Introduction
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).
CAUTION
Some Volvo models are equipped with an
Ultra High Performance tire and wheel combination
designed to provide maximum dry
pavement performance with consideration
for hydroplaning resistance. They may be
more susceptible to road hazard damage
and, depending on driving conditions, may
achieve a tread life of less than 20,000 miles
(30,000 km). Even if this vehicle is equipped
with Volvo’s advanced AWD or DSTC system,
these tires are not designed for winter
driving, and should be replaced with winter
tires when weather 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 have been 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 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.
New Tires
Remember that tires are perishable goods. As of 2000, the manufacturing week and year (Department of Transportation (DOT) stamp) will be indicated with 4 digits (e.g., 1510 means that the tire illustrated was manufactured during week 15 of 2010).
Tire age
Tires degrade over time, even when they are
not being used. It is recommended that tires
generally be replaced after 6 years of normal
service. Heat caused by hot climates, frequent
high loading conditions or Ultra Violet (U.V)
exposure can accelerate the aging process.
The temporary spare1 should also be replaced at 6-year intervals, 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.
Improving tire economy
• Maintain correct tire pressure.
• 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.
Summer and winter tires
The arrows shows the direction of rotation of the tire
• When switching between summer and
winter tires, mark the tires to indicate
where they were mounted on the car, e.g.,
LF = left front, RR = right rear
• Tires with tread designed to roll in only one
direction are marked with an arrow on the
sidewall.
• Incorrectly mounted tires impair the car's
braking properties and ability to force
aside rain, snow and slush.
• The tires with the most tread should always
be at the rear (to reduce the risk of skidding).
• Contact a Volvo workshop if you are
unsure about the tread depth.
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.
CAUTION
Tires should preferably be stored in a cool,
dry, dark place, and should never be stored
in close proximity to solvents, gasoline, oils,
etc.
WARNING
• The wheel and tire sizes for your Volvo
are specified to meet stringent stability
and handling requirements. Unapproved
wheel/tire size combinations
can negatively affect your vehicle's stability
and handling.
• Any damage caused by installation of
unapproved wheel/tire size combinations
will not be covered by your new
vehicle warranty. Volvo assumes no
responsibility for death, injury, or
expenses that may result from such
installations.
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