tires VOLVO XC90 2014 Owner´s Manual

07 Wheels and tires
Glossary of tire terminology
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186
•Tire information placard:
A placard
showing the OE (Original Equipment) tire sizes, recommended inflation pressure,and the maximum weight the vehicle cancarry.
• Tire Identification Number (TIN):
A
number on the sidewall of each tire pro-viding information about the tire brandand manufacturing plant, tire size anddate 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 maximumload at 35 psi [37 psi (2.5 bar) for Metrictires]. Increasing the inflation pressurebeyond this pressure will not increase thetires load carrying capability.
• Extra load:
A class of P-metric or Metric
tires designed to carry a heavier maxi-mum load at 41 psi [43 psi (2.9 bar) forMetric tires]. Increasing the inflation pres-sure beyond this pressure will notincrease the tires load carrying capability.
• kPa:
Kilopascal, a metric unit of air pres-
sure.
• 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 perim-
eter of the tire that contacts the roadwhen mounted on the vehicle.
• Rim:
The metal support (wheel) for a tire
or a tire and tube assembly upon whichthe tire beads are seated.
• Maximum load rating:
a figure indicating
the maximum load in pounds and kilo-grams that can be carried by the tire. Thisrating is established by the tire manufac-turer.
• Maximum permissible inflation pres- sure:
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 thatare mounted on a vehicle at the factory.This information can be found on the tireinflation placard(s) located on the driver'sside B-pillar and in the tire inflation tablein this chapter.
• Cold tires:
The tires are considered to be
cold when they have the same tempera-ture as the surrounding (ambient) air. Thistemperature is normally reached after the vehicle has been parked for at least 3hours.

07 Wheels and tires
Vehicle loading
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187
Properly loading your vehicle will provide maximum return of vehicle design perform-ance. Before loading your vehicle, familiarize your- self with the following terms for determiningyour vehicle's weight ratings, with or withouta trailer, from the vehicle's Federal/ CanadianMotor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS/CMVSS) label, and the vehicle's tire informa-tion placard.
Curb weightThe weight of the vehicle including a full tankof fuel and all standard equipment. It doesnot include passengers, cargo, or optionalequipment.
Capacity weightAll weight added to the curb weight, includingcargo and optional equipment. When towing,trailer hitch tongue load is also part of cargoweight.
NOTE
For trailer towing information, please refer to the section "Towing a trailer."
Permissible axle weightThe maximum allowable weight that can be carried by a single axle (front or rear). Thesenumbers are shown on the Federal/CanadianMotor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS/CMVSS) label. The total load on each axlemust never exceed its maximum permissibleweight.
Gross vehicle weight (GVW)The vehicle's curb weight + cargo + passen-gers. A table listing important weight limits for your vehicle, is in chapter "Dimension andweights". For the location of the various labels in your vehicle, see page 282
Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit
•
Locate the statement "the combined weight of occupants and cargo shouldnever exceed XXX pounds" on your vehi-cle's placard.
• Determine the combined weight of thedriver and passengers that will be ridingin your vehicle. •
Subtract the combined weight of thedriver and passengers from XXX kilo-grams or XXX pounds.
• The resulting figure equals the availableamount of cargo and luggage loadcapacity. For example, if the "XXX"amount equals 1400 lbs. and there will befive 150 lb. passengers in your vehicle,the amount of available cargo and lug-gage load capacity is 650 lbs. (1400-750(5 x 150) = 650 lbs.)
• Determine the combined weight of lug-gage and cargo being loaded on the vehi-cle. That weight may not safely exceedthe available cargo and luggage loadcapacity calculated in Step 4.
• If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, loadfrom your trailer will be transferred to your vehicle. Consult this manual 1
to deter-
mine how this reduces the available cargo and luggage load capacity of yourvehicle.
1 For "Towing a trailer" see page 164.

07 Wheels and tires
Vehicle loading
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188
WARNING
•Exceeding the permissible axle weight, gross vehicle weight, or any otherweight rating limits can cause tireoverheating resulting in permanentdeformation or catastrophic failure.
• Do not use replacement tires withlower load carrying capacities than thetires that were original equipment onthe vehicle because this will lower thevehicle's GVW rating. Use only tireswith the correct load carrying capacity.Consult your Volvo retailer for informa-tion.

07 Wheels and tires
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
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189
ALL PASSENGER VEHICLE TIRES MUST CONFORM TO FEDERAL SAFETYREQUIREMENTS IN ADDITION TO THESEGRADES Quality grades can be found, where appli- cable, on the tire sidewall between thetread shoulder and maximum sectionwidth. For example: Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature A
TREADWEARThe treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the wear rate of the tire when tes-ted under controlled conditions on a specifiedgovernment test course. For example, a tiregraded 150 would wear one and one half (11/2) times as well on the government courseas a tire graded 100. The relative perform-ance of tires depends upon the actual condi-tions of their use, however, and many departsignificantly from the norm due to variation indriving habits, maintenance practices and dif-ferences in road characteristics and climate.
TRACTIONThe traction grades, from highest to lowest,are AA, A, B, and C, as measured under con-trolled conditions on specified governmenttest surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tiremarked C may have poor traction perform-ance.
WARNING
The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on braking (straight-ahead) tractiontests and is not a measure of cornering(turning) traction.
TEMPERATUREThe temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and C, representing the tire's resistance tothe generation of heat and its ability to dissi-pate heat when tested under controlled con-ditions on a specified indoor laboratory testwheel. Sustained high temperature can causethe material of the tire to degenerate andreduce tire life, and excessive temperaturecan lead to sudden tire failure. The grade Ccorresponds to a minimum level of perform-ance that all passenger vehicle tires mustmeet under the Federal Motor Safety Stand-ard No. 109. Grades B and A represent higherlevels of performance on the laboratory testwheel than the minimum required by law.
WARNING
The temperature grade for this tire is established for a tire that is properly infla-ted and not overloaded. Excessive speed,under-inflation, or excessive loading, eitherseparately or in combination, can causeheat buildup and tire failure.

07 Wheels and tires
Snow chains, snow tires, studded tires
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Snow chains
Snow chains can be used on your Volvo with the following restrictions:• Snow chains should be installed on front wheels only. Use only Volvo approvedsnow chains.
• If accessory, aftermarket or "custom"tires and wheels are installed and are of asize different than the original tires andwheels, chains in some cases CANNOTbe used. Sufficient clearances betweenchains and brakes, suspension and bodycomponents must be maintained.
• Some strap-on type chains will interferewith brake components and thereforeCANNOT be used.
• All Wheel Drive models: Snow chainsshould only be installed on the frontwheels.
• Certain size tires may not allow theassembly of snow chains/traction devi-ces.
Consult your Volvo retailer for additional snow chain information.CAUTION
• Check local regulations regarding the use of snow chains before installing.
• Always follow the chain manufactur-er's installation instructions carefully.Install chains as tightly as possible andretighten periodically.
• Never exceed the chain manufactur-er's specified maximum speed limit.(Under no circumstances should youexceed 31 mph (50 km/h)).
• Avoid bumps, holes or sharp turnswhen driving with snow chains.
• The handling of the vehicle can beadversely affected when driving withchains. Avoid fast or sharp turns aswell as locked wheel braking.
Snow tires, studded tires 1
Tires for winter use:
•
Owners who live in or regularly commute through areas with sustained periods ofsnow or icy driving conditions arestrongly advised to fit suitable winter tires to help retain the highest degree of trac-tion.
• It is important to install winter tires on allfour wheels to help retain traction duringcornering, braking, and accelerating. Fail-ure to do so could reduce traction to anunsafe level or adversely affect handling.
• Do not mix tires of different design as thiscould also negatively affect overall tireroad grip.
• Winter tires wear more quickly on dryroads in warm weather. They should beremoved when the winter driving seasonhas ended.
• Studded tires should be run-in300-600 miles (500-1000 km) duringwhich the vehicle should be driven assmoothly as possible to give the studsthe opportunity to seat properly in thetires. The tires should have the samerotational direction throughout their entirelifetime.NOTE
Please consult state or provincial regula- tions restricting the use of studded wintertires before installing such tires.
1
Where permitted

07 Wheels and tires
Temporary spare
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191
The spare tire in your vehicle
1
is called a
"Temporary Spare". Recommended tire pressure (see the placard on the B-pillar or on the fuel filler door) shouldbe maintained irrespective of which positionon the vehicle the temporary spare tire isused. 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 atemporary replacement for a puncturedtire. It must be replaced as soon as possi-ble by a standard tire. Road holding andhandling may be affected with the "Tem-porary Spare" in use. Do not exceed50 mph (80 km/h).
CAUTION
The vehicle must not be driven with wheels of different dimensions or with a spare tireother than the one that came with the vehi-cle. The use of different size wheels canseriously damage your vehicle's transmis-sion.
1 Not on models equipped with the Tire sealing system.

07 Wheels and tires
Tire Sealing System
07
192* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.
Introduction
Certain models are equipped with a tire seal- ing system* that enables you to temporarilyseal a hole in the tread surface and re-inflatea flat tire, or to adjust a tire’s inflation pres-sure. The system consists of an air compressor, a container for the sealing compound, wiring toconnect the system to the vehicle’s electricalsystem via one of the 12-volt sockets, and ahose used to connect the system to the tire’sinflation valve.
NOTE
The tire sealing system's compressor has been tested and approved by Volvo.
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 thefloor of the cargo area. To access it:
1. Fold up or remove any protective floor
covering 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’stread area, not the sidewall.
• Tires with large holes or tears cannotbe repaired with the tire sealing sys-tem.
• After use, stow the tire sealing systemproperly to help prevent rattling.
WARNING
•After using the tire sealing system, the vehicle should not be driven fartherthan approximately 120 miles (200km).
• Have the tire inspected by a trainedand qualified Volvo service technicianas soon as possible to determine if itcan be permanently repaired or mustbe replaced.
• The vehicle should not be driven fasterthan 50 mph (80 km/h) while using atire that has been temporarily repairedwith the tire sealing system.
• After using the tire sealing system,drive carefully and avoid abrupt steer-ing maneuvers and sudden stops.
Tire sealing system–overview
Speed limit sticker (on the rear side of the compressor)
On/Off switch
Electrical wire
Bottle holder (orange cover)
Protective hose cover
Air pressure release knob
Hose
Bottle with sealing compound
Air pressure gauge

07 Wheels and tires
Tire Sealing System
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WARNING
Please keep the following points in mind when using the tire sealing system:• The sealing compound bottle (no. 8 in the illustration) contains 1) rubberlatex, natural and 2) ethanediol. Thesesubstances are harmful if swallowed.
• The contents of this bottle may causeallergic skin reactions or otherwise bepotentially harmful to the respiratorytract, the skin, the central nervous sys-tem, and the eyes.
Precautions: • Keep out of reach of children.
• Do not ingest the contents.
• Avoid prolonged or repeated contact with the skin.
• Wash thoroughly after handling.
First aid:
• Skin: Wash affected areas of skin withsoap and water. Get medical attentionif symptoms occur.
• Eyes: Flush with plenty of water forleast 15 minutes, occasionally liftingthe upper and lower eyelids. Get medi-cal attention if symptoms occur.
•Inhalation: Move the exposed person to fresh air. If irritation persists, getmedical attention.
• Ingestion: Do
NOT induce vomiting
unless directed to do so by medicalpersonnel. Get medical attention.
• Disposal: Dispose of this material andits container to a hazardous or specialwaste collection point.
NOTE
Do not break the seal on the bottle. This occurs automatically when the bottle isscrewed into the holder.
Tire sealing system–temporarily repairing a flat tire
Temporarily repairing a flat tire is done in two stages:
• Stage 1:
The hole is sealed by pumping
sealing compound into the tire. The car is then driven a short distance to distributethe sealing compound in the tire.
NOTE
Do not remove any foreign objects (nails, etc.) from the tire before using the sealingsystem.
• Stage 2:
The tire’s inflation pressure is
checked and adjusted if necessary.

07 Wheels and tires
Tire Sealing System
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194
WARNING
•Never leave the tire sealing system unattended when it is operating.
• Keep the tire sealing system awayfrom children.
• Be sure the vehicle is parked safely offthe road and away from moving traffic.
• Apply the parking brake.
Stage 1: Sealing the hole1. Peel off the speed limit sticker and affix it
to the steering wheel hub where it will be clearly visible to the driver.
2. Ensure that the on/off switch is in position 0 (the 0 side of the switch should be
pressed down).
3. Put on the gloves included in the tire sealing system.
WARNING
Contact with the sealing compound may cause skin irritation. If contact occurs,wash the affected area immediately withsoap and water.
4. Unscrew the orange cover over the bottleholder 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 isscrewed into the holder.
5. Screw the bottle into the bottle holder.
WARNING
The bottle is equipped with a catch to keep it securely in place and help preventsealing compound leakage. Once in place,the bottle cannot be unscrewed. This mustbe done by a trained and qualified Volvoservice technician.
6. Remove the valve cap from the tire’sinflation valve and screw the tire sealing system’s hose connector onto the valveas tightly as possible by hand.
7. Connect the electrical wire to the nearest 12-volt socket in the vehicle.
NOTE
Be sure that none of the other 12-volt sockets is being used while the compres-sor is in operation.
8. Start the vehicle’s engine.
9. Start the tire sealing system’s compres- sor by pressing the on/off switch to posi- tion I.
WARNING
• Never stand next to the tire being infla- ted when the compressor is in opera-tion.
• If cracks, bubbles, etc. form on the tire,switch off the compressor immediately.
• If there is visible damage to the sidewallor the rim, the tire cannot be repaired.The vehicle should not be driven if thisoccurs. Contact a towing service orVolvo On Call Roadside Assistance ifapplicable.

07 Wheels and tires
Tire Sealing System
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NOTE
The air pressure gauge will temporarily show an increase in pressure to approxi-mately 88 psi (6 bar) while the sealingcompound is being pumped into the tire.The pressure should return to a normallevel after approximately 30 seconds.
10. Within seven minutes, inflate the tire tobetween 22—44 psi (1.8—3.0 bar). Switch off the compressor briefly to get aclear reading from the pressure gauge.
CAUTION
The compressor should not be used for more than 10 minutes at a time to avoidoverheating.
WARNING
If the pressure remains below 22 psi (1.8 bar) after approximately sevenminutes, turn off the compressor. In thiscase, the hole is too large to be sealed andthe vehicle should not be driven.
11. Switch off the compressor and discon-nect the electrical wire from the 12-volt socket. 12. Unscrew the hose from the tire’s inflation
valve and reinstall the valve cap.
CAUTION
•After pumping the tires, always reinstall the valve cap to help avoid damage tothe valve from dirt, gravel, etc.
• Use plastic valve caps only. Metal capscould corrode and become difficult toremove.
13. Immediately drive the vehicle for approxi-
mately 2 miles (3 km) at a maximum speed of 50 mph (80 km/h) to distributethe sealing compound in the tire.
CAUTION
If your vehicle is equipped with the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), theuse of the sealing compound may lead toincorrect tire pressure readings or in rarecases, damage to the tire pressure sensor.Use the tire sealing system to check andadjust the damaged tire's inflation pres-sure.
NOTE
•Safely stow the tire sealing system in a convenient place as it will soon beused again to check the tire’s inflationpressure.
• The empty bottle of sealing compoundcannot be removed from the bottleholder. Consult a trained and qualifiedVolvo service technician to have thebottle removed and properly disposedof.
WARNING
If heavy vibrations, unsteady steering behavior, or noises should occur whiledriving, reduce speed and park the vehiclein a safe place. Recheck the tire forbumps, cracks, or other visible damage,and recheck its inflation pressure. If thepressure is below 19 psi (1.3 bar), do notcontinue driving. Have the vehicle towedto a trained and qualified Volvo servicetechnician.
Stage 2: Checking inflation pressure1. Connect the tire sealing system as
described 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