2015 VOLVO XC90 Owners Manual

WHEELS AND TIRES
471
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 onthe tread, these strips become visible and indi-cate that the tire should be replaced. Tires withless than 1/16" (1.6 mm) tread offer very poortraction. When replacing worn tires, it is recommended that the tire be identical in type (radial) and sizeas the one being replaced. Using a tire of thesame make (manufacturer) will help preventalteration of the driving characteristics of thevehicle.
Related information
• Tire direction of rotation (p. 470)
• Checking tire inflation pressure (p. 473)
Loading specifications Properly loading your vehicle will provide maxi- mum return of vehicle design performance.
Weight designations
Before loading your vehicle, familiarize yourself with the following terms for determining yourvehicle's weight ratings, with or without a trailer,from the vehicle's Federal/Canadian Motor Vehi-cle Safety Standards (FMVSS/CMVSS) label, andthe vehicle's tire information placard:
Curb weightThe weight of the vehicle including a full tank of fuel and all standard equipment. It does notinclude passengers, cargo, or optional equipment.
Capacity weightAll weight added to the curb weight, including cargo and optional equipment. When towing,trailer hitch tongue load is also part of cargoweight.
Permissible axle weightThe maximum allowable weight that can be car- ried by a single axle (front or rear). These num-bers are shown on the Federal/Canadian MotorVehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS/CMVSS) label.The total load on each axle must never exceed itsmaximum permissible weight.
Gross vehicle weight (GVW)The vehicle's curb weight + cargo + passengers.
Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit1. Locate the statement "the combined weight
of occupants and cargo should never exceed XXX pounds" on your vehicle's placard.
2. Determine the combined weight of the driver and passengers that will be riding in yourvehicle.
3. Subtract the combined weight of the driver and passengers from XXX kilograms or XXXpounds.
4. The resulting figure equals the available amount of cargo and luggage load capacity.For example, if the "XXX" amount equals1400 lbs. and there will be five 150 lb. pas-sengers in your vehicle, the amount of availa-ble cargo and luggage load capacity is650 lbs. (1400 – 750 (5 × 150) = 650 lbs.)
5. Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo being loaded on the vehicle. Thatweight may not safely exceed the availablecargo and luggage load capacity calculatedin Step 4.
6. If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your trailer will be transferred to yourvehicle.

WHEELS AND TIRES
472
WARNING
•Exceeding the permissible axle weight, gross vehicle weight, or any other weightrating limits can cause tire overheatingresulting in permanent deformation orcatastrophic failure.
• Do not use replacement tires with lowerload carrying capacities than the tires thatwere original equipment on the vehiclebecause this will lower the vehicle's GVWrating. Use only tires with the correct loadcarrying capacity. Consult your Volvoretailer for information.
Related information
• Label information (p. 534)
• Weights (p. 539)
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
ALL PASSENGER VEHICLE TIRES MUST CONFORM TO FEDERAL SAFETY REQUIRE-MENTS IN ADDITION TO THESE GRADES .
Quality grades can be found, where applica- ble, on the tire sidewall between the treadshoulder and maximum section width. Forexample: Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature A
TREADWEARThe treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the wear rate of the tire when testedunder controlled conditions on a specified gov-ernment test course. For example, a tire graded150 would wear one and one half (1 ½) times aswell on the government course as a tire graded100. The relative performance of tires dependsupon the actual conditions of their use, however,and many depart significantly from the norm dueto variation in driving habits, maintenance practi-ces and differences in road characteristics andclimate.
TRACTIONThe traction grades, from highest to lowest, areAA, A, B, and C, as measured under controlledconditions on specified government test surfacesof asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C mayhave poor traction performance. The tractiongrade assigned to this tire is based on braking (straight-ahead) traction tests and is not a meas-ure of cornering (turning) traction.
WARNING
The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on braking (straight-ahead) tractiontests and is not a measure of cornering (turn-ing) traction.
TEMPERATUREThe temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and C, representing the tire's resistance to thegeneration of heat and its ability to dissipate heatwhen tested under controlled conditions on aspecified indoor laboratory test wheel. Sustainedhigh temperature can cause the material of thetire to degenerate and reduce tire life, and exces-sive temperature can lead to sudden tire failure.The grade C corresponds to a minimum level ofperformance that all passenger vehicle tires mustmeet under the Federal Motor Safety StandardNo. 109. Grades B and A represent higher levelsof performance on the laboratory test wheel thanthe minimum required by law.
WARNING
The temperature grade for this tire is estab- lished for a tire that is properly inflated andnot overloaded. Excessive speed, under-infla-tion, or excessive loading, either separately orin combination, can cause heat buildup andtire failure.

WHEELS AND TIRES
473
Snow tires and chains
The use of snow chains and/or winter tires can help improve traction in winter driving conditions.
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 snowchains.
• If accessory, aftermarket or "custom" tiresand wheels are installed and are of a size dif-ferent than the original tires and wheels,chains in some cases CANNOT be used.Sufficient clearances between chains andbrakes, suspension and body componentsmust be maintained.
• Some strap-on type chains will interfere withbrake components and therefore CANNOTbe used.
• All Wheel Drive models
: Snow chains
should only be installed on the front wheels.
• Certain size tires may not allow the assemblyof snow chains/traction devices.
Consult your Volvo retailer for additional snow chain information.
CAUTION
• Snow chains should not be used on wheels larger than 19".
• Always follow the chain manufacturer'sinstallation instructions carefully. Installchains as tightly as possible andretighten periodically.
• Check local regulations regarding the useof snow chains before installing.
• Use single-sided snow chains only.
• Never exceed the chain manufacturer'sspecified maximum speed limit. (Underno circumstances should you exceed31 mph (50 km/h).
• Avoid bumps, holes or sharp turns whendriving with snow chains.
• The handling of the vehicle can beadversely affected when driving withchains. Avoid fast or sharp turns as wellas locked wheel braking.
Checking tire inflation pressure
Correct tire inflation pressure helps improve driv- ing stability, save fuel and increase the servicelife of the tires.
WARNING
• Under-inflation is the most common cause of tire failure and may result insevere tire cracking, tread separation, or"blow-out," with unexpected loss of vehi-cle control and increased risk of injury.
• Under-inflated tires reduce the load car-rying capacity of your vehicle.
Cold tiresInflation pressure should be checked when the tires are cold. The tires are considered to be cold when they have the same temperature as the sur-rounding (ambient) air. This temperature is normally reached after the vehicle has been parked for at least 3 hours. After driving a distance of approximately 1 mile (1.6 km), the tires are considered to be hot. If youhave to drive farther than this distance to pumpyour tire(s), check and record the tire pressurefirst and add the appropriate air pressure whenyou get to the pump. When weather temperature changes occur, tire inflation pressures also change. A 10-degree

WHEELS AND TIRES
474temperature drop causes a corresponding drop of 1 psi (7 kPa) in inflation pressure. Check yourtire pressures frequently and adjust them to theproper pressure, which can be found on the vehi-cle's tire information placard or certification label. If checking tire pressure when the tire is hot, never "bleed" or reduce air pressure. The tiresare hot from driving and it is normal for pressuresto increase above recommended cold pressures.A hot tire at or below recommended cold inflationpressure could be significantly under-inflated.
Recommended inflation pressures
Tire inflation placard
A tire inflation pressure placard is located on the driver's side B-pillar (the structural member at theside of the vehicle, at the rear of the driver's dooropening). This placard indicates the designation
of the factory-mounted tires on your vehicle, aswell as load limits and inflation pressure.
NOTE
•
The placard shown indicates inflation pressure for the tires installed on thevehicle at the factory only.
• A certain amount of air seepage from thetires occurs naturally and tire pressurefluctuates with seasonal changes in tem-perature. Always check tire pressure reg-ularly.
•Use a tire gauge to check the tire inflation pressure, including the spare 3
, at least once
a month and before long trips. You are strongly urged to buy a reliable tire pressuregauge, as automatic service station gaugesmay be inaccurate.
• Use the recommended cold inflation pres-sure for optimum tire performance and wear.
• Under-inflation or over-inflation may causeuneven treadwear patterns.
Checking tire pressure1. Remove the cap from the valve on one tire,
then firmly press the tire gauge onto the valve. 2. Add air to reach the recommended air pres-
sure.
3. Replace the valve cap.
CAUTION
• After inflating the tires, always reinstall the valve cap to help avoid damage to thevalve from dirt, gravel, etc.
• Use plastic valve caps only. Metal capscould corrode and become difficult toremove.
4. Visually inspect the tires to make sure there
are no nails or other objects embedded that could puncture the tire and cause an air leak.
5. Check the sidewalls to make sure there are no gouges, cuts, bulges or other irregulari-ties.
6. Repeat this procedure for each tire, including the spare.
3Not available in all models.

WHEELS AND TIRES
* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.475
NOTE
•If you overfill the tire, release air by push- ing on the metal stem in the center of thevalve. Then recheck the pressure withyour tire gauge.
• Some spare tires require higher inflationpressure than the other tires. Consult thetire inflation pressure table or the inflationpressure placard.
Changing tires
When changing wheels to another dimension, always follow Volvo's instructions.
When changing to tires of another
dimension
If you mount tires with a dimension other thanthe factory-installed tires, contact an authorizedVolvo retailer to update the vehicle's software.This may also be necessary when changing fromsummer to winter tires, or vice versa.
Related information
• Snow tires and chains (p. 473)
• Spare tire (p. 476)
• Installing a wheel (p. 479)
• Removing a wheel (p. 478)
Tools in the cargo compartment
Tools for e.g., changing wheels, etc. are located under the cargo compartment floor.
The foam block under the cargo compartment floor contains the towing eyelet, the tool for removing plastic wheel bolt covers, the jack * and
the lug wrench *. There is also a storage space for
the tool used to remove locking wheel bolts.

WHEELS AND TIRES
* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.
476
Jack
The jack is used to raise the vehicle, for example when mounting winter wheels, etc.
WARNING
• The jack must correctly engage the jack attachment.
• Be sure the jack is on a firm, level, non-slippery surface.
• Never allow any part of your body to beextended under a vehicle supported by ajack.
• Use the jack intended for the vehiclewhen changing a tire. For any other job,use stands to support the vehicle.
• Apply the parking brake and put the gear selector in the Park (
P) position.
• Block the wheels standing on the ground, use rigid wooden blocks or large stones.
• The jack should be kept well-greased andclean, and should not be damaged.
• No objects should be placed between thebase of jack and the ground, or betweenthe jack and the attachment bar on thevehicle.
CAUTION
•
When not in use, the jack
* should be kept
in its storage compartment under the cargo compartment floor.
• The jack provided with your vehicle isintended to be used only in temporary sit-uations such as changing wheels in theevent of a flat tire. Only the jack thatcame with your particular model shouldbe used to lift the vehicle. If the vehicleneeds to be lifted more frequently or for aprolonged period, using a garage jack orhoist is recommended. Always follow thisdevice

WHEELS AND TIRES
* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.477
WARNING
Current legislation prohibits the use of the "Temporary Spare" tire other than as a tem-porary replacement for a punctured tire. Itmust be replaced as soon as possible by astandard tire. Road holding and handling maybe affected with the "Temporary Spare" inuse. 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 otherthan the one that came with the vehicle. Theuse of different size wheels can seriouslydamage your car's transmission.
CAUTION
The vehicle must never be driven with more than one temporary spare wheel.
The spare tire is located under the floor of the cargo compartment. A retaining bolt holds thespare tire and foam block containing tools inplace.
Accessing the spare tire1. Lift the rear edge of the cargo compartment
floor.
2. Unscrew the retaining bolt.
3. Lift out the foam block holding the tools. 4. Lift out the spare tire.
Related information
•
Changing tires (p. 475)
• Removing a wheel (p. 478)
• Wheel bolts (p. 477)
• Checking tire inflation pressure (p. 473)
Wheel bolts
The wheel bolts hold the wheel in place.
CAUTION
Wheel bolts should be tightened to 103 ft. lbs. (140 Nm). Over-tightening could damagethe threads.
Only use wheels/rims that have been tested and approved by Volvo and are included in Volvo'sproduct range. Use a torque wrench to checkthat the wheel bolts are tightened correctly.
Locking wheel bolts *A tool for removing locking wheel bolts can befound in the foam block under the cargo com-partment floor.
Related information
•Changing tires (p. 475)
• Installing a wheel (p. 479)

WHEELS AND TIRES
* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.
478
Removing a wheel
Wheel changes should always be carried out correctly.
1. Turn on the hazard warning flashers if the wheel change has to be done near passing traffic.
2. Apply the parking brake and put the gear selector in P.
CAUTION
Models with suspension and level con- trol *:
Turn this function off before raising the vehi- cle. To do so, go to
SettingsVehicleDisable Suspension & Leveling Control in
the center display's Top view.
WARNING
• The jack must correctly engage the jack attachment.
• Be sure the jack is on a firm, level, non-slippery surface.
• Never allow any part of your body to beextended under a vehicle supported by ajack.
• Use the jack intended for the vehicle whenchanging a tire. For any other job, usestands to support the vehicle.
• Apply the parking brake and put the gear selector in the Park (
P) position.
• Block the wheels standing on the ground, use rigid wooden blocks or large stones.
• The jack should be kept well-greased andclean, and should not be damaged.
• No objects should be placed between thebase of jack and the ground, or betweenthe jack and the attachment bar on thevehicle.
NOTE
The jack provided with your vehicle is intended to be used only in temporary situa-tions such as changing wheels in the event ofa flat tire. Only the jack that came with yourparticular model should be used to lift thevehicle. If the vehicle needs to be lifted morefrequently or for a prolonged period, using agarage jack or hoist is recommended. Alwaysfollow this device