service VOLVO XC90 2012 Owner´s Manual

07 Wheels and tires
General information
07
172
Introduction
Your vehicle is equipped with tires according
to the vehicle's tire information placard on the
B-pillar (the structural member at the side of
the vehicle, at the rear of the driver's door
opening).
CAUTION
Some Volvo models are equipped with an
Ultra High Performance tire and wheel com-
bination designed to provide maximum dry
pavement performance with consideration
for hydroplaning resistance. They may be
more susceptible to road hazard damage
and, depending on driving conditions, may
achieve a tread life of less than 20,000 miles
(30,000 km). Even if this vehicle is equipped
with Volvo’s advanced AWD or DSTC sys-
tem, these tires are not designed for winter
driving, and should be replaced with winter
tires when weather conditions dictate.
The tires have good road holding characteris-
tics and offer good handling on dry and wet
surfaces. It should be noted however that the
tires have been developed to give these fea-
tures on snow/ice-free surfaces.
Most models are equipped with "all-season"
tires, which provide a somewhat higher degree
of road holding on slippery surfaces than tireswithout the "all-season" rating. 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
preferably from the same manufacturer, on all
four wheels. Otherwise there is a risk of altering
the car's roadholding and handling characte-
ristics.
New Tires
Remember that tires are perishable goods. As
of 2000, the manufacturing week and year
(Department of Transportation (DOT) stamp)
will be indicated with 4 digits (e.g., 1510 means
that the tire illustrated was manufactured dur-
ing week 15 of 2010).
Tire ageTires degrade over time, even when they are
not being used. It is recommended that tires
generally be replaced after 6 years of normal
service. Heat caused by hot climates, frequent
high loading conditions or Ultra Violet (U.V)
exposure can accelerate the aging process.
The temporary spare
1 should also be replaced
at 6-year intervals, even if it has never been
used.
A tire's age can be determined by the DOT
stamp on the sidewall (see the illustration).
A tire with e.g., visible cracks or discoloration
should be replaced immediately.
Improving tire economy
•Maintain correct tire pressure (see the
inflation pressure table on page 177).
•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.
1Option or accessory on some models

07 Wheels and tires
Tire inflation
07

175 Inflation placard
G032513
Tire inflation placard
Check tire inflation pressure regularly.
A table listing the recommended inflation pres-
sure for your vehicle can be found on page
177. A tire inflation pressure placard is also
located on the driver's side B-pillar (the struc-
tural member at the side of the vehicle, at the
rear of the driver's door opening). This placard
indicates the designation of the factory-moun-
ted tires on your vehicle, as well as load limits
and inflation pressure.
NOTE
The placards shown indicate inflation pres-
sure for the tires installed on the vehicle 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 pres-
sure gauge, as automatic service station
gauges may be inaccurate.
•Use the recommended cold inflation pres-
sure for optimum tire performance and
wear.
•Under-inflation or over-inflation may cause
uneven treadwear patterns.
WARNING
•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.
•Under-inflated tires reduce the load car-
rying capacity of your vehicle.
When weather temperature changes occur, tire
inflation pressures also change. A 10-degreetemperature 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 certifi-
cation label.
Checking tire pressureA certain amount of air seepage from the tires
occurs naturally and tire pressure fluctuates
with seasonal changes in temperature. Always
check tire pressure regularly.
Cold tiresInflation 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 distance to
pump your tire(s), check and record the tire
pressure first and add the appropriate air pres-
sure 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

07 Wheels and tires
Tire Sealing System
07

* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.185 Introduction
Certain 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 on the rear side
of the center console (in the rear seat) and in
the cargo area.
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. Lift out the tire sealing system.
NOTE
•The tire sealing system is only intended
to seal holes on the tire’s tread area, not
the sidewall.
•Tires with large holes or tears cannot be
repaired with the tire sealing system.
•After use, stow the tire sealing system
properly to help prevent rattling.
WARNING
•After using the tire sealing system, the
vehicle should not be driven farther than
approximately 120 miles (200 km).
•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.
•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.
•After using the tire sealing system, drive
carefully and avoid abrupt steering
maneuvers and sudden stops.
Tire sealing system–overview
G020400
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

07 Wheels and tires
Tire Sealing System
07

187
3. Ensure that the on/off switch is in position
0 (the 0 side of the switch should be
pressed down).
4. Put on the gloves included in the tire seal-
ing system.
WARNING
Contact with the sealing compound may
cause skin irritation. If contact occurs, wash
the affected area immediately with soap and
water.
5. Unscrew the orange cover over the bottle
holder and unscrew the cap on the bottle
of sealing compound.
NOTE
Do not break the seal on the bottle. This
occurs automatically when the bottle is
screwed into the holder.
6. Screw the bottle into the bottle holder.
WARNING
The bottle is equipped with a catch to keep
it securely in place and help prevent sealing
compound leakage. Once in place, the bot-
tle cannot be unscrewed. This must be done
by a trained and qualified Volvo service
technician.
7. Remove the valve cap from the tire’s infla-
tion valve and screw the tire sealing sys-
tem’s hose connector onto the valve as
tightly as possible by hand.
8. Connect the electrical wire to the nearest
12-volt socket in the vehicle.
9. Start the vehicle’s engine.
10. Start the tire sealing system’s compressor
by pressing the on/off switch to position I.
WARNING
•Never stand next to the tire being inflated
when the compressor is in operation.
•If cracks, bubbles, etc. form on the tire,
switch off the compressor immediately.
•If there is visible damage to the sidewall
or the rim, the tire cannot be repaired.
The vehicle should not be driven if this
occurs. Contact a towing service or
Volvo On Call Roadside Assistance if
applicable.
NOTE
The air pressure gauge will temporarily
show an increase in pressure to approxi-
mately 88 psi (6 bar) while the sealing com-
pound is being pumped into the tire. The
pressure should return to a normal level
after approximately 30 seconds.
11. Within seven minutes, inflate the tire to
between 22—44 psi (1.8—3.0 bar). Switch
off the compressor briefly to get a clear
reading from the pressure gauge.

07 Wheels and tires
Tire Sealing System
07
188
CAUTION
The compressor should not be used for
more than 10 minutes at a time to avoid
overheating.
WARNING
If the pressure remains below 22 psi
(1.8 bar) after approximately seven minutes,
turn off the compressor. In this case, the
hole is too large to be sealed and the vehicle
should not be driven.
12. Switch off the compressor and disconnect
the electrical wire from the 12-volt socket.
13. Unscrew the hose from the tire’s inflation
valve and reinstall the valve cap.
14. Immediately drive the vehicle for approxi-
mately 2 miles (3 km) at a maximum speed
of 50 mph (80 km/h) to distribute the seal-
ing compound in the tire.
CAUTION
If your vehicle is equipped with the Tire
Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), the
use of the sealing compound may lead to
incorrect tire pressure readings or in rare
cases, damage to the tire pressure sensor.
Use the tire sealing system to check and
adjust the damaged tire's inflation pressure.
NOTE
•Safely stow the tire sealing system in a
convenient place as it will soon be used
again to check the tire’s inflation pres-
sure.
•The empty bottle of sealing compound
cannot be removed from the bottle
holder. Consult a trained and qualified
Volvo service technician to have the
bottle removed and properly disposed
of.
WARNING
If heavy vibrations, unsteady steering
behavior, or noises should occur while driv-
ing, reduce speed and park the vehicle in a
safe place. Recheck the tire for bumps,
cracks, or other visible damage, and
recheck its inflation pressure. If the pressure
is below 19 psi (1.3 bar), do not continue
driving. Have the vehicle towed to a trained
and qualified Volvo service technician.
Stage 2: Checking inflation pressure1. Connect the tire sealing system as descri-
bed in stage 1.
2. Refer to the inflation pressure tables for the
correct inflation pressure. If the tire needs
to be inflated, start the tire sealing system’s
compressor. If necessary, release air from
the tire by turning the air release knob
counterclockwise.
CAUTION
The compressor should not be used for
more than 10 minutes at a time to avoid
overheating.
WARNING
If you interrupt your trip for more than 1
hour, check the inflation pressure in the
damaged tire again before continuing.

07 Wheels and tires
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
07
194
The tire pressure monitoring system1 uses sen-
sors mounted in the tire valves to check infla-
tion pressure levels. When the vehicle is mov-
ing at a speed of approximately 20 mph
(30 km/h) or faster, these sensors transmit
inflation pressure data to a receiver located in
the vehicle.
USA – FCC ID: MRXG403MA4A
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 unde-
sired operation.
When low inflation pressure is detected,
TPMS will light up the tire pressure warning
light (also referred to as a telltale) in the
instrument panel (see page 61), and will dis-
play a message in the text window. The
wording of this message is determined by
the degree of inflation pressure loss.
AOn certain models, the FCC code is MRXTG315AM04
When low inflation pressure is detected, TPMS
will light up the tire pressure warning light
(also referred to as a telltale) in the instrumentpanel and will display one of the following mes-
sages in the text window:
LOW TIRE PRESS.
CHECK TIRES or VERY LOW TIRE
PRESSURE.
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.
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 determine the
proper tire inflation pressure for those tires.)
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has
been equipped with a tire pressure monitoring
system (TPMS) that illuminates a low tire pres-
sure telltale when one or more of your tires is
significantly under-inflated. Accordingly, when
the low tire pressure telltale illuminates, you
should stop and check your tires as soon as
possible, and inflate them to the proper pres-
sure. Driving on a significantly under-inflatedtire 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.
Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute
for proper tire maintenance, and it is the driv-
er's responsibility to maintain correct tire pres-
sure, even if under-inflation has not reached
the level to trigger illumination of the TPMS low
tire pressure telltale.
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a
TPMS malfunction indicator to indicate when
the system is not operating properly. The
TPMS malfunction indicator is combined with
the low tire pressure telltale. When the system
detects a malfunction, the telltale will flash for
approximately one minute and then remain
continuously illuminated. This sequence will
continue upon subsequent vehicle start-ups as
long as the malfunction exists. When the mal-
function indicator 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 replacement or alternate tires or
wheels on the vehicle that prevent the TPMS
from functioning properly. Always check the
TPMS malfunction telltale after replacing one
or more tires or wheels on your vehicle to
1This system is standard on U.S. models and optional on Canadian models

07 Wheels and tires
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
07

195
ensure that the replacement or alternate tires
and wheels allow the TPMS to continue to
function properly.
NOTE
TPMS indicates low tire pressure but does
not replace normal tire maintenance. For
information on correct tire pressure, please
refer to the tire inflation pressure table in this
chapter or consult your Volvo retailer.
Erasing warning messagesWhen 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 see page 177).
3. Drive the vehicle 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.
Changing wheels with TPMSPlease 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 wheels without TPMS sensors are moun-
ted 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 sen-
sors back and forth between sets of
wheels.
NOTE
If a tire is changed or if the TPMS sensor is
moved to another wheel, the sensor’s seal,
nut and valve core should be replaced.
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.
Recalibrating TPMS (Canadian models
only)
In certain cases, it may be necessary to reca-
librate TPMS to conform to Volvo's recom-
mended tire inflation pressures (see the infla-
tion pressure table on page 177), for example,
if higher inflation pressure is necessary when
transporting heavy loads, etc.
To recalibrate:
1. Switch off the engine.
2. Inflate the tires to the desired pressure and
turn the ignition key to position I or II (see
page 141 for additional information).
3. Turn the thumb wheel on the left-side
steering wheel lever until
Tire pressure
Calibration appears in the display.
4.
Press and hold the Reset button on the
left-side steering wheel lever until
TIRE
PRESSURE CALIBRATED is displayed.

08 Car care
Washing and cleaning the vehicle
08
200
Washing
•The vehicle should be washed at regular
intervals since dirt, dust, insects and tar
spots adhere to the paint and may cause
damage. It is particularly important to wash
the vehicle frequently in the wintertime to
prevent corrosion, when salt has been
used on the roads.
•When washing the vehicle, do not expose
it to direct sunlight. Use lukewarm water to
soften the dirt before you wash with a
sponge, and plenty of water, to avoid
scratching.
•Bird droppings: Remove from paintwork as
soon as possible. Otherwise the finish may
be permanently damaged.
•A detergent can be used to facilitate the
softening of dirt and oil.
CAUTION
Chromed wheels: Clean chrome-plated
wheels using the same detergents used for
the body of the vehicle. Aggressive wheel
cleaning agents can permanently stain
chrome-plated wheels.
•Dry the vehicle with a clean chamois and
remember to clean the drain holes in the
doors and rocker panels.
•Tar spots can be removed with tar remover
after the vehicle has been washed.
•A stiff-bristle brush and lukewarm soapy
water can be used to clean the wiper
blades. Frequent cleaning of the wind-
shield and wiper blades improves visibility
considerably and also helps prolong the
service life of the wiper blades.
•Wash off the dirt from the underside (wheel
housings, fenders, etc.).
•In areas of high industrial fallout, more fre-
quent washing is recommended.
Suitable detergentsSpecial vehicle washing detergents should be
used. A suitable mixture is about 2.5 fl. oz.
(8.5 cl) of detergent to 2.6 US gal. (10 liters) of
warm water. After washing with a detergent the
vehicle should be well rinsed with clean water.
CAUTION
•Avoid waxing or polishing plastic or rub-
ber components
•Polishing chromed strips can wear
away or damage the surface
•Polishes containing abrasive sub-
stances should not be used
CAUTION
•Dirt, snow, etc., on the headlights can
reduce lighting capacity considerably.
Clean the headlights regularly, for
example when refueling.
•During high pressure washing, the
spray mouthpiece must never be closer
to the vehicle than 13 " (30 cm). Do not
spray into the locks.
Special moonroof cautions:
•Always close the moonroof and sun
shade before washing your vehicle.
•Never use abrasive cleaning agents on
the moonroof.
•Never use wax on the rubber seals
around the moonroof.
Exterior componentsVolvo recommends the use of special cleaning
products, available at your Volvo retailer, for
cleaning colored plastic, rubber, or ornamental
components such as chromed strips on the
exterior of your vehicle. The instructions for
using these products should be followed care-
fully. Solvents or stain removers should not be
used.

08 Car care
Paint touch up
08
204
Model plate with paint color code (1).1
Paint damage requires immediate attention to
avoid rusting. Make it a habit to check the finish
regularly – when washing the vehicle for
instance. Touch-up if necessary.
Paint repairs require special equipment and
skill. Contact a trained and qualified Volvo
service technician for any extensive damage.
Minor scratches can be repaired by using
Volvo touch-up paint.
Color code
Make sure you have the right color. The color
code number is on the model plate in the
engine compartment.
Minor stone chips and scratchesMaterial:
•Primer – can
•Paint – touch-up pen
•Brush
•Masking tape
•If the stone chip has not gone down to the
bare metal and an undamaged color coat
remains, you can add paint immediately
after removing dirt.
NOTE
When touching up the vehicle, it should be
clean and dry. The surface temperature
should be above 60° F (15° C).
Minor scratches on the surfaceIf the stone chip has not penetrated down to
the metal and an undamaged layer of paint
remains, the touch-up paint can be applied as
soon as the spot has been cleaned.
G020345
Deep scratches
•Place a strip of masking tape over the dam-
aged surface. Pull the tape off so that any
loose flakes of paint adhere to it.
•Thoroughly mix the primer and apply it with
a small brush. When the primer surface is
dry, the paint can be applied using a brush.
Mix the paint thoroughly; apply several thin
paint coats and let dry after each applica-
tion.
If there is a longer scratch, you may want to
protect surrounding paint by masking it off.
1The model plate is located on the passenger's side center door pillar.

206
Volvo service......................................................................................... 208
Maintaining your vehicle....................................................................... 209
Working on your vehicle........................................................................ 211
Engine compartment............................................................................. 213
Engine oil............................................................................................... 214
Fluids..................................................................................................... 217
Wiper blades......................................................................................... 219
Battery................................................................................................... 220
Replacing bulbs.................................................................................... 223
Fuses..................................................................................................... 232