tire size VOLVO V4 2001 Owners Manual

2 0 0 1
VOLVO
S40 & V40
Chapter 5 - Wheels and tires
pg. 77 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
78
Snow chains, Snow tires, Studded tires79
Inflation pressure80
Uniform tire quality grading81
"Special spare" tire82
pg. 78 Wheels and tires
General information
Your vehicle is equipped with tires according to the tire information label located on the inside of the fuel filler
door
The following is an example of a tire designation code 195/60R15:
195 = tire width in mm.
60 = tire profile. This is the relationship (in percent) between the section height and width of the tire.
R = radial tires.
15 = 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/icefree surfaces. 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 from the same manufacturer, on all four
wheels. Otherwise there is a risk of altering the car's roadholding 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
ProCarManuals.com

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 become visible 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:
· Maintain correct tire pressure. See the tire pressure label on the inside of the fuel filler door.
· 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 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 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.
pg. 79 Wheels and 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.
· Snow chains may only be mounted on approved snow tires 195/55 R15. Consult your Volvo retailer.
ProCarManuals.com

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.
Consult your Volvo retailer for additional snow chain information.
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. Volvo recommends 195/55 R15 winter tires
on 15" steel rims on all S/V 40 models.
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 (50-1000 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 car tires should have the same rotational
direction throughout their entire lifetime. In other words, if you wish to rotate the wheels, make sure that the same
wheels are always on the same side of the car.
NOTE: Please consult state or provincial regulations restricting the use of studded winter tires before installing such
tires.
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 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.
* Where permitted.
pg. 80 Wheels and tires
Checking and correcting tire pressure
ProCarManuals.com

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.
CAUTION: We recommend that you switch the DSA system off whenever you use the "Special Spare" tire that does
not match the diameter of your other tires. See page 30
.

Contents | Top of Page
ProCarManuals.com

Changing a wheel
· Engage the parking brake.
· Put the gear selector in (P)ark.
· Get all the passengers to move to a safe place outside the car.
· Close all doors.
· Block the wheels remaining on the ground with wooden blocks, stones or something similar.
· Pull the wheel cover off the wheel (steel rims) or use the flat end of the lug wrench in the tool kit (1) (alloy rims) and
twist it to loosen the wheel cap (2).
· With the car still on the ground, use the lug wrench to loosen the wheel lugs 1/2 - 1 turn. Position the lug wrench so
that you apply force in a downward direction. Never lift up on the lug wrench to loosen or tighten lugs.
· Turn the bolts counterclockwise to loosen. If necessary, press down on the lug wrench with your foot to loosen the
lugs (3) .
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.
· Correct tightening torque on wheel bolts must be observed. The wheel bolts should never be greased or lubricated.
Extended, chromed wheel bolts must not be used with steel rims, as they make it impossible to fit the hub caps.
pg. 86 Wheel changing
ProCarManuals.com