2018 VOLVO XC90 Owner´s Manual

W H E E L S A N D T I R E S

WHEELS AND TIRES
528
Tires
The function of the tires is to carry loads, provide traction on road surfaces, reduce vibrations andprotect the wheels from wear.
The tires significantly influence the vehicle's driv- ing characteristics. The type, dimensions, tirepressure and speed rating have a considerableimpact on how the vehicle performs. Your vehicle is equipped with tires according to the vehicle's tire information placard on the B-pil-lar (the structural member at the side of the vehi-cle, at the rear of the driver's door opening).
WARNING
A damaged tire could cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle.
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 30,000 km (20,000miles). Even if this vehicle is equipped withVolvo's advanced AWD or stability system,these tires are not designed for winter driving,and should be replaced with winter tires whenweather conditions dictate.
The tires have good road holding characteristics and offer good handling on dry and wet surfaces.It should be noted however that the tires havebeen developed to give these features on snow/ice-free surfaces. Most models are equipped with "all-season" tires, which provide a somewhat higher degree of road-holding on slippery road surfaces than tires with-out the "all-season" rating. However, for optimalroadholding on icy or snow-covered roads, werecommend snow tires on all four wheels. When replacing tires, be sure that the new tires are the same size designation, type (radial) andpreferably from the same manufacturer, on all four wheels. Otherwise there is a risk of alteringthe vehicle's roadholding and handling characte-ristics.
Recommended tiresOn delivery, the car is equipped with Volvo origi- nal tires that have the VOL
1
marking on the side
of the tires. These tires have been designed spe- cifically for your vehicle. It is therefore importantwhen replacing tires that the new tires have thissame marking to help maintain the vehicle's driv-ing characteristics, comfort and fuel consumption.
New tires
Tires are perishable goods. After a few years, they will begin to harden and their friction proper-ties will gradually deteriorate. Always replace tireswith the freshest tires possible. This is particularlyimportant for snow tires. A series of numbers is
1 This may vary for certain tire dimensions.

WHEELS AND TIRES
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529
imprinted on the sidewall of the tire. The last four digits in the series is the Department ofTransportation (DOT) stamp and indicates theweek and year the tire was manufactured. Thetire in the illustration has 0717 as the last fourdigits, which means it was manufactured week 7of 2017.
Tire ageTires degrade over time, even when they are notbeing 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 canaccelerate the aging process. The temporary spare
2
should also be replaced at 6-year inter-
vals, even if it has never been used. A tire with e.g., visible cracks or discoloration should bereplaced immediately.
Tire economy
• Maintain correct tire pressure.
• 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.
Tire rotationYour vehicle has no required tire rotation. Drivingstyle, tire pressure, climate and road conditionsaffect how quickly the tires age and exhibit signsof wear. Maintaining the correct tire pressurehelps keep tread wear evenly distributed. To help prevent differences in tread depth and wear patterns forming on the tires, the front andrear wheels should be rotated, i.e. the front tiresmoved to the rear and the rear tires moved to thefront. Ideally, tire rotation should be done the firsttime after approximately 5000 km (ca3100 miles) and thereafter at 10,000 km(approx. 6200 miles) intervals. If you have any questions regarding tread depth, Volvo recommends consulting an authorizedVolvo workshop. If significant differences in wear(> 1 mm difference in tread depth) between thetires have already occurred, the least worn tiresshould always be mounted on the rear wheels. Afront-wheel skid (understeer) is usually easier to control than a rear-wheel skid (oversteer). If thefront wheels skid, the vehicle will continue in astraight line instead of the rear wheels skiddingto the side, which could cause you to completelylose control of the vehicle. It is therefore impor-tant that the rear wheels never lose grip beforethe front wheels.
Storing wheels and tiresWhen storing complete wheels (tires mounted onrims), they should be suspended off the floor orplaced 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.
2
Not available on all models.

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WHEELS AND TIRES
* Option/accessory.
530
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
•Checking tire pressure (p. 535)
• Tire direction of rotation (p. 530)
• Tread wear indicator (p. 531)
• Tire pressure monitoring system
* (p. 537)
• Tire sealing system (p. 550)
• Uniform Tire Quality Grading (p. 534)
• Tire terminology (p. 531)
• Tire sidewall designations (p. 532)
• Loading recommendations (p. 564)
Tire direction of rotation
Tires with tread designed to roll in only one direction are marked with an arrow on the side-wall.
The arrow shows the tire's direction of rotation.
• The tire should maintain the same direction of rotation throughout its service life.
• Tires should only be moved between thefront and back, never from right to left or viceversa.
• Incorrectly mounted tires impair the vehicle'sbraking properties and ability to force asiderain, snow and slush.
• The tires with the most tread should alwaysbe mounted on the rear wheels to helpreduce the risk of skidding.
NOTE
Use tires of the same type, dimensions and make (manufacturer) on each axle.
Related information
•Tires (p. 528)

WHEELS AND TIRES
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531
Tread wear indicatorThe tread wear indicator shows the status of the tire's tread.
The tread wear indicator is a narrow elevated strip running across the tire's longitudinal treadgrooves. The letters TWI (Tread Wear Indicator)are visible on the side of the tire. When approxi-mately 1.6 mm (1/16 inch) is left on the tread,the tread will be at the same height as the treadwear indicator. Replace the tire as soon as possi-ble. Tires with low tread offer very poor traction inrain or snow.
Related information
• Tires (p. 528)
Tire terminology The following is a glossary of tire-related terms.
The tire suppliers may have additional markings, notes or warnings such as standard load, radialtubeless, etc.
• Tire information placard
: A placard show-
ing the OE (Original Equipment) tire sizes,recommended inflation pressure, and themaximum weight the vehicle can carry.
• Tire Identification Number (TIN)
: A number
on the sidewall of each tire providing infor-mation about the tire brand and manufactur-ing plant, tire size and date of manufacture.
• 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 maximum load at 35psi [37 psi (2.5 bar) for Metric tires]. Increas-ing the inflation pressure beyond this pres-sure will not increase the tires load carryingcapability.
• Extra load
: A class of P-metric or Metric
tires designed to carry a heavier maximumload at 41 psi [43 psi (2.9 bar) for Metrictires]. Increasing the inflation pressurebeyond this pressure will not increase thetire's load carrying capability.
• kPa
: Kilopascal, a metric unit of air pressure.
• 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 perime-
ter of the tire that contacts the road whenmounted on the vehicle.
• Rim
: The metal support (wheel) for a tire or a
tire and tube assembly upon which the tirebeads are seated.
• Maximum load rating
: a figure indicating
the maximum load in pounds and kilogramsthat can be carried by the tire. This rating isestablished by the tire manufacturer.
• Maximum permissible inflation pressure
:
the greatest amount of air pressure thatshould ever be put in the tire. This limit is setby the tire manufacturer.
• Recommended tire inflation pressure
:
inflation pressure, established by Volvo,which is based on the type of tires that aremounted on a vehicle at the factory. Thisinformation can be found on the tire inflationplacard(s) located on the driver's side B-pillarand in the tire inflation table in this chapter.
• Cold tires
: The tires are considered to be
cold when they have the same temperatureas the surrounding (ambient) air. This tem-

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WHEELS AND TIRES
532perature is normally reached after the vehicle has been parked for at least 3 hours.
Related information
•
Tires (p. 528)
Tire sidewall designations
The following information can be found on a tire's sidewall.
Federal law mandates that tire manufacturers place standardized information on the sidewall ofall tires (see the illustration). The vehicle has been certified with certain combi- nations of wheels and tires. The following information is listed on the tire sidewall: The tire designation:
NOTE
Please be aware that the following tire desig- nation is an example only and that this par-
ticular tire may not be available on your vehi- cle.
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 maximum
speed at which the tire is designed to bedriven for extended periods of time, carryinga permissible load for the vehicle, and withcorrect inflation pressure. For example, Hindicates a speed rating of 210 km/h(130 mph).
3 Self-supporting run flat tires may not be available on all models.

WHEELS AND TIRES
533
NOTE
The tire's load index and speed rating may not appear on the sidewall because they arenot required by law.
7.M+S or M/S = Mud and Snow, AT = All Ter-
rain, AS = All Season
8. U.S. DOT Tire Identification Number (TIN) : This begins with the letters "DOT" and
indicates that the tire meets all federalstandards. The next two numbers are thefactory code where the tire was manufac-tured, the next two are the tire size code andthe last four numbers represent the weekand year the tire was made. For example,0717 means that the tire was manufacturedduring week 7 of 2017. The numbers inbetween are marketing codes used at themanufacturer's discretion. This informationhelps a tire manufacturer identify a tire forsafety recall purposes.
9. Tire Ply Composition and Material Used :
Indicates the number of plies indicates or thenumber of layers of rubber-coated fabric inthe tire tread and sidewall. Tire manufactur-ers also must indicate the ply materials in thetire and the sidewall, which include steel,nylon, polyester, and others.
10. Maximum Load : Indicates the maximum
load in pounds and kilograms that can becarried by the tire. Refer to the vehicle's tire information placard located on the B-Pillarfor the correct tire pressure for your vehicle.
11. Treadwear, Traction, and Temperaturegrades .
12. Maximum permissible inflation pressure: the greatest amount of air pressure that should ever be put in the tire. This limit is setby the tire manufacturer.
Speed SymbolA tire's Speed Symbol (SS) indicates the maxi-mum speed for which the tire has been certifiedand should be at least equivalent to the vehicle'stop speed. Winter tires, with or without studs, are exceptions and may use a lower SS. When winter tires areinstalled, the vehicle may not be driven fasterthan the tires' SS. The vehicle's speed should always be determined by the posted speed limit and traffic and roadconditions, not the tire's SS. The following table indicates the maximum per- missible speed for each SS.
M 130 km/h (81 mph)
Q 160 km/h (100 mph)
T 190 km/h (118 mph)
H 210 km/h (130 mph)
V 240 km/h (149 mph)
W 270 km/h (168 mph)
Y 300 km/h (186 mph)
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
•
Tires (p. 528)

WHEELS AND TIRES
534
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.
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.
Related information
•Tires (p. 528)
• Tire sidewall designations (p. 532)