tires VOLVO XC60 2009 Owner´s Manual

06 Maintenance and specifications
Wheels and tires06
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255
tread wear as even as possible and will help
you get maximum mileage from your tires.
Ideally, tire rotation should be done the first
time after approximately 3,000 miles
(5, 000 km) and thereafter at 6,000 mile
(10,000 km) intervals.
Tire rotation should only be performed if front/
rear tire wear is fairly even and tread height is
above 1/16" (1.6 mm).
NOTE
Tire rotation is not included in regularly
scheduled maintenance and is performed
only at customer request, at additional
charge.
Your Volvo retailer can also provide guidance
based on your particular driving circumstan-
ces.
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 trac-
tion.
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 altera-
tion of the driving characteristics of the vehicle. Tire inflation
Tire inflation placard on U.S. models
Tire inflationCheck tire inflation pressure regularly.
Tables listing the recommended inflation pres-
sure for your vehicle can be found on page
258 and page 258. A tire inflation pressure
placard is also located on the driver\fs side B-
pillar (the structural member at the side of the
vehicle, at the rear of the driver\fs door open-
ing). This placard indicates the designation of
the factory-mounted tires on your vehicle, as
well as load limits and inflation pressure. G021829 G032521

06 Maintenance and specificationsWheels and tires 06
256
NOTE \b
The placards shown indicate inflation
pressure for the tires installed on the
vehicle at the factory only.
\b A certain amount of air seepage from
the tires occurs naturally and tire pres-
sure fluctuates with seasonal changes
in temperature. Always check tire pres-
sure regularly. \b
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 pres-
sure gauge, as automatic service station
gauges may be inaccurate.
\b Use the recommended cold inflation pres-
sure for optimum tire performance and
wear.
\b Under-inflation or over-inflation may cause
uneven treadwear patterns.
NOTE A certain amount of air seepage from the
tires occurs naturally and tire pressure fluc-
tuates with seasonal changes in tempera-
ture. Always check tire pressure regularly.
WARNING \b
Under-inflation is the most common
cause of tire failure and may result in
severe tire cracking, tread separation,
or "blow-out," with unexpected loss of
vehicle control and increased risk of
injury.
\b Under-inflated tires reduce the load car-
rying capacity of your vehicle. Tire inflation placard on Canadian models
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 onthe vehicle\fs tire information placard or certifi-
cation 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 sur-
rounding (ambient) air.
This temperature is normally reached after the
vehicle has been parked for at least 3 hours.
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 dis-
tance 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 pres-
sures to increase above recommended cold
pressures. A hot tire at or below recommended
cold inflation pressure could be significantly
under-inflated. G032522

06 Maintenance and specifications
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257
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, includ-
ing 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 irregular-
ities.
NOTE \b
If you overfill the tire, release air by
pushing on the metal stem in the center
of the valve. Then recheck the pressure
with your tire gauge.
\b Some spare tires require higher inflation
pressure than the other tires. Consult
the tire inflation tables or see the infla-
tion pressure placard. Tire specifications
Speed ratingsThe speed ratings in the table translate as fol-
low:
Speed ratings
M 81 mph (130 km/h)
Q 100 mph (160 km/h)
T 118 mph (190 km/h)
H 130 mph (210 km/h)
W 168 mph (270 km/h)
V 149 mph (240 km/h)
Y 186 mph (300 km/h)
Load ratingsThe speed ratings in the table translate as fol-
low: Load ratings
91 1365 lbs (615 kg)
93 1433 lbs (650 kg)
99 1709 lbs (755 kg)
See also page 259 for an explanation of the
designations on the sidewall of the tire.

06 Maintenance and specificationsWheels and tires 06
258 Tire inflation pressure table – U.S. models
The following tire pressures are recommended by Volvo for your vehicle. \
Refer to the tire inflation placard for information specific to the tire\
s installed
on your vehicle at the factory.
Tire size Cold tire pressure for up to 5 persons
Front
psi/kPa Rear
psi/kPa
235/65R17
235/60R18
235/55R19 35/240 35/240
T125/80R17 61/420 61/420
Tire inflation pressure table – Canadian models
The following tire pressures are recommended by Volvo for your vehicle. \
Refer to the tire inflation placard for information specific to the tire\
s installed
on your vehicle at the factory.
Tire size Cold tire pressure for up to 5 persons Optional tire pressure for up to 3 persons
Front
psi/kPa Rear
psi/kPa Front
psi/kPa Rear
psi/kPa
235/65R17
235/60R18
235/55R19 39/267 39/267 35/240 35/240
T 125/80 R 17 61/420 61/420 61/420 61/420

06 Maintenance and specifications
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259
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.
2. 65: The ratio of the tire\fs height to its width.
3. R: Radial tire.
4. 15: The diameter of the wheel rim (in
inches). 5.
95: The tire\fs load index. In this example, a
load index of 95 equals a maximum load of
1521 lbs (690 kg).
6. H: The tire\fs speed rating, or the maximum
speed at which the tire is designed to be
driven for extended periods of time, carry-
ing a permissible load for the vehicle, and
with correct inflation pressure. For exam-
ple, 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 manufac-
tured, the next two are the tire size code
and the last four numbers represent the
week and year the tire was built. For exam-
ple, 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 manufactur-
er\fs 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 indi-
cates 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.
310
11
12
4
56789
2
1

G010753

06 Maintenance and specificationsWheels and tires 06
260 10.
Maximum Load: Indicates the maximum
load in pounds and kilograms that can be
carried by the tire. Refer to the vehicle\fs tire
information placard or the safety certifica-
tion label, located on the B-Pillar or the
driver\fs 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 262 for more informa-
tion.
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.
Glossary of tire terminology
The tire suppliers may have additional mark-
ings, notes or warnings such as standard load,
radial tubeless, etc.
\b Tire information placard: A placard
showing the OE (Original Equipment) tire
sizes, recommended inflation pressure,
and the maximum weight the vehicle can
carry.
\b Tire Identification Number (TIN)
: A num-
ber on the sidewall of each tire providing
information about the tire brand and man-
ufacturing plant, tire size and date of man-
ufacturer. \b
Inflation pressure: A measure of the
amount of air in a tire.
\b Standard load: A class of P-metric or Met-
ric 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.
\b 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
tire\fs load carrying capability.
\b kPa: Kilopascal, a metric unit of air pres-
sure.
\b PSI: Pounds per square inch, a standard
unit of air pressure.
\b B-pillar: The structural member at the side
of the vehicle behind the front door.
\b Bead area of the tire: Area of the tire next
to the rim.
\b Sidewall of the tire: Area between the
bead area and the tread.
\b Tread area of the tire: Area of the perim-
eter of the tire that contacts the road when
mounted on the vehicle.
\b Rim: The metal support (wheel) for a tire or
a tire and tube assembly upon which the
tire beads are seated. \b
Maximum load rating: a figure indicating
the maximum load in pounds and kilo-
grams that can be carried by the tire. This
rating is established by the tire manufac-
turer.
\b Maximum permissible inflation
pressure: the greatest amount of air pres-
sure that should ever be put in the tire. This
limit is set by the tire manufacturer.
\b 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 vehicle, 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 infla-
tion placard(s) located on the driver\fs side
B-pillar or on the inside of the fuel filler door
on Canadian models, and in the tire infla-
tion table in this chapter.
\b Cold tires: The tires are considered to be
cold when they have the same temperature
as the surrounding (ambient) air. This tem-
perature is normally reached after the vehi-
cle has been parked for at least 3 hours.

06 Maintenance and specifications
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261
Vehicle loading
Properly loading your vehicle will provide maxi-
mum return of vehicle design performance.
Before loading your vehicle, familiarize yourself
with the following terms for determining your
vehicle\fs weight ratings, with or without a
trailer, from the vehicle\fs Federal/Canadian
Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS/
CMVSS) label, and the vehicle\fs tire informa-
tion placard:
Curb weightThe weight of the vehicle including a full tank
of fuel and all standard equipment. It does not
include passengers, cargo, or optional equip-
ment.
Capacity weightAll 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 217.
Permissible axle weightThe 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\fs curb weight + cargo + passen-
gers.
NOTE \b
The location of the various labels in your
vehicle can be found on page 279

.
\b A table listing important weight limits for
your vehicle can be found on page
282.
Steps for Determining Correct Load
Limit
1. Locate the statement "the combined
weight of occupants and cargo should
never exceed XXX pounds" on your vehi-
cle\fs 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 × 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. 1
See the section "Trailer Towing on page
217.

06 Maintenance and specificationsWheels and tires 06
262
WARNING \b
Exceeding the permissible axle weight,
gross vehicle weight, or any other
weight rating limits can cause tire over-
heating resulting in permanent defor-
mation or catastrophic failure.
\b 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 vehi-
cle\fs GVW rating. Replacement tires
with a higher limit than the originals do
not increase the vehicle\fs GVW rating
limitations. 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 appli-
cable, on the tire sidewall between the tread
shoulder and maximum section width. For
example:
Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature A
TREADWEARThe treadwear grade is a comparative rating
based on the wear rate of the tire when tested
under controlled conditions on a specified gov- ernment test course. For example, a tire gra-
ded 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 signifi-
cantly from the norm due to variation in driving
habits, maintenance practices and differences
in road characteristics and climate.
TRACTIONThe traction grades, from highest to lowest, are
AA, A, B, and C, as measured under controlled
conditions on specified government test sur-
faces of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C
may have poor traction performance. The trac-
tion 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.
TEMPERATUREThe temperature grades are AA (the highest),
A, B, and C, representing the tire\fs resistance
to the generation of heat and its ability to dis-
sipate heat when tested under controlled con-ditions 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 corre-
sponds to a minimum level of performance that
all passenger vehicle tires must meet under the
Federal Motor Safety Standard No. 109.
Grades B and A represent higher levels of per-
formance on the laboratory test wheel than the
minimum required by law.
WARNING
The temperature grade for this tire is estab-
lished for a tire that is properly inflated and
not overloaded. Excessive speed, under-
inflation, or excessive loading, either sepa-
rately or in combination, can cause heat
buildup and tire failure.
Snow chains, snow tires, studded tires
Snow chainsSnow chains can be used on your Volvo with
the following restrictions:
\b
Snow chains should be installed on front
wheels only. Use only Volvo approved
snow chains.
\b If accessory, aftermarket or "custom" tires
and wheels are installed and are of a size
different than the original tires and wheels,

06 Maintenance and specifications
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263
chains in some cases CANNOT be used.
Sufficient clearances between chains and
brakes, suspension and body components
must be maintained.
\b Some strap-on type chains will interfere
with brake components and therefore
CANNOT be used.
\b 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 \b
Check local regulations regarding the
use of snow chains before installing.
\b Use single-sided snow chains only.
\b Always follow the chain manufacturer\fs
installation instructions carefully. Install
chains as tightly as possible and
retighten periodically.
\b Never exceed the chain manufacturer\fs
specified maximum speed limit. (Under
no circumstances should you exceed
31 mph (50 km/h).
\b Avoid bumps, holes or sharp turns
when driving with snow chains.
\b 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 2
Tires for winter use:
\b 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.
\b It is important to install winter tires on all
four wheels to help retain traction during cornering, braking, and accelerating. Fail-
ure to do so could reduce traction to an
unsafe level or adversely affect handling.
\b Do not mix tires of different design as this
could also negatively affect overall tire road
grip.
\b Winter tires wear more quickly on dry roads
in warm weather. They should be removed
when the winter driving season has ended.
\b Studded tires should be run-in
300 – 600 miles (500 – 1000 km) during
which the vehicle 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.
NOTE Please consult state or provincial regula-
tions restricting the use of studded winter
tires before installing such tires.
2
Where permitted

06 Maintenance and specificationsWheels and tires 06
264 Temporary Spare
The spare tire in your vehicle is called a "Tem-
porary 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 vehicle 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 tem-
porary 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. Do not exceed 50 mph
(80 km/h).
CAUTION
The vehicle must not be driven with wheels
of different dimensions or with a spare tire
other than the one that came with the vehi-
cle. The use of different size wheels can
seriously damage your car\fs transmission. Changing a wheel
Location of jack and tools
Spare wheelThe spare wheel (Temporary spare) is only
intended for temporary use. Replace the spare
wheel with a normal wheel as soon as possible.
The car\fs handling may be altered by the use
of the spare wheel. The correct tire pressure for
the spare wheel is stated in the tire pressure
tables beginning on page 258.
WARNING Current legislation prohibits the use of the
“Temporary Spare” tire other than as a tem-
porary 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 vehicle must never be driven with more
than one temporary spare wheel.
The spare wheel is located in the spare wheel
well with the rim side down. There are two foam
blocks, one under the spare wheel and one
over/inside. The upper one contains all tools.
The same bolt runs through to secure the spare
wheel and the foam blocks.
Taking out the spare wheel1.
Fold the rear edge of the floor mat forward.
2. Open the floor hatch.
3. Undo the retaining bolt.
4. Lift out the foam block with tools.
5. Lift out the spare wheel.
The other two blocks can remain in the wheel
well. G031900