INTRODUCTION
18
Driver distraction
Please keep the following warnings in mind when operating/servicing your vehicle.
A driver has a responsibility to do everything pos- sible to ensure his or her own safety and thesafety of passengers in the vehicle and otherssharing the roadway. Avoiding distractions is partof that responsibility. Driver distraction results from driver activities that are not directly related to controlling the vehiclein the driving environment. Your new Volvo is, orcan be, equipped with many feature-rich enter-tainment and communication systems. Theseinclude hands-free cellular telephones, navigationsystems, and multipurpose audio systems. Youmay also own other portable electronic devicesfor your own convenience. When used properlyand safely, they enrich the driving experience.Improperly used, any of these could cause a dis-traction. For all of these systems, we want to provide the following warning that reflects the strong Volvoconcern for your safety. Never use these devicesor any feature of your vehicle in a way that dis-tracts you from the task of driving safely. Distrac-tion can lead to a serious accident. In addition tothis general warning, we offer the following guid-ance regarding specific newer features that maybe found in your vehicle:
WARNING
• Never use a hand-held cellular telephone while driving. Some jurisdictions prohibitcellular telephone use by a driver whilethe vehicle is moving.
• If your vehicle is equipped with a naviga-tion system, set and make changes toyour travel itinerary only with the vehicleparked.
• Never program your audio system whilethe vehicle is moving. Program radio pre-sets with the vehicle parked, and use yourprogrammed presets to make radio usequicker and simpler.
• Never use portable computers or per-sonal digital assistants while the vehicleis moving.
Accessory installation
•We strongly recommend that Volvo ownersinstall only genuine, Volvo-approved acces-sories, and that accessory installations beperformed only by a trained and qualifiedVolvo service technician.
• Genuine Volvo accessories are tested toensure compatibility with the performance,safety, and emission systems in your vehicle.Additionally, a trained and qualified Volvoservice technician knows where accessoriesmay and may not be safely installed in yourVolvo. In all cases, please consult a trained and qualified Volvo service technician beforeinstalling any accessory in or on your vehicle.
• Accessories that have not been approved byVolvo may or may not be specifically testedfor compatibility with your vehicle. Addition-ally, an inexperienced installer may not befamiliar with some of your car's systems.
• Any of your car's performance and safetysystems could be adversely affected if youinstall accessories that Volvo has not tested,or if you allow accessories to be installed bysomeone unfamiliar with your vehicle.
• Damage caused by unapproved or improperlyinstalled accessories may not be covered byyour new vehicle warranty. See your Warrantyand Service Records Information booklet formore warranty information. Volvo assumes noresponsibility for death, injury, or expensesthat may result from the installation of non-genuine accessories.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
109
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. 162)
• Weights (p. 167)
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.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
110
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 frontwheels 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 snowchain information.
CAUTION
• Snow chains should not be used on wheels larger than 18".
• 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 thetires 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