tire size 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
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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.
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Special Spare The spare tire in your car is called a "Special Spare". It has the following designation: 125/90 R15 96M.
Recommended tire pressure (see the bottom line of the decal on the fuel filler door) should be maintained irrespective
of which position on the car the Special Spare tire is used.
In the event of damage to this tire, a new one can be purchased from your Volvo retailer.
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.
WARNING!
Current legislation prohibits the use of the "Special Spare" tire other than as a temporary replacement for a punctured
tire. In other words, it must be replaced as soon as possible by a standard tire. Roadholding, etc., may be affected
with the "Special Spare" in use. Do not, therefore, exceed 50 mph (80 km/h).
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
.

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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.
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.
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. 88 Wheel changing
Attaching the jack
There are two jack attachment points located on each side of the car. These attachment points are marked by arrows on
the outside of the cover over the bottom sill (see illustration).
Check that the doors are closed and stay closed all the time the car is jacked up.
Position the jack under the two notches closest to the wheel to be changed.
Attach the crank to the jack (A).
Attach the lug wrench (B) to the crank.
Raise the jack by cranking it clockwise. Be sure the jack engages the attachment point correctly.
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 point.
Raise the car until the wheel to be changed is lifted off the ground.
Unscrew the wheel bolts completely and carefully remove the wheel so as not to damage the thread on the studs.
WARNING!
The jack must be correctly placed in the jack attachment.
Installing the wheel
Clean the contact surfaces on the wheel and hub.
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