VOLVO XC60 2009 Owner´s Manual

06 Maintenance and specifications
Wheels and tires06
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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

06 Maintenance and specifications
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265
After useThe foam block and spare wheel must be
replaced in the reverse order. Note the arrow
on the upper foam block. It should point for-
ward.Removing the wheel cover
Changing a tire:1. Apply the parking brake.
2.
Put the gear selector in P.
3. Block the wheels that are on the ground with wooden blocks or large stones.
4. Remove the wheel cover (where applica- ble) using the lug wrench in the tool
bag.With the vehicle still on the ground,
use the lug wrench to loosen the wheel nuts 1/2 – 1 turns by exerting downward
pressure.
5. Turn the nuts counterclockwise to loosen. Jack attachment points
6. There are two jack attachment points on
each side of the vehicle. Position the jack
correctly in the attachment (see illustration)
and crank while simultaneously guiding the
base of the jack to the ground. The base of
the jack must be flat on a level, firm, non-
slippery surface. Before raising the vehicle,
check that the jack is still correctly posi-
tioned in the attachment.
WARNING There are two attachment points near the
rear of the vehicle. Only the rear-most
attachment point is intended for the jack
(see the illustration).
7. Raise the vehicle until the wheel to be
changed is lifted off the ground.
8. Unscrew the wheel nuts completely and carefully remove the wheel so as not to
damage the threads on the studs.
9. Raise the vehicle until the wheel to be changed is lifted off the ground.
10. Unscrew the wheel nuts completely and carefully remove the wheel so as not to
damage the threads on the studs. G031901 G032149

06 Maintenance and specificationsWheels and tires 06
266
* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.
WARNING \b
The jack must correctly engage the jack
attachment.
\b Be sure the jack is on a firm, level, non-
slippery surface.
\b Never allow any part of your body to be
extended under a vehicle supported by
a jack.
\b Use the jack intended for the vehicle
when changing a tire. For any other job,
use stands to support the vehicle.
\b Apply the parking brake and put the
gear selector in the Park (
P) position.
\b Block the wheels standing on the
ground, use rigid wooden blocks or
large stones.
\b The jack should be kept well-greased
and clean, and should not be damaged.
\b No objects should be placed between
the base of jack and the ground, or
between the jack and the attachment
bar on the vehicle.
Re-installing the wheel1. Clean the contact surfaces on the wheel
and hub.
2. Lift the wheel and place it on the hub. Tighten the lug nuts
3. Install the wheel nuts and tighten hand-
tight. Using the lug wrench, tighten cross-
wise until all nuts are snug.
4. Lower the vehicle to the ground and alter- nately tighten the bolts crosswise to
102 ft. lbs. (140 Nm).
5. Install the wheel cap (where applicable). Tire Sealing System
IntroductionCertain models are equipped with a tire sealing
system that enables you to temporarily seal a
hole in the tread surface and re-inflate a flat tire,
or to adjust a tire’s inflation pressure.
The system consists of an air compressor, a
container for the sealing compound, wiring to
connect the system to the vehicle’s electrical
system via one of the 12-volt sockets, and a
hose used to connect the system to the tire’s
inflation valve.
The 12-volt sockets are located in the front
tunnel console, on the rear side of the center
console in the rear seat, and in the cargo com-
partment*.See page 199. G022916 G023309

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Accessing the tire sealing systemThe tire sealing system is stowed under the
floor of the cargo area. To access it:
1.
Fold up or remove any protective floor cov-
ering or carpet.
2. Open the floor hatch.
3. Remove the retaining screws.
4. Lift out the foam plastic block holding the jack and lug wrench.
5. Lift out the tire sealing system.
NOTE \b
The tire sealing system is only intended
to seal holes on the tire’s tread area, not
the sidewall.
\b Tires with large holes or tears cannot be
repaired with the tire sealing system.
WARNING \b
After using the tire sealing system, the
vehicle should not be driven farther than
approximately 120 miles (200 km).
\b Have the tire inspected by a trained and
qualified Volvo service technician as
soon as possible to determine if it can
be permanently repaired or must be
replaced.
\b The vehicle should not be driven faster
than 50 mph (80 km/h) while using a tire
that has been temporarily repaired with
the tire sealing system.
\b After using the tire sealing system, drive
carefully and avoid abrupt steering
maneuvers and sudden stops. Tire sealing system–overview
Speed limit sticker
On/Off switch
Electrical wire
Bottle holder (orange cover)
Protective hose cover
Air release knob
Hose
Bottle with sealing compound
Air pressure gauge

06 Maintenance and specificationsWheels and tires 06
268
WARNING Please keep the following points in mind
when using the tire sealing system:
\b
The sealing compound bottle (no. 8 in
the illustration) contains 1.2-Ethanol
and natural rubber-latex. These sub-
stances are harmful if swallowed.
\b The contents of this bottle may cause
allergic skin reactions or otherwise be
potentially harmful to the skin, the cen-
tral nervous system, and the eyes.
Precautions:
\b Keep out of reach of children.
\b Do not ingest the contents.
\b Avoid prolonged or repeated contact
with the skin.
\b Hands should be washed thoroughly
after handling.
First aid:
\b Skin: Wash affected areas of skin with
soap and water. Get medical attention
if symptoms occur.
\b Eyes: Flush with plenty of water for least
15 minutes, occasionally lifting the
upper and lower eyelids. Get medical
attention if symptoms occur. \b
Inhalation: Move the person to fresh air.
If irritation persists, get medical atten-
tion. Tire sealing system–temporarily
repairing a flat tire
Temporarily repairing a flat tire is done in two
stages:\b
Stage 1: The hole is sealed by pumping
sealing compound into the tire. The car is
then driven a short distance to distribute
the sealing compound in the tire.
NOTE Do not remove any foreign objects (nails,
etc.) from the tire before using the sealing
system.
\b
Stage 2: The tire’s inflation pressure is
checked and adjusted if necessary.
WARNING \b
Never leave the tire sealing system
unattended when it is operating.
\b Keep the tire sealing system away from
children.
\b Be sure the vehicle is parked safely off
the road and away from moving traffic.
\b Apply the parking brake.
Stage 1: Sealing the hole1. Open the cover on the tire sealing kit.
2. Peel off the speed limit sticker and affix it
to the steering wheel hub where it will be
clearly visible to the driver. G01433
8