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Tires – storage and age
When storing complete wheels (tires mounted on rims), they should be suspended off thefloor or placed on their sides on the floor.
New Tires
Remember that tires are perishable goods. Asof 2000, the manufacturing week and year(Department of Transportation (DOT) stamp)will be indicated with 4 digits (e.g., 1513means that the tire illustrated was manufac-tured during week 15 of 2013).
Tire ageTires degrade over time, even when they are not being used. It is recommended that tiresgenerally be replaced after 6 years of normalservice. Heat caused by hot climates, fre-quent high loading conditions or Ultra Violet(U.V.) exposure can accelerate the agingprocess. The temporary spare
1
should also
be replaced at 6-year intervals, even if it hasnever 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.
Storing wheels and tiresWhen storing completes wheels (tires moun-ted on rims), they should be suspended offthe floor or placed on their sides on the floor. Tires not mounted on rims should be stored on their sides or standing upright, but shouldnot be suspended.
CAUTION
Tires should preferably be stored in a cool, dry, dark place, and should never bestored in close proximity to solvents, gaso-line, oils, etc.
WARNING
• The wheel and tire sizes for your Volvo are specified to meet stringent stabilityand handling requirements. Unap-proved wheel/tire size combinationscan negatively affect your vehicle'sstability and handling.
• Any damage caused by installation ofunapproved wheel/tire size combina-tions will not be covered by your newvehicle warranty. Volvo assumes noresponsibility for death, injury, orexpenses that may result from suchinstallations.
Related information
•
Tire inflation – pressure table (p. 300)
• Tire specifications (p. 298)
• Tire specifications (p. 298)
• Changing a wheel – direction of rotation (p. 291)
• Tires – tread wear indicator (p. 290)
1
Option or accessory on some models
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Tires – tread wear indicator
The tires have wear indicator strips running across or parallel to the tread.
G021829
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 visibleand indicate that the tire should be replaced.Tires with less than 1/16" (1.6 mm) tread offervery poor traction. When replacing worn tires, it is recommended that the tire be identical in type (radial) andsize as the one being replaced. Using a tire ofthe same make (manufacturer) will preventalteration of the driving characteristics of thevehicle.
Related information
• Tire inflation – pressure table (p. 300)
• Tire specifications (p. 298) •
Changing a wheel – direction of rotation (p. 291)
• Tires – storage and age (p. 289)
Tires – tire economy
A smooth driving style and correct inflation pressure can help prolong the tires' servicelife. • Maintain correct tire pressure. The tire inflation table, see Tire inflation – pressuretable (p. 300).
• Avoid fast starts, hard braking and tirescreeching.
• Tire wear increases with speed.
• Correct front wheel alignment is veryimportant.
• Unbalanced wheels impair tire economyand driving comfort.
• Tires must maintain the same direction ofrotation throughout their lifetime.
• When replacing tires, the tires with themost tread should be mounted on therear wheels to reduce the chance of over-steer during hard braking.
• Hitting curbs or potholes can damage thetires and/or wheels permanently.
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}}
* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.291
Changing a wheel – direction of rotation
Incorrectly mounted tires impair the car's braking properties and ability to force asiderain, snow and slush.
Summer and winter tires
G021778
The arrows shows the direction of rotation of the tire
• The tires with the most tread should always be on the rear axle (to help reducethe risk of skidding).
• When switching between summer andwinter tires, mark the tires to indicatewhere they were mounted on the car,e.g., LF = left front, RR = right rear
• Tires with tread designed to roll in onlyone direction are marked with an arrowon the sidewall.
• Contact a Volvo workshop if you areunsure about the tread depth.
Related information
•
Tire inflation – pressure table (p. 300)
• Tire specifications (p. 298)
• Tires – storage and age (p. 289)
• Tires – tread wear indicator (p. 290)
Changing a wheel – removing wheel
Wheel changes should always be carried out correctly.
G017464
Location of jack and tools
Changing a wheel1. Apply the parking brake and put the gear
selector in P.
2. Take out the jack*, lug wrench*, the tool for removing the plastic covers on the wheel nuts, the towing eyelet and thewheel cover removal tool (certain modelsonly) stowed under the floor of the cargoarea.
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7. There are two jack attachment points on
each side of the vehicle. Position the jack under the attachment point to be used ona level, firm, non-slippery surface andcrank it up until it is correctly aligned andseated in the attachment point. Beforeraising the vehicle, check that the jack isstill correctly positioned in the attach-ment.
8. Raise the vehicle until the wheel to be changed is lifted off the ground.
9. Unscrew the wheel nuts completely and remove the wheel.
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 tobe extended under a vehicle suppor-ted by a jack.
• Use the jack intended for the vehiclewhen changing a tire. For any otherjob, use stands to support the vehicle.
• Apply the parking brake and put thegear selector in the Park (
P) position.
• Block the wheels standing on theground, use rigid wooden blocks orlarge stones.
• The jack should be kept well-greasedand clean, and should not be dam-aged.
• No objects should be placed betweenthe base of jack and the ground, orbetween the jack and the attachmentbar on the vehicle.
NOTE
The jack provided with your vehicle is intended to be used only in temporary sit-uations such as changing wheels in theevent of a flat tire. Only the jack that camewith your particular model should be usedto lift the vehicle. If the vehicle needs to belifted more frequently or for a prolongedperiod, using a garage jack or hoist is rec-ommended. Always follow this device’sinstructions for use.
Related information
•
Changing a wheel – installing a wheel (p. 295)
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294
Changing a wheel – spare wheel
Wheel changes should always be carried out correctly.
Spare tire
The spare tire in your vehicle2
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.
Spare wheelThe spare wheel is only intended for tempo- rary use. Replace it with a normal wheel assoon as possible. The car's handling may bealtered by the use of the spare wheel. Thecorrect tire pressure for the spare wheel isstated in the tire pressure table, see Tire infla-tion – pressure table (p. 300) and in the tireinflation placard on the driver's side doorjamb at the rear of the driver's door opening.
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.
CAUTION
The vehicle must never be driven with more than one temporary spare wheel.
The spare wheel is located in the spare wheel well with the rim side down. There are twofoam blocks, one under the spare wheel andone over/inside. The upper one contains alltools. The same bolt runs through to secure the spare wheel and the foam blocks.
Related information
• Changing a wheel – installing a wheel (p. 295)
• Changing a wheel – removing wheel(p. 291)
2
Not on models equipped with the Tire sealing system.
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Changing a wheel – accessing the spare wheel
The following procedure explains how to access the spare wheel (where applicable).
1. Open the floor hatch.
2. Undo the retaining bolt.
3. Lift out the foam block.
4. Lift out the spare wheel.The other two blocks can remain in the spare wheel well.
After useThe foam block and spare wheel must be replaced in the reverse order. Note the arrowon the upper foam block. It should point for-ward.
NOTE
If the floor hatch is not completely closed, the private locking feature will not function.
Changing a wheel – installing a wheel
It is important to re-install wheels properly.
Re-installing the wheel1. Clean the contact surfaces on the wheeland hub.
2. Lift the wheel and place it on the hub.
Tighten the wheel nuts
3. Install the wheel nuts and tighten hand- tight. Using the lug wrench, tighten cross- wise until all nuts are snug.
4. Lower the vehicle to the ground and alter- nately tighten the bolts crosswise to103 ft. lbs. (140 Nm).
5. Press the plastic covers onto the wheel nuts and Install the wheel cover (whereapplicable). The opening in the wheelcover for the tire's inflation valve must bepositioned over the valve.
Related information
• Changing a wheel – spare wheel (p. 294)
• Changing a wheel – removing wheel (p. 291)
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Tire inflation – general information
Check tire inflation pressure regularly.
Inflation placard
G032521
Tire inflation placard
Tire inflationSee the tire inflation table in Tire inflation – pressure table (p. 300). A tire inflation pres-sure placard is also located on the driver'sside B-pillar (the structural member at theside of the vehicle, at the rear of the driver'sdoor opening). This placard indicates the des-ignation of the factory-mounted tires on yourvehicle, as well as load limits and inflationpressure.
NOTE
•The placards shown indicate inflation pressure for the tires installed on thevehicle at the factory only.
• A certain amount of air seepage fromthe tires occurs naturally and tire pres-sure fluctuates with seasonal changesin temperature. Always check tirepressure regularly.
•
Use a tire gauge to check the tire inflation pressure, including the spare, at leastonce a month and before long trips. Youare strongly urged to buy a reliable tirepressure gauge, as automatic service sta-tion gauges may be inaccurate.
• Use the recommended cold inflationpressure for optimum tire performanceand wear.
• Under-inflation or over-inflation maycause uneven treadwear patterns.
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 ofvehicle control and increased risk ofinjury.
• Under-inflated tires reduce the loadcarrying capacity of your vehicle.
When weather temperature changes occur, tire inflation pressures also change. A 10-degree temperature drop causes a corres-ponding drop of 1 psi (7 kPa) in inflation pres-sure. Check your tire pressures frequentlyand adjust them to the proper pressure,which can be found on the vehicle's tire infor-mation placard or certification label.
Related information
•
Tire specifications (p. 298)
• Tires – storage and age (p. 289)
• Tires – tread wear indicator (p. 290)
• Tire inflation – pressure table (p. 300)
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Tire inflation – checking pressure
Inflation pressure should be checked when the tires are cold.
Cold tiresThe tires are considered to be cold when they have the same temperature as thesurrounding (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 behot. If you have to drive farther than this dis-tance to pump your tire(s), check and recordthe tire pressure first and add the appropriateair pressure when you get to the pump. If checking tire pressure when the tire is hot, never "bleed" or reduce air pressure. Thetires are hot from driving and it is normal forpressures to increase above recommendedcold pressures. A hot tire at or below recom-mended cold inflation pressure could be sig-nificantly under-inflated.
To check inflation pressure:1. Remove the cap from the valve on onetire, then firmly press the tire gauge onto the valve.
2. Add air to reach the recommended air pressure. 3. Replace the valve cap.
CAUTION
•
After inflating 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.
4. Visually inspect the tires to make sure
there are no nails or other objects embedded that could puncture the tireand cause an air leak.
5. Check the sidewalls to make sure there are no gouges, cuts, bulges or otherirregularities.
6. Repeat this procedure for each tire, including the spare.
NOTE
•If you overfill the tire, release air by pushing on the metal stem in the cen-ter of the valve. Then recheck thepressure with your tire gauge.
• Some spare tires require higher infla-tion pressure than the other tires. Con-sult the tire inflation pressure table,see Tire inflation – pressure table(p. 300) or see the inflation pressureplacard.
Related information
•
Tire specifications (p. 298)
• Tire inflation – pressure table (p. 300)
• Tires – storage and age (p. 289)
• Tires – tread wear indicator (p. 290)