2 0 0 5
VOLVO
S80
| 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 101.
• 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 101. 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! - Under-inflation is the most common cause of tire failure and may result in severe tire cracking, tread separation, or "blowout," with unexpected loss of vehicle control and increased risk of injury. - Under-inflated tires reduce the load carrying capacity of your vehicle. |
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 101 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 890 lbs (400 kg)1 | ||
| Tire size | Front, psi (kPa) | Rear, psi (kPa) |
| S80 | ||
| 205/65R15 | 39 (270) | 39 (270) |
| 215/55R16 | 39 (270) | 39 (270) |
| 225/50R17 | 39 (270) | 39 (270) |
| 235/45R17 SSRFT2 | 39 (270) | 39 (270) |
| 235/40R18 | 39 (270) | 39 (270) |
| Temporary spare tire T125/80R17 | 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 103 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). psi (kPa) | ||
| Tire size | Front, psi (kPa) | Rear, psi (kPa) |
| S80 | ||
| 205/65R15 | 32 (220) | 30 (210) |
| 215/55R16 | 32 (220) | 30 (210) |
| 225/50R17 | 32 (220) | 30 (210) |
| 235/45R17 RFT (SST) | - | - |
| 235/40R18 | 35 (240) | 35 (240) |
| Temporary spare tire T125/80R17 | 61 (420) | 61 (420) |
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.
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 101, 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 101).
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.
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 107 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 determining 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 89.
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 144.
• A table listing important weight limits for your vehicle can be found on page 145.
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 89.
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 should 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, service 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 car 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 tire, 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.
• 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! |
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.
Changing wheels
The spare wheel is located under the carpet on the trunk floor. The jack and crank are
secured in the wheel recess.
There are two jack attachment points on each side of the car.
To change a wheel:
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).
Installing the wheel
WARNING! · The jack must correctly engage the bar in the jack attachment (A). The car's weight must not rest on the jack attachment (B). See illustration on page 110. · Be sure the jack is on a firm, level, non-slippery surface. · Never allow any part of your body to be extended under a car supported by a jack. · Use the jack intended for the car when replacing a wheel. For any other job, use stands to support the side of the car being worked on. · Apply the parking brake and put the gear selector in the (P)ark position. · Block the wheels standing on the ground, use rigid wooden blocks or large stones. · The jack should be kept well-greased |
