inflation pressure VOLVO C70 2006 Owners Manual

At highway driving speeds, fuel consumption will be lower with the air conditioning on and the windows closed
than with the air conditioning off and the windows open.
Using the onboard trip computer's fuel consumption modes can help you learn how to drive more economically.
Other factors that decrease gas mileage are:
Dirty air cleaner
Dirty engine oil and clogged oil filter
Dragging brakes
Incorrect front end alignment
Some of the above mentioned items and others are checked at the standard maintenance intervals.
Weight distribution affects handling
At the specified curb weight your vehicle has a tendency to understeer, which means that the steering wheel has to be
turned more than might seem appropriate for the curvature of a bend. This ensures good stability and reduces the risk
of rear wheel skid. Remember that these properties can alter with the vehicle load. The heavier the load in the cargo
area, the less the tendency to understeer.
WARNING!
Driving with the trunk open : Driving with the trunk open could lead to poisonous exhaust gases entering the
passenger compartment. If the trunk must be kept open for any reason,
Close the windows
Set the ventilation system control to air flow to floor, windshield and side windows and the blower control to its
highest setting.
CAUTION!
Drive slowly and carefully if going through standing water (i.e. flooded roadways, etc.). Damage to the engine could
result if excess water is drawn in through the air intake system. Never drive the vehicle in water deeper than 18
inches (48 cm).
Handling, roadholding
Vehicle load, tire design and inflation pressure all affect vehicle handling. Therefore, check that the tires are inflated to
pg. 99 Starting and driving
General information
the recommended pressure according to the vehicle load. See the "Tire pressure" section. Loads should be distributed
so that capacity weight or maximum permissible axle loads are not exceeded.
Cold weather precautions
If you wish to check your vehicle before the approach of cold weather, the following advice is worth noting:
Make sure that the engine coolant contains 50 percent antifreeze. Any other mixture will reduce freeze protection.
This gives protection against freezing down to -31°F (-35°C). See section "Coolant". The use of "recycled" antifreeze
is not approved by Volvo. Different types of antifreeze must not be mixed.
Volvo recommends using only genuine Volvo antifreeze in your vehicle's radiator.
Try to keep the fuel tank well filled - this prevents the formation of condensation in the tank. In addition, in
extremely cold weather conditions it is worthwhile to add fuel line de -icer before refueling.
The viscosity of the engine oil is important. Oil with low viscosity (thinner oil) improves cold-weather starting as
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2 0 0 6
VOLVO C70
Chapter 8 - Wheels and tires
pg. 125 Wheels and tires
General information 126
Tire inflation128
Tire inflation pressure tables130
Tire designations131
Glossary of tire terminology132
Vehicle loading133
Uniform Tire Quality Grading134
Wheel nuts136
Tire rotation137
Changing a wheel138
Tire sealing system141
pg. 126 Wheels and tires
General information
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.
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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
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 130
.
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. 127 Wheels and tires
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).
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.
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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:
Maintain correct tire pressure. See the tire pressure table on page 130.
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.
pg. 128 Wheels and tires
Tire inflation
Tire inflation
Check tire inflation pressure regularly.
A table listing the recommended inflation pressure for your vehicle can be found on page 130
. 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.
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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. 129 Wheels and tires
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:
Remove the cap from the valve on one tire, then firmly press the tire gauge onto the valve.
Add air to reach the recommended air pressure
Replace the valve cap.
Repeat this procedure for each tire, including the spare.
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.
Check the sidewalls to make sure there are no gouges, cuts, bulges or other irregularities.
NOTE:
If you overfill the tire, release air by pushing on the metal stem in the center of the valve. Then recheck the pressure
with your tire gauge.
Some spare tires require higher inflation pressure than the other tires. Consult the tire inflation table on page 130 or
see the inflation pressure placard.
pg. 130 Wheels and tires
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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.
Load ratings
The load ratings in the tables above translate as follows:
91 = 1365 lbs (615 kg), 93 = 1433 lbs (650 kg), 99 = 1709 lbs (755 kg)
Speed ratings
The speed ratings in the tables translate as follows:
M = 81 mph (130 km/h), V= 149 mph (240 km/h), W= 168 mph (270 km/h)
See also page 131
for an explanation of the designations on the sidewall of the tire.
pg. 131 Wheels and tires
Tire designations
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Tire designations
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 134
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. 132 Wheels and tires
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
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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 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. 133 Wheels and tires
Vehicle loading
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 120
.
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.
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Your vehicle is equipped with a tire sealing system that enables you to temporarily seal a hole in the tread surface and
re-inflate a flat tire, or to adjust a tire's inflation pressure.
The tire sealing kit is stowed behind the ski hatch in the center of the rear seat backrest.
The jack, and lug wrench are secured in a foam plastic block located under the floor panel in the trunk.
The system consists of an air compressor, an integrated container for the sealing compound, wiring to connect the
system to the vehicle's electrical system via one of the 12-volt sockets, and a hose used to connect the system to the
tire's inflation valve.
NOTE:
The tire sealing system is only intended to seal holes on the tire's tread area, not the sidewall.
Tires with large holes or tears cannot be repaired with the tire sealing system.
WARNING!
After using the tire sealing system, the vehicle should not be driven farther than approximately 120 miles (200
km). Have the tire replaced as soon as possible.
The vehicle should not be driven faster than 50 mph (80 km/h) while using a tire that has been temporarily
repaired with the tire sealing system.
After using the tire sealing system, drive carefully and avoid abrupt steering maneuvers and sudden stops.
pg. 142 Wheels and tires
Tire sealing system
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Temporarily repairing a flat tire
Before using the tire sealing system, observe the following:
WARNING!
Never leave the tire sealing system unattended when it is operating.
Keep the tire sealing system kit away from children.
The vehicle's engine should be running when the tire sealing system is used to avoid battery drain. Therefore, be
sure the vehicle is parked in a well ventilated place before using the system.
Be sure the vehicle is parked safely off the road and away from moving traffic.
Apply the parking brake.
Do not remove any foreign objects (nails, etc.) from the tire.
Temporarily repairing a flat tire is done in two stages.
In the first stage, the hole is sealed by pumping sealing compound into the tire. The car is then driven a short
distance to distribute the sealing compound in the tire.
In the second stage, the tire's inflation pressure is checked and adjusted if necessary.
Stage 1: Sealing the hole
Peel off the speed limit sticker (1) and affix it to the steering wheel hub where it will be clearly visible to the driver.
Ensure that the orange switch (2) is in position 0 (the 0 side of the switch should be pressed down).
Pull out the electrical wire (5) and hose (4) from the side compartment (3).
Remove the valve cap from the tire's inflation valve and screw the hose connector onto the valve as tightly as
possible by hand.
Connect the electrical wire to the nearest 12-volt socket in the vehicle.
Release the safety catch (6) and turn the orange colored section of the sealing kit (7), which holds the sealing
compound container, 90 degrees until it clicks into the vertical position.
Start the vehicle's engine.
Start the tire sealing system's compressor by pressing the switch (2) to position I.
NOTE: The air pressure gauge (9) will temporarily show an increase in pressure to approximately 88 psi (6 bar) while
the sealing compound is being pumped into the tire. The pressure should return to a normal level after approximately
one minute.
pg. 143 Wheels and tires
Tire sealing system
WARNING!
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