STARTING AND DRIVING
}}
283
Some of the above mentioned items and others are checked at the standard maintenance inter-vals.
WARNING
Driving with the trunk open:
Driving with the
trunk open could lead to poisonous exhaust gases entering the passenger compartment. Ifthe trunk must be kept open for any reason,proceed as follows:
• Close the windows
• Set the ventilation system control to air flow to floor, windshield and side windowsand the blower control to its highest set-ting.
Handling and roadholdingAt the specified curb weight your vehicle has atendency to understeer, which means that thesteering wheel has to be turned more than mightseem appropriate for the curvature of a bend.This ensures good stability and reduces the riskof rear wheel skid. Remember that these proper-ties can alter with the vehicle load. The heavierthe load in the trunk, the less the tendency toundersteer. • Vehicle load, tire design and inflation pres- sure all affect vehicle handling. Therefore,check that the tires are inflated to the rec-ommended pressure according to the vehicleload. Loads should be distributed so that capacity weight or maximum permissible axleloads are not exceeded.
• At the specified curb weight your vehicle hasa tendency to understeer, which means thatthe steering wheel has to be turned morethan might seem appropriate for the curva-ture of a bend. This ensures good stabilityand reduces the risk of rear wheel skid.Remember that these properties can alterwith the vehicle load. The heavier the load inthe trunk, the less the tendency to under-steer.
Related information
•Climate – general information (p. 120)
Towing a trailer When towing a trailer, always observe the legal requirements of the state/province.
NOTE
For the maximum trailer and tongue weights recommended by Volvo, see Weights (p. 371)
•
All Volvo models are equipped with energy- absorbing shock-mounted bumpers. Trailerhitch installation should not interfere with theproper operation of this bumper system.
Trailer towing does not normally present any par-ticular problems, but take into consideration:
• Increase tire pressure to recommended fullpressure, see the tire inflation decal on thedriver's door opening.
• When your vehicle is new, avoid towing heavytrailers during the first 620 miles (1,000 km).
• Maximum speed when towing a trailer:50 mph (80 km/h).
• Engine and transmission are subject toincreased loads. Therefore, engine coolanttemperature should be closely watched whendriving in hot climates or hilly terrain. Use alower gear and turn off the air conditioner ifthe temperature gauge needle enters the redrange.
WHEELS AND TIRES
290
Tires – general information
Your vehicle is equipped with tires according to the vehicle's tire information placard on the B-pillar (the structural member at the side of thevehicle, at the rear of the driver's door opening).
Introduction
CAUTION
Some Volvo models are equipped with an Ultra High Performance tire and wheel com-bination designed to provide maximum drypavement performance with consideration forhydroplaning resistance. They may be moresusceptible to road hazard damage and,depending on driving conditions, may achievea tread life of less than 20,000 miles (30,000km). Even if this vehicle is equipped with Vol-vo
WHEELS AND TIRES
291
Tires – storage and ageWhen storing complete wheels (tires mounted on rims), they should be suspended off the flooror placed on their sides on the floor.
New Tires
Remember that tires are perishable goods. As of 2000, the manufacturing week and year (Depart-ment of Transportation (DOT) stamp) will be indi-cated with 4 digits (e.g., 1513 means that the tireillustrated was manufactured during week 15 of2013).
Tire ageTires degrade over time, even when they are not being used. It is recommended that tires gener-ally be replaced after 6 years of normal service.Heat caused by hot climates, frequent high load-ing conditions or Ultra Violet (U.V.) exposure can accelerate the aging process. The temporary spare
1
should also be replaced at 6-year inter-
vals, even if it has never 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 mountedon rims), they should be suspended off the flooror placed on their sides on the floor. Tires not mounted on rims should be stored on their sides or standing upright, but should not besuspended.
CAUTION
Tires should preferably be stored in a cool, dry, dark place, and should never be stored inclose proximity to solvents, gasoline, oils, etc.
WARNING
• The wheel and tire sizes for your Volvo are specified to meet stringent stabilityand handling requirements. Unapprovedwheel/tire size combinations can nega-tively affect your vehicle's stability andhandling.
• Any damage caused by installation ofunapproved wheel/tire size combinationswill not be covered by your new vehiclewarranty. Volvo assumes no responsibilityfor death, injury, or expenses that mayresult from such installations.
Related information
•Tire specifications (p. 300)
• Tire specifications (p. 300)
• Changing a wheel – direction of rotation(p. 293)
• Tires – tread wear indicator (p. 292)
1
Option or accessory on some models
WHEELS AND TIRES
292
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 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 prevent alterationof the driving characteristics of the vehicle.
Related information
• Tire specifications (p. 300)
• Changing a wheel – direction of rotation(p. 293) •
Tires – storage and age (p. 291)
Tires – tire economy
A smooth driving style and correct inflation pres- sure can help prolong the tires' service life.
• Maintain correct tire pressure. The tire infla- tion table, see the tire inflation decal on thedriver's door opening.
• Avoid fast starts, hard braking and tirescreeching.
• Tire wear increases with speed.
• Correct front wheel alignment is very impor-tant.
• Unbalanced wheels impair tire economy anddriving comfort.
• Tires must maintain the same direction ofrotation throughout their lifetime.
• When replacing tires, the tires with the mosttread should be mounted on the rear wheelsto reduce the chance of oversteer duringhard braking.
• Hitting curbs or potholes can damage thetires and/or wheels permanently.
WHEELS AND TIRES
}}
* Option/accessory.293
Changing a wheel – direction of rotation Incorrectly mounted tires impair the car's braking properties and ability to force aside rain, snowand 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 reduce the risk ofskidding).
• When switching between summer and wintertires, mark the tires to indicate where theywere mounted on the car, e.g., LF = left front,RR = right rear
• Tires with tread designed to roll in only onedirection are marked with an arrow on thesidewall.
• Contact a Volvo workshop if you are unsureabout the tread depth.
Related information
•Tire specifications (p. 300)
• Tires – storage and age (p. 291)
• Tires – tread wear indicator (p. 292)
Changing a wheel – removing wheel Wheel changes should always be carried out correctly.
The jack
*, towing eyelet and tools * are stowed
under the floor of the trunk.
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 the wheel coverremoval tool (certain models only) stowedunder the floor of the trunk.
||
WHEELS AND TIRES
2943.
Tool for removing the plastic covers on the wheel nuts
Remove the wheel cover (where applicable) using the removal tool or remove the wheelcover by hand.
4. Block the wheels that are on the ground with wooden blocks or large stones.
Lug wrench and towing eyelet
5. Screw the towing eyelet into the lug wrenchas shown in the illustration.
CAUTION
The towing eyelet must be screwed into the lug wrench as far as possible.
6. With the vehicle still on the ground, remove the plastic covers on the wheel nuts with the tool provided and use the lug wrench/towingeyelet to loosen the wheel nuts ½ – 1 turn byexerting downward (counterclockwise) pres-sure.
Jack attachment points
WHEELS AND TIRES
295
7. There are two jack attachment points on
each side of the vehicle. Position the jack under the attachment point to be used on alevel, firm, non-slippery surface and crank itup until it is correctly aligned and seated inthe attachment point. Before raising the vehi-cle, check that the jack is still correctly posi-tioned in the attachment.
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 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.
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
WHEELS AND TIRES
* Option/accessory.
296
Changing a wheel – spare wheel Wheel changes should always be carried out correctly.
Spare tireA spare tire can be purchased for your vehicle as an accessory. Follow the instructions includedwith the spare tire regarding use and stowing inthe vehicle. See also Changing a wheel – remov-ing wheel (p. 293) for additional information.
Spare wheelThe following instructions only apply if you have purchased a temporary spare wheel * for your
vehicle. If there is no temporary spare wheel in your vehi- cle, please see Tire sealing system * – general
information (p. 314) for instructions on using the tire sealing system. The accessory temporary spare wheel is provided in a bag that must be securely strapped in placein the trunk while the vehicle is being driven. The spare wheel is only intended for temporary use. Replace it with a normal wheel as soon aspossible. The vehicle's handling may be alteredby the use of the spare wheel. The correct tirepressure is stated in the tire pressure table, seethe tire inflation decal on the driver's door open-ing.Turn the handle on the spare wheel bag in toward the rear seat. Secure the stitched straphooks in the loading eyelets. Secure the longstrap in one of the loading eyelets, wrap the straparound the spare wheel and through the lowerhandle. Secure the short strap on the long strap.Secure in the other loading eyelet and tighten.
WARNING
Current legislation prohibits the use of the “Temporary Spare” tire other than as a tempo-rary replacement for a punctured tire. It mustbe replaced as soon as possible by a stand-ard tire. Road holding and handling may beaffected with the “Temporary Spare” in use.
CAUTION
The vehicle must never be driven with more than one temporary spare wheel.
Related information
• Changing a wheel – installing a wheel (p. 297)
• Changing a wheel – removing wheel (p. 293)