147
V
Vanity mirror............................................ 112
Vehicle dimensions.................................. 286
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)......... 285
Vehicle loading........................................ 185
Vehicle maintenance................................ 214
Vehicle weights........................................ 288
Ventilated seats......................................... 97
Volvo and the environment........................ 13
Volvo maintenance.................................. 214Volvo On Call Roadside Assistance........ 299
W
Warning symbol......................................... 58
Warning symbol in center of dashboard.... 58
Warranties................................................ 214
Washer fluid reservoir......................219, 222
Washing the vehicle................................. 206
Water, driving through............................. 147
Waxing..................................................... 207
Weights.................................................... 288
Wheels.....................................................176
storing................................................. 178
Windshield
IR coating............................................. 74
Windshield washer fluid reservoir............ 222
Windshield wipers.................................... 224
Winter/Wet driving mode......................... 168
Wipers...................................................... 224
W – Winter............................................... 149