VOLVO V70 2006 Manual PDF

Tread wear indicator
Tread wear indicator
The tires have wear indicator strips running across or parallel to the tread. The letters TWI are printed on the side of
the tire. When approximately 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 offer very poor traction.
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.
New tires
Remember that tires are perishable goods. As of 2000, the manufacturing week and year will be indicated with 4 digits
(e.g. 1502 means that the tire illustrated was manufactured during week 15 of 2002).
Storing wheels and tires
When storing complete wheels (tires mounted on rims), they should be suspended off the floor or placed on their sides
on the floor. Tires not mounted on rims should be stored on their sides or standing upright, but should not be
suspended.
CAUTION!
Tires should preferably be stored in a cool, dry, dark place, and should never be stored in close proximity to solvents,
gasoline, oils, etc.
WARNING!
The wheel and tire sizes for your Volvo are specified to meet stringent stability and handling requirements.
Unapproved wheel/tire size combinations can negatively affect your vehicle's stability and handling. Approved tire
sizes are shown in the Tire inflation pressure tables on page 122
.
Any damage caused by installation of unapproved wheel/tire size combinations will not be covered by your new
vehicle warranty. Volvo assumes no responsibility for death, injury, or expenses that may result from such
installations.
pg. 119 Wheels and tires
Tire age
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Tires degrade over time, even when they are not being used, which can affect their reliability and roadholding
characteristics. Therefore, all tires older than 6 years (including the spare tire and winter tires) should be inspected by a
qualified technician, regardless of appearance or mileage. Heat caused by hot climates or frequent high loading
conditions can accelerate the aging process.
A tire's age can be determined by the DOT stamp on the sidewall (see the illustration above).
A tire with e.g., visible cracks or discoloration should be replaced immediately.
Improving tire economy:
• Maintain correct tire pressure. See the tire pressure table on page 122
.
• 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.
• Tires must maintain the same direction of rotation throughout their lifetime.
• 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.
Hitting curbs or potholes can damage the tires and/or wheels permanently.
pg. 120 Wheels and tires
Tire inflation
Check tire inflation pressure regularly.
A table listing the recommended inflation pressure for your vehicle can be found on page 122
. Tire inflation pressure
placards are also located on the driver's side B-pillar (the structural member at the side of the vehicle, at the rear of the
driver's door opening), or on the inside of the fuel filler door on Canadian models. These placards indicate the
designation of the factory-mounted tires on your vehicle, as well as load limits and inflation pressure.
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Tire inflation placard on Canadian models, 1. XC70, 2. V70
NOTE: The placards shown indicate inflation pressure for the tires installed on the car at the factory only.
• Use a tire gauge to check the tire inflation pressure, including the spare, at least once a month and before long trips.
You are strongly urged to buy a reliable tire pressure gauge, as automatic service station gauges may be inaccurate.
• Use the recommended cold inflation pressure for optimum tire performance and wear.
• Under-inflation or over-inflation may cause uneven treadwear patterns.
When weather temperature changes occur, tire inflation pressures also change. A 10-degree temperature drop causes a
corresponding drop of 1 psi (7 kPa) in inflation pressure. 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
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 at least 3 hours.
pg. 121 Wheels and tires
After driving a distance of approximately 1 mile (1.6 km), the tires are considered to be hot. If you have to drive
farther than this distance to pump your tire(s), check and record 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 cold pressures. A hot tire at or below recommended cold
inflation pressure could be significantly under-inflated.
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 objects 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:
• If you overfill the tire, release air by pushing on the metal stem in the center of the valve. Then recheck the pressure
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with your tire gauge.
• Some spare tires require higher inflation pressure than the other tires. Consult the tire inflation table on page 122 or
see the inflation pressure placard.
pg. 122 Wheels and tires
Tire inflation pressure tables
Tire pressures 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.
Cold tire pressure for vehicle loads up to 930 lbs (420 kg)
1
Tire size Front, psi (kPa)Rear, psi (kPa)
V70
195/65R15 38 (260)38 (260)
205/55R16 38 (260)38 (260)
215/55R16 38 (260)38 (260)
235/45R17 38 (260)38 (260)
235/45R17 SSRFT
238 (260) 38 (260)
Temporary spare tire
T125/80R17 61 (420)
61 (420)
V70 R
235/45R17 39 (270)39 (270)
Temporary spare tire
T115/85R18 61 (420)
61 (420)
XC70
215/65R16 38 (260)
338 (260)
215/60R17 38 (260)
338 (260)
Temporary spare tire
T135/90R17 61 (420)
61 (420)
1 These weights include the weight of all occupants of the car plus cargo.
2 Self supporting run flat tires. See page 119 for more information.
3 Canadian models: 35 psi (240 kPa).
Optional tire pressure . These inflation pressures may only be used when the vehicle is not fully loaded.
Optional cold tire pressure that may only be used for vehicle loads up to 495 lbs (225 kg).
Tire size Front, psi (kPa)Rear, psi (kPa)
V70
195/65R15 32 (220)30 (210)
205/55R16 32 (220)30 (210)
215/55R16 32 (220)30 (210)
235/45R17 32 (220)30 (210)
235/45R17 SSRFT --
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Temporary spare tire
T125/80R1761 (420)
61 (420)
V70 R
235/45R17 35 (240)35 (240)
Temporary spare tire
T115/85R18 61 (420)
61 (420)
XC70
215/65R16 30 (210)
430 (210)4
215/60R1730 (210)430 (210)4
Temporary spare tire
T135/90R1761 (420)
61 (420)
4 The optional tire pressure shown in this table may not be used on XC70s equipped with the Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (option as available). Vehicles with this system must use the standard tire pressure listed in the table in the left
column (38 psi/260 kPa).
pg. 123 Wheels and tires
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) - option on certain U.S. models only
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 20 mph (30 km/h) or faster, these sensors transmit inflation pressure data to a
receiver located in the vehicle.
USA - FCC ID: MRXTG315AM04
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.
WARNING!
The TPMS system uses a radio frequency of 315 MHz. Accessory electrical equipment using the same frequency
could interfere with TPMS and should not be installed in the vehicle. Please consult your Volvo retailer, a qualified
Volvo service technician, or the accessory equipment's supplier for further information.
When low inflation pressure is detected, TPMS will light up the tire pressure warning light (
) i (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.
When the tire pressure monitoring system warning light is on, one or more of your tires is significantly under-inflated.
You should stop and check your tires as soon as possible, and inflate them to the proper pressure as indicated on the
vehicle's tire information placard.
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. Each tire,
including the spare, should be checked monthly when cold and set to the recommended inflation pressure as specified
in the vehicle placard and owner's manual.
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.
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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 consult
the appropriate section of this owner's manual to determine the proper tire inflation pressure.) When the low tire
pressure telltale is illuminated, one or more of your tires is significantly underinflated. You should stop and check your
tires as soon as possible, and inflate them to the proper pressure. Driving on a significantly underinflated 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. Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS malfunction
telltale to indicate when the system is not operating properly. When the malfunction telltale 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 incompatible replacement tires on the vehicle. Always check the TPMS
malfunction telltale after replacing one or more tires on your vehicle to ensure that the replacement tires are
compatible with the TPMS.
NOTE: TPMS indicates low tire pressure but does not replace normal tire maintenance. For information on correct tire
pressure, please refer to the table on page 122
, or consult your Volvo retailer.
Erasing warning messages
When a low tire pressure warning message has been displayed, and the tire pressure warning light has come on:
1. Use a tire pressure gauge to check the inflation pressure of all four tires.
2. Re-inflate the tire(s) to the correct pressure (consult the tire pressure placard or the table on page 122
).
3. Drive the car for several minutes at a speed of 20 mph (30 km/h) or faster.
This will erase the warning text and the warning light will go out.
WARNING!
Incorrect inflation pressure could lead to tire failure, resulting in a loss of control of the vehicle.
(Contd. on following page)
pg. 124 Wheels and tires
Changing tires
Please note the following when changing or replacing the factory installed TPMS wheels/ tires on the vehicle:
Only the factory-mounted wheels are equipped with TPMS sensors in the valves.
If the vehicle is equipped with a temporary spare tire, this tire does not have a TPMS sensor.
If winter wheels without TPMS sensors are mounted on the vehicle, TIRE PRESS SYST SERVICE REQUIRED will
be displayed each time the vehicle is driven above 25 mph (40 km/h) for 10 minutes or more.
Once TPMS sensors are properly installed, the warning message should not reappear.
Volvo recommends that TPMS sensors be fitted on all wheels used on the vehicle. Volvo does not recommend
moving sensors back and forth between sets of wheels.
CAUTION!
When inflating tires with TPMS valves, press the pump's mouthpiece straight onto the valve to help avoid bending or
otherwise damaging the valve.
pg. 125 Wheels and tires
Self supporting run flat tires (option)
Certain models equipped with the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) can also be equipped with self supporting
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run flat tires.
Tires of this type have specially reinforced sidewalls that make it possible to continue driving in the event of a drop in
inflation pressure. Tires of this type are mounted on special rims.
NOTE: Self supporting run flat tires are only available in conjunction with TPMS.
If a self supporting run flat tire should lose inflation pressure, the yellow TPMS warning symbol (
) in the instrument
panel lights up to alert the driver, and a message will be shown in the text window in the instrument panel.
If this occurs, reduce vehicle speed to a maximum of 50 mph (80 km/h). The vehicle can be driven approximately 50
miles (80 km), or somewhat farther if the vehicle is not heavily loaded. The tire should be replaced as soon as
possible.
Hard braking and sudden steering maneuvers should be avoided.
In certain cases, it may be difficult to see which self supporting run flat tire is defective. To determine which tire is
damaged, check the inflation pressure of all four tires.
WARNING!
• Only specially trained persons should mount self supporting run flat tires.
• If self supporting run flat tires are mounted, the vehicle must be equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System.
• After a low pressure warning has been displayed, do not exceed 50 mph (80 km/h).
• Avoid severe cornering and hard braking, and minimize the distance traveled before replacing the self supporting
run flat tire.
• Self supporting run flat tires cannot be repaired. They must be replaced if damaged or punctured.
pg. 126 Wheels and tires
Tire designations
Federal law mandates that tire manufacturers place standardized information 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 designation):
1. 215: the width of the tire (in millimeters) from sidewall edge to sidewall edge. The larger the number, the wider the
tire.
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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 maximum load of 1521 lbs (690 kg).
6. H: The tire's speed rating, or the maximum speed at which the tire is designed to be driven for extended periods of
time, carrying a permissible load for the vehicle, and with correct 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 by 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 are the plant code where it was manufactured, the next two are the
tire size code and the last four numbers represent the week and year the tire was built. For example, the numbers 317
mean the 31st week of 1997. After 2000 the numbers go to four digits. For example, 2501 means the 25th week of
2001. The numbers in between are marketing codes used at the manufacturer's discretion. This information helps a tire
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 manufacturers also must indicate the ply materials in the tire and the
sidewall, which include steel, nylon, polyester, and others.
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 certification label, located on the B-Pillar or the driver's door or on the
inside of the fuel filler door on Canadian models, for the correct tire pressure for your vehicle.
11. Treadwear, Traction, and Temperature grades: See page 129
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.
pg. 127 Wheels and tires
Glossary of tire terminology
The tire suppliers may have additional markings, notes or warnings such as standard load, radial tubeless, etc.
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.
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• 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.
pg. 128 Wheels and tires
Vehicle loading
Properly loading your vehicle will provide maximum return of vehicle design performance.
Before loading your vehicle, familiarize yourself with the following terms for deter-mining 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 107
.
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 160
.
• A table listing important weight limits for your vehicle can be found on page 166
.
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"
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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 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.
1 See "Towing a trailer" on page 107.
pg. 129 Wheels and tires
Uniform tire quality grading
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. 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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