snow chains VOLVO C70 1998 Owners Manual

Chapter 5 - Wheels and tires
pg. 75 Wheels and tires
Wheels and tires

The handling and riding comfort of the vehicle is dependent on the inflation pressure and the type of tires fitted. Read
the following pages carefully.
General information, Wear indicator, Tire economy, Flat spots
76
Snow chains, Winter tires77
Inflation pressure78
Uniform tire quality grading79
pg. 76 Wheels and tires
General information

Your vehicle is equipped with tires according to the tire information label located on the rear facing side of the
right front door.
The following is an example of a tire designation code 225/50R16:
225 = tire width in mm.
50 = tire profile. This is the relationship (in percent) between the section height and the width of the tire.
R = radial tires.
16 = diameter in inches.
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 winter roadholding 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 road-holding 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.
Wear indicator
The tires have a so-called "wear indicator" in the form of a number of narrow strips running across or parallel to the
tread. When approx. 1/16" (1.6 mm) is left on the tread, these strips show up and indicate that the tire should be
replaced.
Tires with less than 1/16" (1.6 mm) tread have a very poor grip in rain or snow.
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.
To improve tire economy:
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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.
If the wheels are rotated, they should be kept on the same side of the car so that they revolve in the same direction
as prior to rotation.
Hitting curbs or potholes can damage the tires and/or wheels permanently.
Flat spots
All tires become warm during use. After cooling, when the vehicle is parked, the tires have a tendency to distort
slightly, forming flat spots. These flat spots can cause vibrations similar to the vibrations caused by unbalanced wheels.
They do, however, disappear when the tire warms up. The degree to which the flat spots form depends on the type of
cord used in the tire. Remember that, in cold weather, it takes longer for the tire to warm up and consequently longer
for the flat spot to disappear.
CAUTION: The car must not be driven with wheels of different dimensions. The use of different size wheels can
seriously damage your car's transmission.
pg. 77 Wheels and tires (cont.)
Snow chains

Snow tire 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.
Snow chains may be mounted on tire dimension 195/65R15. Tire dimension 205/55R16 requires a special type of
snow chain. Consult your Volvo retailer. Snow chains may not be used on 205/55R16 tires.
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. Snow chains cannot be used on those turbo-charged models fitted
with all-season tires 225/50R16 or 225/45R17 or 225/40R18. 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.
Consult your Volvo retailer for additional snow chain information.
CAUTION:
Check local regulations regarding the use of snow chains before installing.
Always follow the chains manufacturer's installation instructions carefully. Install chains as tightly as possible and
re-tighten periodically.
Never exceed the chain manufacture's specified maximum speed limit. (Under no circumstances should that limit
be higher than 30 mph (45 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 *
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
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pg. 188 Index
A
ABS........................................17Air conditioning...........................35Air mix....................................33Air vents..................................33Airbag (SIPS)...............................8Airbag (SRS)................................4Alarm......................................44Ambient temperature sensor.................25Anti -lock Brake System (ABS).........17, 19,70Ashtrays...................................31Audio systems
General information.....................184
SC-813..................................132 SC-816..................................145 SC-900..................................161Auto -dim (rear -view mirror)................48Automatic car washing.....................103Automatic daytime running lights...........24Automatic transmission...........61,62,63,127 Driving mode selector....................62Automatic transmission fluid..........117,124
B
Battery................................72,128Battery drain - avoiding...................54Battery maintenance.......................122Booster cushion............................11Brake failure warning light.............17,18Brake fluid...........................116,124Brake fluid warning light..................18Brake system...............................70Brake warning light........................17Break -in period............................56Bulb failure warning....................17,19Bulbs.....................................128Bulbs - replacing..........................85
C
Capacities................................127Catalytic converter........................69Central locking button.....................36Chains (snow)..............................77Changing a wheel...........................82Child booster cushion......................11Child Restraint Anchorages..................9Child safety...............................11Clock......................................16Clock - resetting..........................25Clutch fluid..............................116Coolant - checking/changing...............120Coolant level sensor.......................19Coolant level warning light................17Cooling system.........................64,126Courtesy lights - front....................49Cruise control.............................29
D
Daytime running lights..................20,24Demister - rear window.....................23Dimensions................................129Distributor ignition system...............126Doors and locks............................42Drive belt................................118Driving economy............................58
E
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SIPS........................................8Snow chains................................77Snow tires.................................77Spare tire..............................53,84Spark plugs...............................126Spark plugs - replacing...................110Specifications............................123SRS.....................................5,6,7SRS (airbag)................................4SRS diagnostic system......................19SRS warning light.....................5,17,19Starting the engine........................59Steering wheel adjustment..................32Steering wheel lock........................21Storage compartments.......................40Studded tires..............................77Sun roof................................23,41Supplemental Restraint System (SRS).........4
T
Tachometer.................................16Temperature gauge..........................16Temporary spare tire.......................84Three -way catalytic converter..............69Tire pressure..............................78Tires - changing...........................82Towing..................................66,67Towing a trailer...........................71Traction Control System (TRACS)......17,19,23Trailer towing.............................71Trip computer.....................23,26,27,28Trip odometer..............................16Trunk - opening/locking....................52Trunk light................................53Turn signals............................17,20
U
Uniform tire quality grading...............79Upholstery - cleaning.....................104
V
Vanity mirrors.............................49Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).......106Vehicle loading...........................127Volvo On Call.............................130
W
Warning flashers...........................23Warning lights..........................18,19Warranty..................................107Washer fluid level.........................17Washer fluid reservoir....................119Washing...................................102Waxing....................................103Weights...................................129Wheel changing..........................82,83Wheels and tires...........................76Windows - electrically-operated............36Windshield washer nozzles.................119Windshield washers/wipers..................21Windshield wiper blades - replacing........95Winter driving.............................72

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