2 0 0 5
VOLVO
V70
| Chapter 7 - Wheels and 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 the vehicle, at the rear of the driver's
door opening), or on the inside of the fuel filler
door on Canadian models.
The tires have good road holding characteristics and offer good handling on dry and
wet surfaces. It should be noted however that the tires have been developed to give
these features on snow/ice-free surfaces.
Certain models are equipped with
"all-season" tires, which provide a somewhat higher
degree of road holding on slippery surfaces than
tires without the "all-season" rating. However,
for optimum road holding on icy or snow-covered roads, we recommend suitable winter tires
on all four wheels.
When replacing tires, be sure that the new
tires are the same size designation, type (radial)
and preferably from the same manufacturer, on all four wheels. Otherwise there is a risk
of altering the car's roadholding and handling characteristics.
NOTE: When storing wheel/tire assemblies (e.g. winter tires and wheels), either stand
the assemblies upright, or suspend them off the ground. Laying wheel/tire assemblies on
their sides for prolonged periods can cause wheel and/or tire damage.
Tread wear indicator
The tires have wear indicator strips running across or parallel to the tread. 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
indicate that the tire should be replaced. Tires with
less than 1/16" (1.6 mm) tread offer very
poor traction.
When replacing worn tires, it is recommended that the tire be identical in type (radial)
and size as the one being replaced. Using a tire
of the same make (manufacturer) will prevent alteration of the driving characteristics of
the vehicle.
New tires
Remember that tires are perishable goods. As of 2000, the
manufacturing week and year will be indicated with 4 digits
(e.g. 1502 means that the tire illustrated
was manufactured during week 15 of 2002).
Improving tire economy:
• Maintain correct tire pressure. See the
tire pressure table on page 117.
• Drive smoothly: avoid fast starts,
hard braking and tire screeching.
• Tire wear increases with speed.
• Correct front wheel alignment is
very important.
• Unbalanced wheels impair tire
economy and driving comfort.
• Tires must maintain the same direction
of rotation throughout their lifetime.
• When replacing tires, the tires with
the most tread should be mounted on the rear wheels to reduce the chance of
oversteer during hard braking.
Hitting curbs or potholes can damage the tires and/or wheels permanently.
Tire inflation
Check tire inflation pressure regularly.
A table listing the recommended inflation pressure for your vehicle can be found on
page 117. Tire inflation pressure placards are
also located on the driver's side B-pillar (the structural member at the side of the vehicle,
at the rear of the driver's door opening), or on the inside of the fuel filler door on
Canadian models. These placards indicate the designation of the factory-mounted tires on
your vehicle, as well as load limits and inflation pressure.
NOTE: The placards shown indicate
inflation pressure for the tires installed on the car at
the factory only.
• Use a tire gauge to check the tire
inflation pressure, including the spare, at least once
a month and before long trips. You are strongly urged to buy a reliable tire
pressure gauge, as automatic service station
gauges may be inaccurate.
• Use the recommended cold inflation pressure for optimum tire performance
and wear.
• Under-inflation or over-inflation may
cause uneven treadwear patterns.
WARNING! |
When weather temperature changes occur, tire inflation pressures also change. A 10-degree temperature drop causes a corresponding drop of 1 psi (7 kPa) in inflation pressure. Check your tire pressures frequently and adjust them to the proper pressure, which can be found on the vehicle's tire information placard or certification label.
Checking tire pressure
Cold tires
Inflation pressure should be checked when the tires are cold.
The tires are considered to be cold when they have the same temperature as the surrounding (ambient) air.
This temperature is normally reached after the car 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 you have to drive farther than
this distance to pump your tire(s), check and
record the tire pressure first and add the
appropriate air pressure when you get to the pump.
If checking tire pressure when the tire is
hot, never "bleed" or reduce air pressure. The
tires are hot from driving and it is normal for pressures to increase above recommended
cold pressures. A hot tire at or below recommended cold inflation pressure could be
significantly under-inflated.
To check inflation pressure:
1. Remove the cap from the valve on one
tire, then firmly press the tire gauge onto the valve.
2. Add air to reach the recommended air pressure
3. Replace the valve cap.
4. Repeat this procedure for each tire, including the spare.
5. Visually inspect the tires to make sure
there are no nails or other objects embedded that could puncture the tire and cause an
air leak.
6. Check the sidewalls to make sure there
are no gouges, cuts, bulges or other irregularities.
NOTE:
• If you overfill the tire, release air
by pushing on the metal stem in the center of the valve. Then recheck the pressure
with your tire gauge.
• Some spare tires require higher
inflation pressure than the other tires. Consult the
tire inflation table on page 117 or see the inflation pressure placard.
Tire inflation pressure tables
Tire pressures recommended by Volvo for your vehicle. Refer to the
tire inflation placard for information specific to the tires installed on
your vehicle at the factory.
| Cold tire pressure for vehicle loads up to 930 lbs (420 kg)1 | ||
| Tire size | Front, psi (kPa) | Rear, psi (kPa) |
| V70 | ||
| 195/65R15 | 38 (260) | 38 (260) |
| 205/55R16 | 38 (260) | 38 (260) |
| 215/55R16 | 38 (260) | 38 (260) |
| 235/45R17 | 38 (260) | 38 (260) |
| 235/45R17 SSRFT2 | 38 (260) | 38 (260) |
| Temporary spare tire T125/80R17 | 61 (420) | 61 (420) |
| V70 R | ||
| 235/45R17 | 39 (270) | 39 (270) |
| Temporary spare tire
T115/85R18 | 61 (420) | 61 (420) |
| XC70 | ||
| 215/65R16 | 38 (260) | 38 (260) |
| Temporary spare tire
T135/90R17 | 61 (420) | 61 (420) |
1 These weights include the weight of all occupants of the car plus cargo.
2 Self supporting run flat tires. See page 119 for more information.
Optional tire pressure. These inflation pressures may only be used when the vehicle is not fully loaded.
| Optional cold tire pressure that may only be used for vehicle loads up to 495 lbs (225 kg). | ||
| Tire size | Front, psi (kPa) | Rear, psi (kPa) |
| V70 | ||
| 195/65R15 | 32 (220) | 30 (210) |
| 205/55R16 | 32 (220) | 30 (210) |
| 215/55R16 | 32 (220) | 30 (210) |
| 235/45R17 | 32 (220) | 30 (210) |
| 235/45R17 SSRFT | - | - |
| Temporary spare tire T125/80R17 | 61 (420) | 61 (420) |
| V70 R | ||
| 235/45R17 | 35 (240) | 35 (240) |
| Temporary spare tire T115/85R18 | 61 (420) | 61 (420) |
| XC70 | ||
| 215/65R16 | 30 (210)3 | 30 (210)3 |
| Temporary spare tire T135/90R17 | 61 (420) | 61 (420) |
3 The optional tire pressure shown in this table may not be used
on XC70s equipped with the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (option
as available). Vehicles with this system must use the standard
tire pressure listed in the table in the left column (38 psi/260 kPa).
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) - option
on certain U.S. models only
The tire pressure monitoring system uses sensors mounted in the tire valves to
check inflation pressure levels. When the vehicle
is moving at a speed of 20 mph (30 km/h) or faster, these sensors transmit inflation
pressure data to a receiver located in the vehicle.
USA - FCC ID: MRXTG315AM04
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to
the following conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2)
this device must accept any interference received, including interference that
may cause undesired operation.
When low inflation pressure is detected, TPMS will light up the tire pressure
warning light (
) in the instrument panel, and will display a message in the text window.
The wording of this message is determined by the degree of inflation pressure loss.
When the tire pressure monitoring system warning light is on, one or more of your
tires is significantly under-inflated. You should
stop and check your tires as soon as possible, and inflate them to the proper pressure as
indicated on the vehicle's tire information placard.
Driving on a significantly under-inflated tire causes the tire to overheat and can lead to
tire failure. Under-inflation also reduces
fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and may
affect the vehicle's handling and stopping
ability. Each tire, including the spare, should be checked monthly when cold and set to
the recommended inflation pressure as specified in the vehicle placard and owner's manual.
NOTE: TPMS indicates low tire pressure but does not replace normal tire maintenance. For information on correct tire pressure, please refer to the table on page 117, or consult your Volvo retailer.
Erasing warning messages
When a low tire pressure warning message has been displayed, and the tire pressure
warning light has come on:
1. Use a tire pressure gauge to check the inflation pressure of all four tires.
2. Re-inflate the tire(s) to the correct
pressure (consult the tire pressure placard or the table on page 117).
3. Drive the car for at least one minute at
a speed of 20 mph (30 km/h) or faster.
This will erase the warning text and the warning light will go out.
WARNING! Incorrect inflation pressure could lead to tire failure, resulting in a loss of control of the vehicle. |
Changing tires
Please note the following when changing or replacing the factory installed TPMS
wheels/tires on the vehicle:
Only the factory-mounted wheels are equipped with TPMS sensors in the valves.
If the vehicle is equipped with a temporary spare tire, this tire does not have a
TPMS sensor.
If, for example, winter wheels/tires are used that are not equipped with TPMS sensors,
the message TIRE PRESSURE SYSTEM SERVICE REQUIRED will be displayed
after the car has been driven for several minutes
at approximately 35 mph (50 km/h) or faster.
This message will remain on until wheels with TPMS sensors are mounted on the vehicle
and it has been driven for at least one minute at
a speed of 20 mph (30 km/h) or faster.
TPMS valves can be fitted on winter wheels or full-size spare wheels/tires. Consult
your Volvo retailer.
CAUTION!
When inflating tires with TPMS valves, press the pump's mouthpiece straight
onto the valve to help avoid bending or otherwise damaging the valve.
Self supporting run flat
tires (option)
Certain models equipped with the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) can
also be equipped with self supporting run flat tires.
Tires of this type have specially reinforced sidewalls that make it possible to
continue driving in the event of a drop in
inflation pressure. Tires of this type are mounted
on special rims.
NOTE: Self supporting run flat tires are only available in conjunction with TPMS.
If a self supporting run flat tire should lose inflation pressure, the yellow TPMS
warning symbol () in the instrument panel lights up to alert the driver, and a message will
be shown in the text window in the instrument panel.
If this occurs, reduce vehicle speed to a maximum of 50 mph (80 km/h). The
vehicle can be driven approximately 50 miles (80 km), or somewhat farther if the vehicle is
not heavily loaded. The tire should be replaced as soon as possible.
Hard braking and sudden steering maneuvers should be avoided.
In certain cases, it may be difficult to see which self supporting run flat tire is defective. To determine which tire is damaged, check the inflation pressure of all four tires.
WARNING! |
Tire designations
Federal law mandates that tire manufacturers place standardized information on the
sidewall of all tires (see the illustration).
The following information is listed on the tire sidewall:
The tire designation (the following figures are examples of a tire designation):
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.
3. R: Radial tire.
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 be driven for extended periods of time, carrying a permissible load for the vehicle, and with correct inflation pressure. For example, H indicates a speed rating of 130 mph (210 km/h).
NOTE: This information may not appear on the tire because it is not required by law.
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 federal standards. The next two numbers or letters are the plant code where it was manufactured, the next two are the tire size code and the last four numbers represent the week and year the tire was built. For example, the numbers 317 mean the 31st week of 1997. After 2000 the numbers go to four digits. For example, 2501 means the 25th week of 2001. The numbers in between are marketing codes used at the manufacturer's discretion. This information helps a tire manufacturer identify a tire for safety recall purposes.
9. Tire Ply Composition and Material Used: Indicates the number of plies indicates or the number of layers of rubber-coated fabric in the tire tread and sidewall. Tire manufacturers also must indicate the ply materials in the tire and the sidewall, which include steel, nylon, polyester, and others.
10. Maximum Load: Indicates the maximum load in pounds and kilograms that can be carried by the tire. Refer to the vehicle's tire information placard or the safety certification label, located on the B-Pillar or the driver's door or on the inside of the fuel filler door on Canadian models, for the correct tire pressure for your vehicle.
11. Treadwear, Traction, and Temperature grades: See page 123 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 manufacturer.
Glossary of tire terminology
The tire suppliers may have additional markings, notes or warnings such as standard load, radial tubeless, etc.
Glossary of tire terminology
• Tire information placard: A
placard showing the OE (Original Equipment) tire sizes, recommended inflation pressure,
and the maximum weight the vehicle can carry.
• Tire Identification Number
(TIN): A number on the sidewall of each tire providing information about the tire
brand and manufacturing plant, tire size and date 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 maximum load at 35 psi [37 psi (2.5 bar) for
Metric tires]. Increasing the inflation pressure beyond this pressure will not increase
the tires load carrying capability.
• Extra load: A class of P-metric or
Metric tires designed to carry a heavier maximum load at 41 psi [43 psi (2.9 bar) for
Metric tires]. Increasing the inflation pressure beyond this pressure will not increase
the tires 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 perimeter of the tire that contacts the road when mounted on the vehicle.
• Rim: The metal support (wheel) for a
tire or a tire and tube assembly upon which the tire beads are seated.
• Maximum load rating: a figure
indicating the maximum load in pounds and
kilograms that can be carried by the tire. This rating
is established by the tire manufacturer.
• 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 manufacturer.
• Recommended tire inflation
pressure: inflation pressure, established by
Volvo, which is based on the type of tires that
are mounted on a vehicle at the factory. This inflation pressure is affected by the
number of occupants in the car, the amount of
cargo, and the speed at which the vehicle will be driven for a prolonged period.
This information can be found on the tire inflation placard(s) located on the
driver's side B-pillar or on the inside of the
fuel filler door on Canadian models, and in the tire inflation table in this chapter.
• Cold tires: The tires are considered to
be cold when they have the same temperature as the surrounding (ambient) air.
This temperature is normally reached after the car has been parked for at least 3 hours.
Vehicle loading
Properly loading your vehicle will provide maximum return of vehicle design
performance.
Before loading your vehicle, familiarize yourself with the following terms for
deter-mining your vehicle's weight ratings, with
or without a trailer, from the vehicle's Federal/ Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety
Standards (FMVSS/CMVSS) label, and the vehicle's
tire information placard:
Curb weight
The weight of the vehicle including a full tank of fuel and all standard equipment. It does
not include passengers, cargo, or optional equipment.
Capacity weight
All weight added to the curb weight, including cargo and optional equipment. When
towing, trailer hitch tongue load is also part of
cargo weight.
NOTE: For trailer towing information, please refer to the section "Towing a trailer" on page 107.
Permissible axle weight
The maximum allowable weight that can be carried by a single axle (front or rear).
These numbers are shown on the Federal/Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards
(FMVSS/ CMVSS) label. The total load on each axle must never exceed its maximum
permissible weight.
Gross vehicle weight (GVW)
The vehicle's curb weight + cargo + passengers.
NOTE:
• The location of the various labels in
your vehicle can be found on page 160.
• A table listing important weight limits
for your vehicle can be found on page 162.
Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit
(1) Locate the statement "the combined weight of occupants and cargo should
never exceed XXX pounds" on your vehicle's placard.
(2) Determine the combined weight of the driver and passengers that will be riding
in your vehicle.
(3) Subtract the combined weight of the driver and passengers from XXX kilograms or
XXX pounds.
(4) The resulting figure equals the available amount of cargo and luggage load
capacity. For example, if the "XXX" amount
equals 1400 lbs. and there will be five 150 lb. passengers in your vehicle, the amount
of available cargo and luggage load capacity is 650 lbs. (1400-750 (5 x 150) = 650 lbs.)
(5) Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo being loaded on the vehicle.
That weight may not safely exceed the available cargo and luggage load capacity calculated
in Step 4.
(6) If your vehicle will be towing a trailer,
load from your trailer will be transferred to your vehicle. Consult this
manual1 to determine how this reduces the available cargo
and luggage load capacity of your vehicle.
WARNING! - Exceeding the permissible axle weight, gross vehicle weight, or any other weight rating limits can cause tire overheating resulting in permanent deformation or catastrophic failure. - Do not use replacement tires with lower load carrying capacities than the tires that were original equipment on the vehicle because this will lower the vehicle's GVW rating. Replacement tires with a higher limit than the originals do not increase the vehicle's GVW rating limitations. |
1 See "Towing a trailer" on
page 107.
Uniform tire quality grading
ALL PASSENGER VEHICLE TIRES MUST CONFORM TO
FEDERAL SAFETY REQUIREMENTS IN ADDITION TO THESE GRADES>
Quality grades can be found, where applicable, on the tire sidewall between the tread shoulder and maximum section width. For example: Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature A
TREADWEAR
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled conditions on a specified government test course. For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one and one half (1 1/2) times as well on the government course as a tire graded 100. The relative performance of tires depends upon the actual conditions of their use, however, and many depart significantly from the norm due to variation in driving habits, maintenance practices and differences in road characteristics and climate.
TRACTION
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A, B, and C, as measured under controlled conditions on specified government test surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may have poor traction performance.
WARNING!
|
TEMPERATURE
The temperature grades are AA (the highest), A, B, and C, representing the tire's resistance to the generation of heat and its ability to dissipate heat when tested under controlled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel. Sustained high temperature can cause the material of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire life, and excessive temperature can lead to sudden tire failure. The grade C corresponds to a minimum level of performance that all passenger vehicle tires must meet under the Federal Motor Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A represent higher levels of performance on the laboratory test wheel than the minimum required by law.
WARNING!
|
Snow chains, snow tires, studded tires
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 approved snow chains.
• If accessory, aftermarket or "custom"
tires and wheels are installed and are of a size different than the original tires and
wheels, chains in some cases CANNOT be used. Sufficient clearances between chains
and brakes, suspension and body components must be maintained.
• Some strap-on type chains will
interfere with brake components and therefore CANNOT be used.
• All Wheel Drive models: Snow chains should only be installed on the front
wheels. Only chains adapted for AWD models should be used.
Consult your Volvo retailer for additional snow chain information.
CAUTION:
• Check local regulations regarding the
use of snow chains before installing.
• Always follow the chain
manufacturer's installation instructions carefully.
Install chains as tightly as possible and
retighten periodically.
• Never exceed the chain
manufacturer's specified maximum speed limit. (Under
no circumstances should you exceed 31 mph (50 km/h)).
• Avoid bumps, holes or sharp turns
when driving with snow chains.
• The handling of the vehicle can be adversely affected when driving
with chains. Avoid fast or sharp turns as well as locked wheel braking.
Snow tires, studded tires1
Tires for winter use:
• Owners who live in or regularly
commute through areas with sustained periods of snow or icy driving conditions are
strongly advised to fit suitable winter tires to
help retain the highest degree of traction.
• It is important to install winter tires on
all four wheels to help retain traction during cornering, braking, and accelerating.
Failure to do so could reduce traction to an
unsafe level or adversely affect handling.
• Do not mix tires of different design as
this could also negatively affect overall tire
road grip.
• Winter tires wear more quickly on
dry roads in warm weather. They should be removed when the winter driving
season has ended.
• Studded tires should be run-in
300-600 miles (500-1000 km) during which the car should be driven as smoothly as possible
to give the studs the opportunity to seat properly in the tires. The tires should
have the same rotational direction throughout their entire lifetime.
NOTE: Please consult state or provincial regulations restricting the use of studded winter tires before installing such tires.
1 Where permitted
Temporary Spare
The spare tire in your car is called a "Temporary Spare".
Recommended tire pressure (see the placard on the B-pillar or on the fuel filler door) should be maintained irrespective of which position on the car the temporary spare tire is used on.
In the event of damage to this tire, a new one can be purchased from your Volvo retailer.
WARNING!
|
Changing a wheel
The spare wheel is located under the carpet on the caroo area floor. The
jack and crank are secured in the wheel recess.
• Engage the parking brake.
• Put the gear selector in (P)ark
(automatic) or in Reverse (manual).
• With the car still on the ground, use the
lug wrench to loosen the wheel bolts 1/2 -1 turn. Turn the bolts counterclockwise
to loosen.
• Fold out the crank handle on the jack
by pressing the knob on the handle downward. To attach the jack, refer to the illustration
on the following page.
There is a jack attachment located in the center on each side of the car. Position the jack on the bar in the attachment as shown in illustration above and crank while simultaneously guiding the base of the jack to the ground. The base of the jack must be flat on a level, firm, non-slippery surface. Before raising the car, check that the jack is still correctly positioned in the attachment.
WARNING!
|
Raise the vehicle until both wheels on the side of the car where the jack is attached are lifted off the ground. Unscrew the wheel bolts completely and carefully remove the wheel so as not to damage the thread on the studs.
NOTE: To avoid excessive wear and the necessity of rebalancing, mark and
reinstall wheels in the same location and position
as before removal. To lessen the chance of imbalance, each wheel hub is equipped with
a guide stud to ensure that a removed wheel can be reinstalled in its original position (as
when changing over to winter tires/wheels).
CAUTION:
The car must not be driven with wheels of different dimensions or with a spare
tire other than the one that came with the car. The use of different size wheels can seriously damage
your car's transmission.
WARNING! |
Installing the wheel
Clean the contact surfaces on the wheel and hub. Lift the wheel and place it on the
hub. Make sure that you align the wheel with the guide stud on the wheel hub prior
to installation. Install the wheel bolts crosswise (see illustration) and tighten by turning
lightly clockwise. Lower the vehicle to the ground and alternately tighten the bolts to
102 ft. lbs. (140 Nm). Install the wheel cap
(where applicable).
CAUTION: Correct tightening torque on wheel bolts must be observed. The wheel bolts should never be greased or lubricated. The extended, chromed wheel bolts must not be used with steel rims, as they make it impossible to fit the hub caps.
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