tires VOLVO C70 CONVERTIBLE 2007 Owner´s Manual

2007 Volvo C70
You should replace the spare tire when you replace the other road tires \
due to the aging of the spare.
A tire's age can be determined by the DOT stamp on the sidewall (see th\
e illustration above).
A tire with e.g., visible cracks or discoloration should be replaced imm\
ediately.
Improving tire economy
l Maintain correct tire pressure. See the tire pressure tables on pages 156 and 157.
l Drive smoothly: avoid fast starts, hard braking and tire screeching.
l Tire wear increases with speed.
l Correct front wheel alignment is very important.
l Unbalanced wheels impair tire economy and driving comfort.
l Tires must maintain the same direction of rotation throughout their life\
time.
l 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.
l Hitting curbs or potholes can damage the tires and/or wheels permanently\
.
154 07 Wheels and tires
Tire inflation
Tire inflation
Check tire inflation pressure regularly.
Tables listing the recommended inflation pressure for your vehicle can b\
e found on
pages 156 and 157. A
file:///K|/delme/2007_C70/07c70_07.htm (4 of 30)12/22/2006 9:15:51 PM

2007 Volvo C70
tire inflation pressure placard is also located on the driver's side Bpi\
llar (the structural member at the side
of the vehicle, at the rear of the driver's door opening). This placard\
indicates the designation of the
factory-mounted tires on your vehicle, as well as load limits and inflat\
ion pressure.
NOTE
The placards shown indicate inflation pressure for the tires installed o\
n the car at the factory
only.
l Use a tire gauge to check the tire inflation pressure, including the spa\
re, at least once a month and
before long trips. You are strongly urged to buy a reliable tire pressur\
e gauge, as automatic service station
gauges may be inaccurate.
l Use the recommended cold inflation pressure for optimum tire performance\
and wear.
l Under-inflation or over-inflation may cause uneven treadwear patterns.
WARNING
l 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 in\
creased risk of injury.
l Under-inflated tires reduce the load carrying capacity of your vehicle. \
When weather temperature changes occur, tire inflation pressures also ch\
ange. A 10- degree temperature
drop causes a corresponding drop of 1 psi (7 kPa) in inflation pressur\
e. 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
file:///K|/delme/2007_C70/07c70_07.htm (5 of 30)12/22/2006 9:15:51 PM

2007 Volvo C70
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 a\
t least 3 hours.
155 07 Wheels and tires
Tire inflation
After driving a distance of approximately 1 mile (1.6 km), the tires a\
re considered to be hot. If you have
to drive farther than this distance to pump your tire(s), check and re\
cord 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 col\
d pressures. A hot tire at or
below recommended cold inflation pressure could be significantly under-i\
nflated.
To check inflation pressure
1. Remove the cap from the valve on one tire, then firmly press the tire\
gauge onto the valve.
2. Add air to reach the recommended air pressure
3. Replace the valve cap.
4. Repeat this procedure for each tire, including the spare.
5. Visually inspect the tires to make sure there are no nails or other o\
bjects embedded that could puncture
the tire and cause an air leak.
6. Check the sidewalls to make sure there are no gouges, cuts, bulges or\
other irregularities.
NOTE
l If you overfill the tire, release air by pushing on the metal stem in th\
e center of the valve. Then
recheck the pressure with your tire gauge.
l Some spare tires require higher inflation pressure than the other tires.\
Consult the tire inflation tables
on
pages 156 and 157 or see the inflation pressure placard.
file:///K|/delme/2007_C70/07c70_07.htm (6 of 30)12/22/2006 9:15:51 PM

2007 Volvo C70
156 07 Wheels and tires
Tire inflation
Tire inflation pressure tables - U.S. models
The following tire pressures are 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.
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 158 for an explanation of the designations on the sidewall of the tire.
The following tire pressures are 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.
file:///K|/delme/2007_C70/07c70_07.htm (7 of 30)12/22/2006 9:15:51 PM

2007 Volvo C70
157 07 Wheels and tires
Tire inflation
Tire inflation pressure table - Canadian models
The following tire pressures are 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
158 07 Wheels and tires
Tire designations
file:///K|/delme/2007_C70/07c70_07.htm (8 of 30)12/22/2006 9:15:51 PM

2007 Volvo C70
Federal law mandates that tire manufacturers place standardized informat\
ion 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 desi\
gnation):
1. 215: the width of the tire (in millimeters) from sidewall edge to sidewal\
l 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 ma\
ximum load of 1521 lbs (690
kg).
6. H: The tire's speed rating, or the maximum speed at which the tire is des\
igned to be driven for extended
periods of time, carrying a permissible load for the vehicle, and with c\
orrect 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 b\
y
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 ar\
e the plant code where it was
manufactured, the next two are the tire size code and the last four numb\
ers represent the week and year
the tire was built. For example, the numbers 317 mean the 31st week of 1\
997. After 2000 the numbers go
to four digits. For example, 2501 means the 25th week of 2001. The numbe\
rs in between are marketing
codes used at the manufacturer's discretion. This information helps a ti\
re 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 manu\
facturers also must indicate the ply
materials in the tire and the sidewall, which include steel, nylon, poly\
ester, and others.
file:///K|/delme/2007_C70/07c70_07.htm (9 of 30)12/22/2006 9:15:51 PM

2007 Volvo C70
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 certificat\
ion label, located on the B-Pillar or
the driver's door or on the inside of the fuel filler door on Canadian m\
odels, for the correct tire pressure
for your vehicle.
11. Treadwear, Traction, and Temperature grades: See
page 163 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.
159 07 Wheels and tires
Tire designations
The tire suppliers may have additional markings, notes or warnings such \
as standard load, radial tubeless,
etc.
160 07 Wheels and tires
Glossary of tire terminology
Tire terminology
l Tire information placard: A placard showing the OE (Original Equipment) tire sizes, recommende\
d
inflation pressure, and the maximum weight the vehicle can carry.
l 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 manufactur\
er.
l Inflation pressure: A measure of the amount of air in a tire.
l Standard load: A class of P-metric or Metric tires designed to carry a maximum load a\
t 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.
l Extra load: A class of P-metric or Metric tires designed to carry a heavier maximu\
m load at 41 psi [43
psi (2.9 bar) for Metric tires]. Increasing the inflation pressure bey\
ond this pressure will not increase the
tires load carrying capability.
l kPa: Kilopascal, a metric unit of air pressure.
l PSI: Pounds per square inch, a standard unit of air pressure.
l B-pillar: The structural member at the side of the vehicle behind the front door\
.
l Bead area of the tire: Area of the tire next to the rim.
l Sidewall of the tire: Area between the bead area and the tread.
l Tread area of the tire: Area of the perimeter of the tire that contacts the road when mounted \
on the
vehicle.
file:///K|/delme/2007_C70/07c70_07.htm (10 of 30)12/22/2006 9:15:51 PM\

2007 Volvo C70
l Rim: The metal support (wheel) for a tire or a tire and tube assembly upo\
n which the tire beads are
seated.
l 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\
.
l 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.
l 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 inflati\
on 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 infla\
tion table in this chapter.
l Cold tires: The tires are considered to be cold when they have the same temperatur\
e as the surrounding
(ambient) air. This temperature is normally reached after the car has \
been parked for at least 3 hours.
161 07 Wheels and tires
Vehicle loading
Vehicle loading
Properly loading your vehicle will provide maximum return of vehicle des\
ign performance.
Before loading your vehicle, familiarize yourself with the following ter\
ms for determining your vehicle's
weight ratings, with or without a trailer, from the vehicle's Federal/Ca\
nadian Motor Vehicle Safety
Standards (FMVSS/ CMVSS) label, and the vehicle's tire information pla\
card:
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 equipm\
ent. When towing, trailer hitch
tongue load is also part of cargo weight.
NOTE
For trailer towing information, please refer to the section "Towing a tr\
ailer" on
page
146.
file:///K|/delme/2007_C70/07c70_07.htm (11 of 30)12/22/2006 9:15:51 PM\

2007 Volvo C70
Permissible axle weight
The maximum allowable weight that can be carried by a single axle (fron\
t or rear). These numbers are
shown on the Federal/Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS/CMV\
SS) 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
l The location of the various labels in your vehicle can be found on page 235.
l A table listing important weight limits for your vehicle can be found on\
page
237.
Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit
1. Locate the statement ''the combined weight of occupants and cargo sho\
uld 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 ki\
lograms 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. passe\
ngers 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 th\
e vehicle. That weight may not
safely exceed the available cargo and luggage load capacity calculated i\
n 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
1See "Towing a trailer" on page 146.
162 07 Wheels and tires
Vehicle loading
file:///K|/delme/2007_C70/07c70_07.htm (12 of 30)12/22/2006 9:15:51 PM\

2007 Volvo C70
cargo and luggage load capacity of your vehicle.
WARNING
l Exceeding the permissible axle weight, gross vehicle weight, or any othe\
r weight rating limits can
cause tire overheating resulting in permanent deformation or catastrophi\
c failure.
l Do not use replacement tires with lower load carrying capacities than th\
e tires that were original
equipment on the vehicle because this will lower the vehicle's GVW ratin\
g. Replacement tires with a
higher limit than the originals do not increase the vehicle's GVW rating\
limitations.
163 07 Wheels and tires
Uniform tire quality gradings
Uniform tire quality gradings
ALL PASSENGER VEHICLE TIRES MUST CONFORM TO FEDERAL SAFETY
REQUIREMENTS IN ADDITION TO THESE GRADES
Quality grades can be found, where applicable, on the tire sidewall betw\
een 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 th\
e 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) tim\
es 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, m\
aintenance practices and
differences in road characteristics and climate.
TRACTION
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A, B, and C, as mea\
sured under controlled conditions
on specified government test surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire ma\
rked C may have poor traction
performance.
file:///K|/delme/2007_C70/07c70_07.htm (13 of 30)12/22/2006 9:15:51 PM\