warning VOLVO S40 2006 Owner's Guide
Page 74 of 127
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.
Tread wear indicator
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. 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. Approved tire
sizes  are shown in the Tire inflation pressure tables on page 124
.
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.
pg. 121 General information
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. 1502 means that the tire illustrated was manufactured
during week 15 of 2002).
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Tire inflation placard on Canadian  models
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.
pg. 123 Tire inflation
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.
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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 128
 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.
pg. 126 Glossary of tire terminology
The tire suppliers may have additional markings, notes or warnings such as standard load, radial tubeless, etc.
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.
pg. 127 Vehicle loading
Vehicle loading
Properly  loading your vehicle will provide maximum return of vehicle design performance.
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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 115
.
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 176.
 A table  listing  important weight limits for your vehicle can be  found on page 177.
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
manual
1 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 115
.
pg. 128 Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
ALL PASSENGER  VEHICLE TIRES  MUST CONFORM TO  FEDERAL SAFETY  REQUIREMENTS IN
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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. The traction
grade assigned  to this  tire is based on braking (straight-ahead) traction tests and  is not a  measure of cornering (turning)
traction.WARNING!
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. WARNING!
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.
pg. 129 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.
CAUTION!
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 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 tires
1
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
pg. 130 Temporary Spare
Temporary spare
The spare tire in your vehicle 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!
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 m.p.h. (80 km/h). Do not drive farther than 50 miles (80 km) on
a  temporary spare tire.
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.
pg. 131 Wheel nuts
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Low and high wheel nuts
Wheel nuts
There are two different  types of wheel nut, depending on whether the wheels are steel or aluminum.
Steel rims  - low nut
Steel rims are normally secured using the low type of nut, although steel rims may also use the high type. WARNING!
Never  use the short type of nut for aluminium wheels. This could cause the wheel to come loose.
Aluminum wheels - high nut
Only the high type of nut can be  used for aluminum wheels. This is considerably different  from  other types of nut
because it has a  rotating conical thrust washer.
NOTE: This nut can also be  used on steel wheels.
Lockable  wheel  nut
If steel wheels with lockable wheel nuts are used in combination with wheel covers, the lockable wheel nut must  be
fitted to the stud nearest the air valve. The wheel cover cannot otherwise be  installed on the wheel.
pg. 132 Tire rotation
Tire rotation
The arrow  shows  the direction of rotation of the tire
Summer and winter tires
 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
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7. Raise the vehicle until the wheel to be  changed is lifted off the ground.
8. Unscrew the wheel bolts  completely  and  carefully remove the wheel so as not to damage the threads on the studs.
pg. 134 Changing a wheel
WARNING!
The jack must  correctly engage the jack attachment.
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 changing a  tire. For any  other job, use stands to support the car.
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.
Installing the wheel
1. Clean the contact surfaces on the wheel and  hub.
2. Lift the wheel and  place it on the hub.
3. Install the wheel nuts and  tighten hand -tight. Using the lug wrench,  tighten crosswise until all nuts are snug.
4. Lower the vehicle to the ground and  alternately tighten the bolts  crosswise to 62 ft. lbs. (85 Nm). 
5. Install the wheel cap (where applicable).
Returning the jack and spare wheel  to the storage space
1. Crank  the jack (1) down approximately halfway until the mark on the washer (2) aligns with the mark on the jack's
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When washing or steam cleaning the engine, avoid spraying  water or steam directly on the electrical components or
toward the rear side of the engine. Special  moonroof  cautions:
Always close the moonroof  and  sun shade before washing your vehicle.
Never  use abrasive cleaning agents on the moonroof.
Never  use wax on the rubber seals  around the moonroof.
Automatic washing  - simple and quick
 We do NOT recommend washing your car in an  automatic  wash during the first six months  (because the paint will
not have hardened sufficiently).
 An automatic  wash is a  simple and  quick way to clean your car, but it is worth remembering that it may not be  as
thorough as when you yourself go over the car with sponge and  water. Keeping the underbody clean is most  important,
pg. 137 Washing and cleaning the car
especially in the winter. Some automatic  washers do not have facilities  for washing the underbody.
CAUTION!
Before driving into an  automatic  carwash, turn off the optional rain sensor to avoid damaging  the windshield wipers.
Make sure that side view  mirrors,  auxiliary lamps, etc, are secure, and  that any  antenna(s) are retracted or removed.
Otherwise there is risk of the machine dislodging them.
WARNING!
When the car is driven immediately after being washed, apply the brakes several times in order to remove any
moisture from  the brake linings.
Engine cleaning agents should not be  used when the engine is warm. This constitutes a  fire risk.
Polishing  and Waxing
 Normally, polishing is not required during the first year after delivery, however,  waxing  may be  beneficial.
 Before applying polish  or wax the vehicle must  be  washed and  dried. Tar spots can be  removed with kerosene or tar
remover. Difficult  spots may require a  fine rubbing compound.
 After polishing use liquid or paste wax.
 Several commercially available products  contain  both polish  and  wax.
 Waxing alone does not substitute for polishing a  dull surface.
 A wide  range of polymer-based waxes can be  purchased today. These waxes are easy to use and  produce a  long-
lasting, high-gloss finish that protects the bodywork against oxidation, road dirt and  fading.
 Do not polish  or wax your vehicle in direct sunlight (the surface  of the vehicle should not be  warmer than 113° F
(45° C).
CAUTION!
Volvo does not recommend the use of long-life or durable paint protection coatings, some of which  may claim to
prevent pitting, fading, oxidation, etc. These coatings have not been tested by Volvo for compatibility with your
vehicle's clear  coat. Some of them may cause the clear  coat to soften,  crack, or cloud. Damage caused by application
of paint protection coatings may not be  covered under your vehicle's paint warranty.
pg. 138 Washing and cleaning the car
Upholstery care
Fabric
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Opening the hood
To open  the hood:
 Pull the lever located under the left side of the dash to release the hood lock.
 Lift the hood slightly.
 Press up the release control located under the front  edge of the hood (at the center) up to the right, and  lift the hood.
WARNING!
Check that the hood locks engage properly when closed.
Engine  compartment
1. Cooling system expansion tank
2. Power steering fluid reservoir
3. Dipstick - engine oil
4. Radiator
5. Cooling fan
6. Washer fluid reservoir
7. Engine oil filler  cap
8. Brake/clutch fluid reservoir
9. Battery
10. Relay/fuse box
11. Air cleaner  
WARNING!
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