09 Wheels and tires
09
298
Tire specifications
The following information can be found on a tire's sidewall.
Tire ratings
Speed ratingsThe speed ratings in the table translate as fol- low:
Speed ratings
M81 mph (130 km/h)
Q100 mph (160 km/h)
T118 mph (190 km/h)
H130 mph (210 km/h)
V149 mph (240 km/h)
W168 mph (270 km/h)
Y186 mph (300 km/h)
Information on the sidewall
Federal law mandates that tire manufacturers place standardized information on the side-wall of all tires (see the illustration). The following information is listed on the tire sidewall: The tire designation:
NOTE
Please be aware that the following tire designation is an example only and that
this particular tire may not be available onyour vehicle.
1. 215: the width of the tire (in millimeters)
from sidewall edge to sidewall edge. The larger the number, the wider the tire.
2. 65: The ratio of the tire's height to its
width in percent.
3. R: Radial tire (the designation RF and the
symbol indicate that the vehicle is
equipped with optional self-supporting run flat tires 3
.
4. 15: The diameter of the wheel rim (in
inches).
5. 95: The tire's load index. In this example,
a load index of 95 equals a maximum load of 1521 lbs (690 kg).
6. H: The tire's speed rating, or the maxi-
mum speed at which the tire is designedto be driven for extended periods of time,carrying a permissible load for the vehi-cle, and with correct inflation pressure.For example, H indicates a speed ratingof 130 mph (210 km/h).
NOTE
The tire's load index and speed rating may not appear on the sidewall because theyare not required by law.
3 Self-supporting run flat tires may not be available on all models
09 Wheels and tires
09
299
7.
M+S or M/S = Mud and Snow, AT = All
Terrain, AS = All Season
8. U.S. DOT Tire Identification Number (TIN)
: This begins with the letters "DOT"
and indicates that the tire meets all fed- eral standards. The next two numbers orletters are the plant code where it wasmanufactured, the next two are the tiresize code and the last four numbers rep-resent the week and year the tire wasbuilt. For example, 1510 means that thetire was manufactured during week 15 of2010. The numbers in between are mar-keting codes used at the manufacturer'sdiscretion. This information helps a tiremanufacturer identify a tire for safetyrecall purposes.
9. Tire Ply Composition and Material Used
: Indicates the number of plies indi-
cates or the number of layers of rubber- coated fabric in the tire tread and side-wall. Tire manufacturers also must indi-cate the ply materials in the tire and thesidewall, which include steel, nylon, poly-ester, and others.
10. Maximum Load : Indicates the maximum
load in pounds and kilograms that can becarried by the tire. Refer to the vehicle'stire information placard located on the B-Pillar for the correct tire pressure for yourvehicle. 11.
Treadwear, Traction, and Temperature grades
: see Tire specifications – Uniform
Tire Quality Grading (p. 303) for more information.
12. Maximum permissible inflation pressure:
the greatest amount of air
pressure that should ever be put in the tire. This limit is set by the tire manufac-turer.
09 Wheels and tires
09
300
Tire inflation – pressure table
The following tire pressures are recom- mended by Volvo for your vehicle. Refer tothe tire inflation placard (see Tire inflation –general information (p. 296) for its location) for
information specific to the tires installed onyour vehicle at the factory. Some of the tire sizes listed here may not be available for all models in all markets.
Tire sizeCold tire pressure for up to five persons
Front psi (kPa)Rear psi (kPa)
215/65 R16 Extra load 235/55 R17235/50 R1836 (250)36 (250)
235/45 R19 Extra load39 (270)39 (270)
Temporary spare tire T125/80R1761 (420)61 (420)
NOTE
Please consult a Volvo retailer’s Parts department for the most up-to-date speci-fications.
09 Wheels and tires
09
302
6. If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, loadfrom your trailer will be transferred to your vehicle.
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.
Tire specifications – terminology
The following is a glossary of tire-related terms. The tire suppliers may have additional mark- ings, notes or warnings such as standardload, radial tubeless, etc.
• Tire information placard
: A placard
showing the OE (Original Equipment) tire sizes, recommended inflation pressure,and the maximum weight the vehicle cancarry.
• Tire Identification Number (TIN)
: A
number on the sidewall of each tire pro-viding information about the tire brandand manufacturing plant, tire size anddate of manufacturer.
• Inflation pressure
: A measure of the
amount of air in a tire.
• Standard load
: A class of P-metric or
Metric tires designed to carry a maximumload at 35 psi [37 psi (2.5 bar) for Metrictires]. Increasing the inflation pressurebeyond this pressure will not increase thetires load carrying capability.
• Extra load
: A class of P-metric or Metric
tires designed to carry a heavier maxi-mum load at 41 psi [43 psi (2.9 bar) forMetric tires]. Increasing the inflation pres-sure beyond this pressure will notincrease the tire's load carrying capabil-ity. •
kPa
: Kilopascal, a metric unit of air pres-
sure.
• PSI
: Pounds per square inch, a standard
unit of air pressure.
• B-pillar
: The structural member at the
side of the vehicle behind the front door.
• Bead area of the tire
: Area of the tire
next to the rim.
• Sidewall of the tire
: Area between the
bead area and the tread.
• Tread area of the tire
: Area of the perim-
eter of the tire that contacts the roadwhen mounted on the vehicle.
• Rim
: The metal support (wheel) for a tire
or a tire and tube assembly upon whichthe tire beads are seated.
• Maximum load rating
: a figure indicating
the maximum load in pounds and kilo-grams that can be carried by the tire. Thisrating is established by the tire manufac-turer.
• Maximum permissible inflation pressure
: the greatest amount of air
pressure that should ever be put in the tire. This limit is set by the tire manufac-turer.
• Recommended tire inflation pressure
:
inflation pressure, established by Volvo,which is based on the type of tires thatare mounted on a vehicle at the factory.This information can be found on the tireinflation placard(s) located on the driver's
09 Wheels and tires
09
}}
303
side B-pillar and in the tire inflation table in this chapter.
• Cold tires
: The tires are considered to be
cold when they have the same tempera-ture as the surrounding (ambient) air. Thistemperature is normally reached after thevehicle has been parked for at least3 hours.
Tire specifications – Uniform Tire Quality Grading
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 ½) times as well on the government courseas a tire graded 100. The relative perform-ance of tires depends upon the actual condi-tions of their use, however, and many departsignificantly from the norm due to variation indriving habits, maintenance practices and dif-ferences in road characteristics and climate.
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.
09 Wheels and tires
09
304
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.
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 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.
09 Wheels and tires
09
}}
305
Snow tires/studded tires4
Owners who live in or regularly commute through areas with sustained periods of snowor icy driving conditions are strongly advisedto fit suitable winter tires to help retain thehighest degree of traction.
Tires for winter use:
•
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 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.
Tire pressure monitoring - introduction
Volvo provides two different systems to moni- tor tire pressure: Tire Pressure MonitoringSystem (TPMS) or Tire Monitor.
Determining which tire monitoring system is in your vehicle
To see which system is installed in your vehi- cle, press the
MY CAR button on the center
console. Go to
SettingsCar settings.
• If your vehicle has a menu called
Tire
monitoring, see Tire Monitor - introduc-
tion (p. 310).
• If your vehicle has a menu called
Tire
pressure, see Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (TPMS) – general information (p. 306).
IntroductionEach tire, including the spare (if provided), should be checked monthly when cold andinflated to the inflation pressure recom-mended by the vehicle manufacturer on thevehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label.(If your vehicle has tires of a different sizethan the size indicated on the vehicle placardor tire inflation pressure label, you shoulddetermine the proper tire inflation pressure forthose tires.) As an added safety feature, your vehicle hasbeen equipped with a tire pressure monitor-ing system that illuminates a low tire pressure telltale (
) when one or more of your tires
is significantly under-inflated. Accordingly, when the low tire pressure telltale illuminates,you should stop and check your tires as soonas possible, and inflate them to the properpressure. Driving on a significantly under-inflated tire causes the tire to overheat and can lead totire failure. Under-inflation also reduces fuelefficiency and tire tread life, and may affectthe vehicle's handling and stopping ability.Please note that a tire pressure monitoringsystem is not a substitute for proper tiremaintenance, and it is the driver's responsi-bility to maintain correct tire pressure, even ifunder-inflation has not reached the level totrigger illumination of the system's low tirepressure telltale. Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS malfunction indicator to indicate whenthe system is not operating properly. Themonitoring system's malfunction indicator iscombined with the low tire pressure telltale. When the system detects a malfunction, the telltale will flash for approximately one minuteand then remain continuously illuminated.This sequence will continue upon subsequentvehicle start-ups as long as the malfunction
4 Where permitted
09 Wheels and tires
09
306
exists. When the malfunction indicator is illu- minated, the system may not be able todetect or signal low tire pressure as intended. System malfunctions may occur for a variety of reasons, including the installation ofreplacement or alternate tires or wheels onthe vehicle that prevent the tire pressuremonitoring system from functioning properly. Always check the system's malfunction tell- tale after replacing one or more tires orwheels on your vehicle to ensure that thereplacement or alternate tires and wheelsallow the system to continue to functionproperly.
NOTE
The system indicates low tire pressure but does not replace normal tire maintenance.For information on correct tire pressure,please refer to the tire inflation pressuretable (see Tire inflation – pressure table(p. 300)), the tire inflation pressure placardlocated on the driver's side B-pillar (thestructural member at the side of the vehi-cle, at the rear of the driver's door open-ing) or consult your Volvo retailer.
WARNING
Incorrect inflation pressure could lead to tire failure, resulting in a loss of control ofthe vehicle.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) – general information
TPMS uses sensors mounted in the tire valves to check inflation pressure levels. When thevehicle is moving at a speed of approximately20 mph (30 km/h) or faster, these sensorstransmit inflation pressure data to a receiverlocated in the vehicle.
NOTE
USA – FCC ID: KR5S180052050 This device complies with part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the fol-lowing conditions: (1) This device may notcause harmful interference, and (2) thisdevice must accept any interferencereceived, including interference that maycause undesired operation.
When low inflation pressure is detected or if a sensor is not functioning properly, TPMS will light up the tire pressure warning light (
)
(also referred to as a telltale) in the instrument panel and will display one of the following messages:
Tire pressure low, Tire needs
air now or Tire press. syst Service
required.
NOTE
If a malfunction occurs in the system, the tire pressure warning light will flash forapproximately 1 minute and then remain illuminated.
Tire press. syst Service
required will be displayed.
Related information
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) – recalibrating (p. 308)
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)– messages (p. 309)
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)– activating/deactivating (p. 308)
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)– changing wheels (p. 307)