tires VOLVO XC90 2010 Owner´s Manual

07 Wheels and tires
Tire designations
07

173
1
2
3
4
5
6
12
11
10
8
79
G026442
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:
NOTE
Please be aware that the following tire des-
ignation is an example only and that this
particular tire may not be available on your
vehicle.
215: the width of the tire (in millimeters)
from sidewall edge to sidewall edge. The
larger the number, the wider the tire.
65: The ratio of the tire's height to its width.
R: Radial tire.
15: The diameter of the wheel rim (in
inches).
95: The tire's load index. In this example, a
load index of 95 equals a maximum load of
1521 lbs (690 kg).
H: The tire's speed rating, or the maximum
speed at which the tire is designed to be
driven for extended periods of time, carry-
ing a permissible load for the vehicle, and
with correct inflation pressure. For exam-
ple, 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.
M+S or M/
S = Mud and Snow; AT = All Terrain; AS =
All Season
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, 2501
means the 25th week of 2001. The num-
bers in between are marketing codes used
at the manufacturer's discretion. This infor-
mation helps a tire manufacturer identify a
tire for safety recall purposes.
Tire Ply Composition and Material Used:
Indicates the number of plies indicates or
the number of layers of rubber-coated fab-
ric in the tire tread and sidewall. Tire man-
ufacturers also must indicate the ply mate-
rials in the tire and the sidewall, which
include steel, nylon, polyester, and others.
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 located on the B-Pillar
or the driver's door for the correct tire pres-
sure for your vehicle.

07 Wheels and tires
Tire designations
07
174
Treadwear, Traction, and Temperature
grades: see page 177 for more informa-
tion.
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.
Tire suppliers may have additional markings,
notes or warnings such as standard load, radial
tubeless, etc.

07 Wheels and tires
Glossary of tire terminology
07
175
•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 num-
ber on the sidewall of each tire providing
information about the tire brand and man-
ufacturing plant, tire size and date of man-
ufacturer.
•Inflation pressure: A measure of the
amount of air in a tire.
•Standard load: A class of P-metric or Met-
ric 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 pres-
sure.
•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 perim-
eter 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 kilo-
grams that can be carried by the tire. This
rating is established by the tire manufac-
turer.
•Maximum permissible inflation pres-
sure: 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 vehicle, 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 infla-
tion placard(s) located on the driver's side
B-pillar 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 tem-
perature is normally reached after the vehi-
cle has been parked for at least 3 hours.

07 Wheels and tires
Vehicle loading
07
176
Properly loading your vehicle will provide maxi-
mum 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 informa-
tion placard.
Curb weightThe weight of the vehicle including a full tank
of fuel and all standard equipment. It does not
include passengers, cargo, or optional equip-
ment.
Capacity weightAll 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."
Permissible axle weightThe maximum allowable weight that can be
carried by a single axle (front or rear). Thesenumbers 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 + passen-
gers.
A table listing important weight limits for your
vehicle, is in chapter "Dimension and weights".
For the location of the various labels in your
vehicle, see page 264
Steps for Determining Correct Load
Limit
•Locate the statement "the combined
weight of occupants and cargo should
never exceed XXX pounds" on your vehi-
cle's placard.
•Determine the combined weight of the
driver and passengers that will be riding in
your vehicle.
•Subtract the combined weight of the driver
and passengers from XXX kilograms or
XXX pounds.
•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 five150 lb. passengers in your vehicle, the
amount of available cargo and luggage
load capacity is 650 lbs. (1400-750 (5 x
150) = 650 lbs.)
•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.
•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 over-
heating resulting in permanent defor-
mation 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 vehi-
cle's GVW rating. Replacement tires
with a higher limit than the originals do
not increase the vehicle's GVW rating
limitations.
1For "Towing a trailer" see page 153.

07 Wheels and tires
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
07
177
ALL PASSENGER VEHICLE TIRES MUST
CONFORM TO FEDERAL SAFETY
REQUIREMENTS IN ADDITION TO THESE
GRADES
Quality grades can be found, where appli-
cable, on the tire sidewall between the tread
shoulder and maximum section width. For
example:
Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature A
TREADWEARThe treadwear grade is a comparative rating
based on the wear rate of the tire when tested
under controlled conditions on a specified gov-
ernment test course. For example, a tire gra-
ded 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 signifi-
cantly from the norm due to variation in driving
habits, maintenance practices and differences
in road characteristics and climate.
TRACTIONThe traction grades, from highest to lowest, are
AA, A, B, and C, as measured under controlled
conditions on specified government test sur-
faces of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C
may have poor traction performance.
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.
TEMPERATUREThe temperature grades are AA (the highest),
A, B, and C, representing the tire's resistance
to the generation of heat and its ability to dis-
sipate heat when tested under controlled con-
ditions 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 corre-
sponds 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 per-
formance on the laboratory test wheel than the
minimum required by law.
WARNING
The temperature grade for this tire is estab-
lished for a tire that is properly inflated and
not overloaded. Excessive speed, under-
inflation, or excessive loading, either sepa-
rately or in combination, can cause heat
buildup and tire failure.

07 Wheels and tires
Snow chains, snow tires, studded tires
07
178
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.
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 duringcornering, braking, and accelerating. Fail-
ure 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 vehicle should be driven as smoothly
as possible to give the studs the opportu-
nity to seat properly in the tires. The tires
should have the same rotational direction
throughout their entire lifetime.
NOTE
Please consult state or provincial regula-
tions restricting the use of studded winter
tires before installing such tires.
1Where permitted

07 Wheels and tires
Temporary spare
07
179
The spare tire in your vehicle1 is called a "Tem-
porary 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 vehicle the temporary spare tire is used.
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 tem-
porary 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).
CAUTION
The vehicle must not be driven with wheels
of different dimensions or with a spare tire
other than the one that came with the vehi-
cle. The use of different size wheels can
seriously damage your vehicle's transmis-
sion.
1Not on models equipped with the Tire sealing system.

07 Wheels and tires
Changing wheels
07
180
G030879
Jack location in 7-seat models
Jack location in 5-seat models
Changing wheels
Location of jack, five-seat modelsThe jack is located to the right under the rear
hatch in the cargo area floor. Lift this hatch and
release the retaining strap to lift out the jack.
The rear section of the jack's crank and the tool
bag are stowed to the left under the hatch. The
front section of the crank is stored in the tool
bag. The tool bag also contains a tool forremoving certain optional wheel covers. Con-
sult your Volvo retailer.
NOTE
The rear section of the crank is enclosed in
a protective sleeve that should be slid off
before the crank is used. We recommend
reinserting the crank into this sleeve before
the crank is stowed.
If the vehicle is equipped with the optional gro-
cery bag holder: Fold up the rear section of the
cargo area floor, disconnect the grocery bag
holder's retaining cords and fold up the lower
section of the floor to access the tool bag.
Location of jack, seven-seat modelsThe jack is located in the center under the rear
hatch in the cargo area floor. Lift this hatch and
release the retaining strap to slide out the jack.
The rear section of the jack's crank and the tool
bag are stowed to the left under the hatch. The
front section of the crank is stored in the tool
bag.
The rear section of the crank is enclosed in a
protective sleeve that should be slid off before
the crank is used. We recommend reinserting
the crank into this sleeve before the crank is
stowed.

07 Wheels and tires
Changing wheels
07

181
If the vehicle is equipped with the optional gro-
cery bag holder: Fold up the rear section of the
cargo area floor, disconnect the grocery bag
holder's retaining cords and fold up the lower
section of the floor.
CAUTION
Seven-seat models: Do not store objects
in the area for the rear seat cushions (when
the backrests are to be folded down). This
could damage the cushions.
Lowering the spare wheelThe spare wheel is located under the floor of
the rear cargo compartment. It can be lowered
using the crank (see previous page for loca-
tion).
WARNING
When raising or lowering the spare wheel,
please keep in mind that components in the
exhaust system may be very hot.
To lower the spare wheel:1. Fold down the lower section of the tailgate.
2. Fold up the rear section of the floor in the
cargo compartment.3. Connect the two sections of the jack's
crank.
4. Insert the hooked end of the crank in the
spare wheel retaining attachment.
5. Lower the spare wheel under the vehicle by
turning the crank counterclockwise until it
is not possible to turn it further.
6. Pivot the toggle at the end of the cable 90
degrees to release it from the spare wheel
CAUTION
When the spare wheel is mounted on the
vehicle, the retaining cable could damage
the underside of the vehicle if it is not retrac-
ted.
7. Crank up the cable again by turning the
crank clockwise.
8. Place the wheel with the flat tire in the vehi-
cle's cargo compartment.
NOTE
The space under the vehicle is designed to
hold the special spare wheel only. Other full-
size wheels will not fit in this compartment.
G026996
Returning the spare wheel to the storage
compartment
1. Use the crank (turn it counterclockwise) to
lower the spare wheel's retaining cable.
2. Pass the toggle at the end of the cable
through the center hole in the spare wheel.
Pivot the toggle 90 degrees so that when
raised, the wheel will rest on the toggle.
3. Retract the retaining cable slightly by
slowly turning the crank clockwise several
times.
4. Position the wheel so that it is not obstruc-
ted by components in the exhaust system.

07 Wheels and tires
Changing wheels
07
182
5. Continue to raise the wheel by turning the
crank clockwise. Raise the wheel a little bit
at a time and guide it around the rear axle
until it is securely seated in the storage
area.
6. When it is no longer possible to turn the
crank any further, check that the spare
wheel is securely in position in the storage
compartment.
G026997
Jack attachment points
Jack attachmentsThere are two attachment points for the jack on
each side of the vehicle. These attachment
points are under the center of each door.
WARNING
There is an attachment point on each side
of the vehicle located under the pillars
between the front and rear doors. This point
is used during the production process only,
and is NOT intended for attaching the jack.
G020332
WARNING
The undersides of accessory running
boards are not intended for attaching the
jack.
Changing a wheel1. Park the vehicle on a firm, level, non-slip-
pery surface.
2. Engage the parking brake and put the gear
selector in the Park position.
3. Loosen the wheel bolts by exerting down-
ward pressure on the lug wrench.
4. Remove the wheel cover (where applica-
ble) using the lug wrench in the tool bag.
5. With the wheels still on the ground, use the
lug wrench to loosen the wheel bolts 1/2 – 1
turn. Turn the bolts counterclockwise to
loosen the bolts.
G027000
Attaching the jack