Page 305 of 386

08 Wheels and tires
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
08
303
Quality grading information
ALL PASSENGER VEHICLE TIRES MUST CONFORM TO FEDERAL SAFETYREQUIREMENTS IN ADDITION TO THESEGRADES Quality grades can be found, where appli- cable, on the tire sidewall between thetread shoulder and maximum sectionwidth. For example: Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature A
TREADWEARThe treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the wear rate of the tire when tes-ted under controlled conditions on a specifiedgovernment test course. For example, a tiregraded 150 would wear one and one half(1 1/2) times as well on the governmentcourse as a tire graded 100. The relative per-formance of tires depends upon the actualconditions of their use, however, and manydepart significantly from the norm due to var-iation in driving habits, maintenance practicesand differences in road characteristics andclimate.
TRACTIONThe traction grades, from highest to lowest,are AA, A, B, and C, as measured under con-trolled conditions on specified governmenttest surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tiremarked C may have poor traction perform-ance. The traction grade assigned to this tireis based on braking (straight-ahead) tractiontests and is not a measure of cornering (turn-ing) traction.
WARNING
The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on braking (straight-ahead) tractiontests and is not a measure of cornering(turning) traction.
TEMPERATUREThe temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and C, representing the tire's resistance tothe generation of heat and its ability to dissi-pate heat when tested under controlled con-ditions on a specified indoor laboratory testwheel. Sustained high temperature can causethe material of the tire to degenerate andreduce tire life, and excessive temperaturecan lead to sudden tire failure. The grade Ccorresponds to a minimum level of perform-ance that all passenger vehicle tires mustmeet under the Federal Motor Safety Stand-ard No. 109. Grades B and A represent higherlevels of performance on the laboratory testwheel than the minimum required by law.
WARNING
The temperature grade for this tire is established for a tire that is properly infla-ted and not overloaded. Excessive speed,under-inflation, or excessive loading, eitherseparately or in combination, can causeheat buildup and tire failure.
Page 306 of 386

08 Wheels and tires
Snow chains, snow tires, studded tires
08
304
Winter driving conditions
Snow chainsSnow chains can be used on your Volvo with the following restrictions:• Snow chains should be installed on front wheels only. Use only Volvo approvedsnow chains.
• If accessory, aftermarket or "custom"tires and wheels are installed and are of asize different than the original tires andwheels, chains in some cases CANNOTbe used. Sufficient clearances betweenchains and brakes, suspension and bodycomponents must be maintained.
• Some strap-on type chains will interferewith brake components and thereforeCANNOT be used.
• All Wheel Drive models
: Snow chains
should only be installed on the frontwheels.
• Certain size tires may not allow theassembly of snow chains/traction devi-ces.
Consult your Volvo retailer for additional
snow chain information.
CAUTION
• Check local regulations regarding the use of snow chains before installing.
• Use single-sided snow chains only.
• Always follow the chain manufactur-er's installation instructions carefully.Install chains as tightly as possible andretighten periodically.
• Never exceed the chain manufactur-er's specified maximum speed limit.(Under no circumstances should youexceed 31 mph (50 km/h).
• Avoid bumps, holes or sharp turnswhen driving with snow chains.
• The handling of the vehicle can beadversely affected when driving withchains. Avoid fast or sharp turns aswell 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 ofsnow or icy driving conditions arestrongly advised to fit suitable winter tires to help retain the highest degree of trac-tion.
• It is important to install winter tires on allfour wheels to help retain traction duringcornering, braking, and accelerating. Fail-ure to do so could reduce traction to anunsafe level or adversely affect handling.
• Do not mix tires of different design as thiscould also negatively affect overall tireroad grip.
• Winter tires wear more quickly on dryroads in warm weather. They should beremoved when the winter driving seasonhas ended.
• Studded tires should be run-in 300 – 600 miles (500 – 1000 km) during whichthe vehicle should be driven as smoothlyas possible to give the studs the opportu-nity to seat properly in the tires. The tiresshould have the same rotational directionthroughout their entire lifetime.
NOTE
Please consult state or provincial regula- tions restricting the use of studded wintertires before installing such tires.
1
Where permitted
Page 307 of 386
08 Wheels and tires
Temporary Spare
08
305
Spare tire
A spare tire can be purchased for your vehi- cle as an accessory. Follow the instructionsincluded with the spare tire regarding use andstowing in the vehicle. See also page 312 foradditional information.
Page 308 of 386

08 Wheels and tires
Tire Sealing System*
08
306* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.
Location
IntroductionThe vehicle is equipped with a tire sealing system that enables you to temporarily seal ahole in the tread surface and re-inflate a flattire, or to adjust a tire’s inflation pressure. The system consists of an air compressor, a container for the sealing compound, wiring toconnect the system to the vehicle’s electricalsystem via one of the 12-volt sockets, and ahose used to connect the system to the tire’sinflation valve.
NOTE
The tire sealing system's compressor has been tested and approved by Volvo.
The 12-volt sockets are located in the front tunnel console and on the rear side of thecenter console in the rear seat, see page 222.
Accessing the tire sealing systemThe tire sealing system is stowed under thefloor of the trunk. To access it:
1. Lift the floor hatch in the cargo area.
2. Lift out the tire sealing system.
NOTE
• The tire sealing system is only intended to seal holes on the tire’stread area, not the sidewall.
• Tires with large holes or tears cannotbe repaired with the tire sealing sys-tem.
• After use, stow the tire sealing systemproperly to help prevent rattling.
WARNING
• After using the tire sealing system, the vehicle should not be driven fartherthan approximately 120 miles (200km).
• Have the tire inspected by a trainedand qualified Volvo service technicianas soon as possible to determine if itcan be permanently repaired or mustbe replaced.
• The vehicle should not be driven fasterthan 50 mph (80 km/h) while using atire that has been temporarily repairedwith the tire sealing system.
• After using the tire sealing system,drive carefully and avoid abrupt steer-ing maneuvers and sudden stops.
Page 309 of 386

08 Wheels and tires
Tire Sealing System*
08
* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.307
Tire sealing system–overview
Speed limit sticker (on the rear side of the compressor)
On/Off switch
Electrical wire
Bottle holder (orange cover)
Protective hose cover
Air release knob
Hose
Bottle with sealing compound
Air pressure gauge
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) rubberlatex, natural and 2) ethanediol. Thesesubstances are harmful if swallowed.
• The contents of this bottle may causeallergic skin reactions or otherwise bepotentially harmful to the respiratorytract, the skin, the central nervous sys-tem, and the eyes.
Precautions: • Keep out of reach of children.
• Do not ingest the contents.
• Avoid prolonged or repeated contact with the skin.
• Wash thoroughly after handling.
First aid:
• Skin: Wash affected areas of skin withsoap and water. Get medical attentionif symptoms occur.
• Eyes: Flush with plenty of water forleast 15 minutes, occasionally liftingthe upper and lower eyelids. Get medi-cal attention if symptoms occur.
• Inhalation: Move the exposed person to fresh air. If irritation persists, getmedical attention.
• Ingestion: Do
NOT induce vomiting
unless directed to do so by medicalpersonnel. Get medical attention.
• Disposal: Dispose of this material andits container to a hazardous or specialwaste collection point.
NOTE
Do not break the seal on the bottle. This occurs automatically when the bottle isscrewed into the holder.
Page 310 of 386

08 Wheels and tires
Tire Sealing System*
08
308* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.
Tire sealing system–temporarily repairing a flat tire
Temporarily repairing a flat tire is done in two stages:
• Stage 1:
The hole is sealed by pumping
sealing compound into the tire. The car is then driven a short distance to distributethe sealing compound in the tire.
NOTE
Do not remove any foreign objects (nails, etc.) from the tire before using the sealingsystem.
• Stage 2:
The tire’s inflation pressure is
checked and adjusted if necessary.
WARNING
• Never leave the tire sealing system unattended when it is operating.
• Keep the tire sealing system awayfrom children.
• Be sure the vehicle is parked safely offthe road and away from moving traffic.
• Apply the parking brake.
Stage 1: Sealing the hole1. Peel off the speed limit sticker and affix it
to the steering wheel hub where it will be clearly visible to the driver.
2. Ensure that the on/off switch is in posi- tion 0 (the 0 side of the switch should be
pressed down).
WARNING
Contact with the sealing compound may cause skin irritation. If contact occurs,wash the affected area immediately withsoap and water.
3. Unscrew the orange cover over the bottle holder and unscrew the cap on the bottle of sealing compound.
NOTE
Do not break the seal on the bottle. This occurs automatically when the bottle isscrewed into the holder.
4. Screw the bottle into the bottle holder.
WARNING
The bottle is equipped with a catch to keep it securely in place and help preventsealing compound leakage. Once in place,the bottle cannot be unscrewed. This mustbe done by a trained and qualified Volvoservice technician.
5. Remove the valve cap from the tire’sinflation valve and screw the tire sealing system’s hose connector onto the valveas tightly as possible by hand.
Page 311 of 386

08 Wheels and tires
Tire Sealing System*
08
* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.309
6. Connect the electrical wire to the nearest
12-volt socket in the vehicle.
NOTE
Be sure that none of the other 12-volt sockets is being used while the compres-sor is in operation.
7. Start the vehicle’s engine.
WARNING
The vehicle´s engine should be running when the tire sealing system is used toavoid battery drain. Therefore, be sure thevehicle is parked in a well ventilated place,or outdoors, before using the system.
8. Start the tire sealing system’s compres- sor by pressing the on/off switch to posi- tion I.
WARNING
• Never stand next to the tire being infla- ted when the compressor is in opera-tion.
• If cracks, bubbles, etc. form on the tire,switch off the compressor immediately.
• If there is visible damage to the sidewallor the rim, the tire cannot be repaired.The vehicle should not be driven if thisoccurs. Contact a towing service orVolvo On Call Roadside Assistance ifapplicable.
NOTE
The air pressure gauge will temporarily show an increase in pressure to approxi-mately 88 psi (6 bar) while the sealingcompound is being pumped into the tire.The pressure should return to a normallevel after approximately 30 seconds.
9. Within seven minutes, inflate the tire to
between 22—44 psi (1.8—3.0 bar). Switch off the compressor briefly to get aclear reading from the pressure gauge.
CAUTION
The compressor should not be used for more than 10 minutes at a time to avoidoverheating.
WARNING
If the pressure remains below 22 psi (1.8 bar) after approximately sevenminutes, turn off the compressor. In thiscase, the hole is too large to be sealed andthe vehicle should not be driven.
10. Switch off the compressor and discon- nect the electrical wire from the 12-volt socket.
11. Unscrew the hose from the tire’s inflation valve and reinstall the valve cap.
CAUTION
•After pumping the tires, always reinstall the valve cap to help avoid damage tothe valve from dirt, gravel, etc.
• Use plastic valve caps only. Metal capscould corrode and become difficult toremove.
12. Immediately drive the vehicle for approxi-
mately 2 miles (3 km) at a maximum
Page 312 of 386

08 Wheels and tires
Tire Sealing System*
08
310* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.
speed of 50 mph (80 km/h) to distribute the sealing compound in the tire.
CAUTION
If your vehicle is equipped with the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), theuse of the sealing compound may lead toincorrect tire pressure readings or in rarecases, damage to the tire pressure sensor.Use the tire sealing system to check andadjust the damaged tire's inflation pres-sure.
NOTE
• Safely stow the tire sealing system in a convenient place as it will soon beused again to check the tire’s inflationpressure.
• The empty bottle of sealing compoundcannot be removed from the bottleholder. Consult a trained and qualifiedVolvo service technician to have thebottle removed and properly disposedof.
WARNING
If heavy vibrations, unsteady steering behavior, or noises should occur whiledriving, reduce speed and park the vehiclein a safe place. Recheck the tire forbumps, cracks, or other visible damage,and recheck its inflation pressure. If thepressure is below 19 psi (1.3 bar), do notcontinue driving. Have the vehicle towedto a trained and qualified Volvo servicetechnician.
Stage 2: Checking inflation pressure1. Connect the tire sealing system as
described in stage 1.
2. Refer to the inflation pressure table in this chapter for the correct inflation pressure. If the tire needs to be inflated, start thetire sealing system’s compressor. If nec-essary, release air from the tire by turningthe air release knob counterclockwise.
CAUTION
The compressor should not be used for more than 10 minutes at a time to avoidoverheating.
WARNING
If you interrupt your trip for more than 1 hour, check the inflation pressure in thedamaged tire again before continuing.
Replacing the sealing compound container
The sealing compound container must be replaced if:
• the tire sealing system has been used to repair a tire
• the container’s expiration date haspassed (see the date on decal).
NOTE
• After use, the sealing compound bot- tle, the hose, and certain other systemcomponents must be replaced. Pleaseconsult your Volvo retailer for replace-ment parts.
• If the sealing compound bottle’s expi-ration date has passed, please take itto a Volvo retailer or a recycling stationthat can properly dispose of harmfulsubstances.