snow chains VOLVO V4 2003 Owners Manual

2 0 0 3
VOLVO
S40 & V40
Chapter 5 - Wheels and tires
pg. 79 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
80
Snow chains, Snow tires, Studded tires81
Inflation pressure, Tire rotation82
Uniform tire quality grading83
"Special spare" tire84
pg. 80 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.
pg. 81 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 185/65 R15. Consult your Volvo retailer.
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.
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.
ProCarManuals.com

Seat belts - cleaning105
Seats47
Service reminder indicator23
Servicing111
Shift lock66
Shiftlock release99
Shiftlock release (override)99
Side Impact Protection System (SIPS)8
Side marker lamp replacement90
Side-view mirrors - heated26
SIPS8
Snow chains81
Snow tires81
Spare tire84
Spare tire (sedan)57
Spark plugs110, 124
Specifications121
SRS5,6,7
SRS diagnostic system22
SRS warning light5,22
Start inhibitor (immobilizer)40
Starting the engine65
Steering wheel adjustment34
Steering wheel lock26
Storage compartments54
Studded tires81
Sun roof51,52
T
Tachometer20
Tailgate (opening/locking)45
Technical data - Audio142
Temperature gauge20
Temporary spare tire84
Timing belt110
Tires changing87
Tire pressure82
Tires80
Tires - changing87
Tool kit86
Towing70,71
Towing a trailer78
Traction Control System (TRACS)23,74
Trailer hitch - detachable76
Trailer towing78
ProCarManuals.com