2 0 0 6
VOLVO
S60
| Wheels and tires |
| General information | 112 |
| Tire inflation pressure tables | 116 |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) - option on certain U.S. models only | 117 |
| Changing tires | 118 |
| Tire designations | 119 |
| Glossary of tire terminology | 120 |
| Vehicle loading | 121 |
| Uniform Tire Quality Grading | 122 |
| Snow chains, snow tires, studded tires | 123 |
| Temporary Spare | 124 |
| Changing wheels | 125 |
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.
Storing wheels and tires
When storing complete wheels (tires mounted
on rims), they should be suspended off the floor
or placed on their sides on the floor.
Tires not mounted on rims should be stored on
their sides or standing upright, but should not be
suspended.
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.
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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).
Tire age
Tires degrade over time, even when they are not
being used, which can affect their reliability and
roadholding characteristics. Therefore, all tires
older than 6 years (including the spare tire and
winter tires) should be inspected by a qualified
technician, regardless of appearance or
mileage. Heat caused by hot climates or
frequent high loading conditions can accelerate
the aging process.
A tire's age can be determined by the DOT stamp on the sidewall (see the illustration above).
A tire with e.g., visible cracks or discoloration should be replaced immediately.
Improving tire economy:
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 116. 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.
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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:
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.
Optional tire pressure. These inflation pressures may only be used when the vehicle is not fully loaded.
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.
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When low inflation pressure is detected, TPMS
will light up the tire pressure warning light
(
) (also referred to as a telltale) 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.
NOTE: If a fault occurs in TPMS, the tire pressure warning light will flash for approximately 1 minute and TIRE PRESS SYST SERVICE REQUIRED will be displayed.
Each tire, including the spare (if provided), should be checked monthly when cold and inflated to the inflation pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer on the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label. (If your vehicle has tires of a different size than the size indicated on the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label, you should consult the appropriate section of this owner's manual to determine the proper tire inflation pressure.) When the low tire pressure telltale is illuminated, 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. 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. Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS malfunction telltale to indicate when the system is not operating properly. When the malfunction telltale is illuminated, the system may not be able to detect or signal low tire pressure as intended. TPMS malfunctions may occur for a variety of reasons, including the installation of incompatible replacement tires on the vehicle. Always check the TPMS malfunction telltale after replacing one or more tires on your vehicle to ensure that the replacement tires are compatible with the TPMS.
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 116, 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 116).
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.
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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.
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.
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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 122 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
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 103.
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:
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.
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1. See "Towing a trailer" on page 103 WARNING!
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,
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.
The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on braking (straight-ahead) traction tests and is not a measure of cornering (turning) traction. |
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.
The temperature grade for this tire is established for a tire that is properly inflated and not overloaded. Excessive speed, under-inflation, or excessive loading, either separately or in combination, can cause heat buildup and tire failure. |
Snow chains
Snow chains can be used on your Volvo with
the following restrictions:
NOTE: Consult your Volvo retailer for additional snow chain information.
Snow tires, studded tires 1
Tires for winter use:
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.
Current legislation prohibits the use of the "Temporary Spare" tire other than as a temporary replacement for a punctured tire. It must be replaced as soon as possible by a standard tire. Road holding and handling may be affected with the "Temporary Spare" in use. Do not exceed 50 mph (80 km/h). Do not drive farther than 50 miles (80 km) on a temporary spare tire. |
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 (see illustration on next page).
To change a wheel:
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.
Locking wheel bolts can be used on both aluminum and steel wheels. If hub caps are used on steel wheels, the locking wheel bolt should be mounted in the hole as far from the tire's inflation valve as possible. It would otherwise not be possible to mount the hub cap on the 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
The jack must correctly engage the bar in the
jack attachment. The car's weight must not
rest on the jack attachment. See illustration
"Attaching the jack" above. |
WARNING!