VOLVO S40 2008 Owners Manual

11. Treadwear, Traction, and Temperature grades: See page 179 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.
175 07 Wheels and tires
Tire designations
The tire suppliers may have additional markings, notes or warnings such as standard load, radial tubeless, etc.
176 07 Wheels and tires
Glossary of tire terminology
Glossary of tire terminology
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.
177 07 Wheels and tires
Vehicle loading
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Loading the vehicle
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 154
.
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 249.
A table listing important weight limits for your vehicle can be found on page 251.
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
1See "Towing a trailer" on page 154.
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178 07 Wheels and tires
Vehicle loading
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.
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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 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
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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.
180 07 Wheels and tires
Snow chains, snow tires, 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
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
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.
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NOTE
Please consult state or provincial regulations restricting the use of studded winter tires before installing such tires.
181 07 Wheels and tires
Temporary spare
Temporary spare
The spare tire in your car 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.
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.
182 07 Wheels and tires
Wheel nuts
Types of wheel nuts
There are two different types of wheel nut, depending on whether the wheels are steel or aluminum.
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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 aluminum 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.
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Tire rotation
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
Tires with tread designed to roll in only one direction are marked with an arrow on the sidewall.
Incorrectly mounted tires impair the car's braking properties and ability to force aside rain, snow and slush.
The tires with the most tread should always be at the rear (to reduce the risk of skidding).
Contact a Volvo workshop if you are unsure about the tread depth.
Tire rotation
Your vehicle has no recommended tire rotation. The following information is intended to help you understand why.
Tread set
As a tire ages and the rubber cures, front and rear tires set at different angles. Therefore, if tires are rotated, the tread
will eventually set at an angle that is a compromise. Even if ride, handling, and road noise may still seem acceptable,
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they may not be optimal. Further, tires that are rotated, but not on a regular basis, may actually cause more tire noise,
faster tire wear, and unpleasant changes in steering feel and vehicle handling.
A tire that can fully adapt to its position will provide better steering feel, lower tire noise, and better fuel economy.
Braking stability performance
Your vehicle is driven mainly by the front tires, which will wear faster. This can be beneficial. Having more tread on
the rear tires will help reduce oversteer. Oversteer is when a vehicle wants to keep turning because of momentum and
dynamic forces on its suspension.
Suspension wear diagnostics
Every suspension needs periodic inspection and maintenance. A tire's wear pattern can be an aid in detecting a
suspension problem. Each tire, if left in place, tells a story about the suspension. Tire rotation, on the other hand, could
make suspension wear harder to detect. Early detection is very important, because suspension problems can make tire
wear worse.
If you do rotate your tires...
Please follow the tire manufacturer's recommendations, as outlined in the tire manufacturers tire warranty pamphlet.
184 07 Wheels and tires
Changing a wheel
Changing a wheel
The spare tire, jack, and crank are located under the carpet on the floor of the cargo area.
To change a tire:
1. Engage the parking brake.
2. Put the gear selector in Park (P).
3. Block the wheels that are on the ground with wooden blocks or large stones.
4. Remove the wheel cap (where applicable) using the lug wrench in the tool bag.
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5. With the car still on the ground, use the lug wrench to loosen the wheel nuts 1/2- 1 turn by exerting downward
pressure. Turn the nuts counterclockwise to loosen.
6. There are two jack attachment points on each side of the car. Position the jack correctly in the attachment (see
illustration above) and crank while simultaneously guiding the base of the jack to the ground. The base of the jack
must be flat on a level, firm, non-slippery surface. Before raising the car, check that the jack is still correctly
positioned in the attachment.
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.
185 07 Wheels and tires
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 Park (P) position.
Block the wheels standing on the ground, use rigid wooden blocks or large stones.
The jack should be kept well-greased and clean, and should not be damaged.
No objects should be placed between the base of jack and the ground, or between the jack and the attachment bar
on the vehicle.
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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 handtight. 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 96 ft. lbs. (130 Nm).
5. Install the wheel cap (where applicable).
186 07 Wheels and tires
Changing a wheel
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
arm (3).
2. Place the jack in the storage space. Fold in the jack's crank (4) and place the lug wrench (5) on the jack.
3. Screw the jack's retaining pin into hole 6 so that it holds the jack securely in place.
4. Place the spare wheel (7) over the jack.
5. Insert the spare wheel's retaining pin through the center hole in the spare wheel so that it aligns with hole 8.
Screw the retaining pin into hole 8 so that it holds the spare wheel securely in place.
187 07 Wheels and tires
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
Introduction
The tire pressure monitoring system uses sensors mounted in the tire valves to check inflation pressure levels. When
the vehicle is moving at a speed of approximately 20 mph (30 km/h) or faster, these sensors transmit inflation pressure
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data to a receiver located in the vehicle.
NOTE
USA - FCC ID: KR5S122780002
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following conditions: (1) This device
may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference
that may cause undesired operation.
When low inflation pressure is detected, TPMS will light up the tire pressure warning light (
) (also referred to as a
telltale) in the instrument panel, and will display a message in the text window. The wording of this message is
determined by the degree of inflation pressure loss.
NOTE
If a fault occurs in TPMS, the tire pressure warning light will flash for approximately 1 minute and TIRE PRESS
SYST SERVICE REQUIRED will be displayed.
Each tire, including the spare (if provided), should be checked monthly when cold and inflated to the inflation pressure
recommended by the vehicle manufacturer on the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label. (If your vehicle has
tires of a different size than the size indicated on the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label, you should
determine the proper tire inflation pressure for those tires.)
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) that
illuminates a low tire pressure telltale when one or more of your tires is significantly under-inflated. Accordingly,
when the low tire pressure telltale illuminates, you should stop and check your tires as soon as possible, and inflate
them to the proper pressure. Driving on a significantly under-inflated tire causes the tire to overheat and can lead to
tire failure. Under-inflation also reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect the vehicle's handling and
stopping ability.
Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire maintenance, and it is the driver's responsibility to
maintain correct tire pressure, even if under-inflation has not reached the level to trigger illumination of the TPMS low
tire pressure telltale.
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS malfunction indicator to indicate when the system is not operating
properly. The TPMS malfunction indicator is combined with the low tire pressure telltale. When the system detects a
malfunction, the telltale will flash for approximately one minute and then remain continuously illuminated. This
sequence will continue upon subsequent vehicle start-ups as long as the malfunction exists. When the malfunction
indicator is illuminated, the system may not be able to detect or signal low tire pressure as intended. TPMS
malfunctions may occur for a variety of reasons, including the installation of replacement or alternate tires or wheels
on the vehicle that prevent the TPMS from functioning properly. Always check the TPMS malfunction telltale after
replacing one or more tires or wheels on your vehicle to ensure that the replacement or alternate tires and wheels allow
the TPMS to continue to function properly.
188 07 Wheels and tires
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
NOTE
TPMS indicates low tire pressure but does not replace normal tire maintenance. For information on correct tire
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