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08 Wheels and tires
Vehicle loading
08
311
Loads
Properly loading your vehicle will provide maximum return of vehicle design perform-ance. Before loading your vehicle, familiarize your- self with the following terms for determiningyour vehicle's weight ratings, with or withouta trailer, from the vehicle's Federal/CanadianMotor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS/CMVSS) label, and the vehicle's tire informa-tion placard:
Curb weightThe weight of the vehicle including a full tankof fuel and all standard equipment. It doesnot include passengers, cargo, or optionalequipment.
Capacity weightAll weight added to the curb weight, includingcargo and optional equipment. When towing,trailer hitch tongue load is also part of cargoweight.
NOTE
For trailer towing information, please refer to the section "Towing a trailer" on page293.
Permissible axle weightThe maximum allowable weight that can be carried by a single axle (front or rear). Thesenumbers are shown on the Federal/CanadianMotor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS/CMVSS) label. The total load on each axlemust never exceed its maximum permissibleweight.
Gross vehicle weight (GVW)The vehicle's curb weight + cargo + passen-gers.
NOTE
•The location of the various labels in your vehicle can be found on page370.
• A table listing important weight limitsfor your vehicle can be found on page373.
Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit
1. Locate the statement "the combined
weight of occupants and cargo should never exceed XXX pounds" on your vehi-cle's placard. 2. Determine the combined weight of the
driver and passengers that will be ridingin your vehicle.
3. Subtract the combined weight of the driver and passengers from XXX kilo-grams or XXX pounds.
4. The resulting figure equals the available amount of cargo and luggage loadcapacity. For example, if the "XXX"amount equals 1400 lbs. and there will befive 150 lb. passengers in your vehicle,the amount of available cargo and lug-gage load capacity is 650 lbs. (1400 – 750 (5 × 150) = 650 lbs.)
5. Determine the combined weight of lug- gage and cargo being loaded on the vehi-cle. That weight may not safely exceedthe available cargo and luggage loadcapacity calculated in Step 4.
6. If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your trailer will be transferred to your vehicle. Consult this manual 1
to deter-
mine how this reduces the available cargo and luggage load capacity of yourvehicle.
1 See page 293.
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08 Wheels and tires
Vehicle loading
08
312
WARNING
•Exceeding the permissible axle weight, gross vehicle weight, or any otherweight rating limits can cause tireoverheating resulting in permanentdeformation or catastrophic failure.
• Do not use replacement tires withlower load carrying capacities than thetires that were original equipment onthe vehicle because this will lower thevehicle's GVW rating. Use only tireswith the correct load carrying capacity.Consult your Volvo retailer for informa-tion.
Page 315 of 394

08 Wheels and tires
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
08
313
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 316 of 394

08 Wheels and tires
Snow chains, snow tires, studded tires
08
314
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 317 of 394
08 Wheels and tires
Temporary Spare
08
315
Spare tire
The spare tire in your vehicle1
is called a
"Temporary Spare". Recommended tire pressure (see the placard on the B-pillar or on the fuel filler door) shouldbe maintained irrespective of which positionon the vehicle the temporary spare tire isused 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 atemporary replacement for a puncturedtire. It must be replaced as soon as possi-ble by a standard tire. Road holding andhandling may be affected with the "Tem-porary Spare" in use. Do not exceed50 mph (80 km/h).
CAUTION
The vehicle must not be driven with wheels of different dimensions or with a spare tireother than the one that came with the vehi-cle. The use of different size wheels canseriously damage your car's transmission.
1 Not on models equipped with the Tire sealing system.
Page 318 of 394

08 Wheels and tires
Tire Sealing System*
08
316* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.
Location
IntroductionCertain models are equipped with a tire sealing system * that enables you to tempo-
rarily seal a hole in the tread surface and re- inflate a flat tire, or to adjust a tire’s inflationpressure. 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, on the rear side of the centerconsole in the rear seat and in the cargoarea*, see page 225.
Accessing the tire sealing systemThe tire sealing system is stowed under thefloor of the cargo area. 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 319 of 394

08 Wheels and tires
Tire Sealing System*
08
* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.317
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 320 of 394

08 Wheels and tires
Tire Sealing System*
08
318* 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.