VOLVO XC90 TWIN ENGINE 2020 Owners Manual

WHEELS AND TIRES
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549
Tread wear indicatorThe tread wear indicator shows the status of the tire's tread.
The tread wear indicator is a narrow elevated strip running across the tire's longitudinaltread grooves. The letters TWI (Tread WearIndicator) are visible on the side of the tire.When approximately 1.6 mm (1/16 inch) is lefton the tread, the tread will be at the sameheight as the tread wear indicator. Replace thetire as soon as possible. Tires with low treadoffer very poor traction in rain or snow.
Related information
Tires (p. 546)
Tire terminology
The following is a glossary of tire-related terms.
The tire suppliers may have additional mark- ings, notes or warnings such as standard load,radial tubeless, etc.
Tire information placard
: A placard
showing the OE (Original Equipment) tiresizes, recommended inflation pressure,and the maximum weight the vehicle cancarry.
Tire Identification Number (TIN)
: A num-
ber on the sidewall of each tire providinginformation about the tire brand and man-ufacturing plant, tire size and date of man-ufacture.
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 maximumload at 41 psi [43 psi (2.9 bar) for Metrictires]. Increasing the inflation pressurebeyond this pressure will not increase thetire's 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 perime-
ter of the tire that contacts the road whenmounted 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 inflationpressure
: the greatest amount of air pres-
sure 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 aremounted on a vehicle at the factory. Thisinformation can be found on the tire infla-

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WHEELS AND TIRES
550tion placard(s) located on the driver's side B-pillar and in the tire inflation table in thischapter.
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 thevehicle has been parked for at least 3hours.
Related information
Tires (p. 546)
Tire sidewall designations
The following information can be found on a tire's sidewall.
Federal law mandates that tire manufacturers place standardized information on the sidewallof all tires (see the illustration). The vehicle has been certified with certain combinations of wheels and tires. The following information is listed on the tire sidewall: The tire designation:
NOTE
Please be aware that the following tire designation is an example only and that
this particular tire may not be available onyour vehicle.
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's height to its
width in percent.
3. R: Radial tire (the designation RF and the
symbol indicate that the vehicle is
equipped with optional self-supporting run flat tires 3
.
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 bedriven for extended periods of time, carry-ing a permissible load for the vehicle, andwith correct inflation pressure. For exam-ple, H indicates a speed rating of210 km/h (130 mph).
3 Self-supporting run flat tires may not be available on all models.

WHEELS AND TIRES
551
NOTE
The tire's load index and speed rating may not appear on the sidewall because theyare 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 federalstandards. The next two numbers are thefactory code where the tire was manufac-tured, the next two are the tire size codeand the last four numbers represent theweek and year the tire was made. Forexample, 0717 means that the tire wasmanufactured during week 7 of 2017. Thenumbers in between are marketing codesused at the manufacturer's discretion. Thisinformation helps a tire manufactureridentify a tire for safety recall purposes.
9. Tire Ply Composition and Material Used :
Indicates the number of plies indicates orthe number of layers of rubber-coated fab-ric in the tire tread and sidewall. Tire man-ufacturers also must indicate the plymaterials in the tire and the sidewall,which include steel, nylon, polyester, andothers.
10. Maximum Load : Indicates the maximum
load in pounds and kilograms that can be carried by the tire. Refer to the vehicle'stire information placard located on the B-Pillar for the correct tire pressure for yourvehicle.
11. Treadwear, Traction, and Temperaturegrades .
12. Maximum permissible inflationpressure: the greatest amount of air pres-
sure that should ever be put in the tire.This limit is set by the tire manufacturer.
Speed SymbolA tire's Speed Symbol (SS) indicates the maxi-mum speed for which the tire has been certi-fied and should be at least equivalent to thevehicle's top speed. Winter tires, with or without studs, are excep- tions and may use a lower SS. When wintertires are installed, the vehicle may not bedriven faster than the tires' SS. The vehicle's speed should always be deter- mined by the posted speed limit and trafficand road conditions, not the tire's SS. The following table indicates the maximum permissible speed for each SS.
M 130 km/h (81 mph)
Q 160 km/h (100 mph)
T 190 km/h (118 mph)
H 210 km/h (130 mph)
V 240 km/h (149 mph)
W 270 km/h (168 mph)
Y 300 km/h (186 mph)
WARNING
The wheel and tire sizes for your Volvo are specified to meet stringent stabilityand handling requirements. Unap-proved wheel/tire size combinationscan negatively affect your vehicle's sta-bility and handling.
Any damage caused by installation ofunapproved wheel/tire size combina-tions will not be covered by your newvehicle warranty. Volvo assumes noresponsibility for death, injury, orexpenses that may result from suchinstallations.
Related information
Tires (p. 546)

WHEELS AND TIRES
552
Uniform Tire Quality GradingALL PASSENGER VEHICLE TIRES MUST CONFORM TO FEDERAL SAFETYREQUIREMENTS IN ADDITION TO THESEGRADES .
Quality grades can be found, where applica- ble, on the tire sidewall between the treadshoulder and maximum section width. Forexample: Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature A
TREADWEARThe treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the wear rate of the tire when testedunder controlled conditions on a specifiedgovernment test course. For example, a tiregraded 150 would wear one and one half (1 ½)times as well on the government course as atire graded 100. The relative performance oftires depends upon the actual conditions oftheir use, however, and many depart signifi-cantly from the norm due to variation in drivinghabits, maintenance practices and differencesin 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 to thegeneration of heat and its ability to dissipateheat when tested under controlled conditionson a specified indoor laboratory test wheel.Sustained high temperature can cause thematerial of the tire to degenerate and reducetire life, and excessive temperature can lead tosudden tire failure. The grade C correspondsto a minimum level of performance that allpassenger vehicle tires must meet under theFederal Motor Safety Standard No. 109.Grades B and A represent higher levels of per-formance on the laboratory test wheel thanthe minimum required by law.
WARNING
The temperature grade for this tire is estab- lished for a tire that is properly inflated andnot overloaded. Excessive speed, under-inflation, or excessive loading, either sepa-rately or in combination, can cause heatbuildup and tire failure.
Related information
Tires (p. 546)
Tire sidewall designations (p. 550)

WHEELS AND TIRES
* Option/accessory.553
Checking tire pressure
Correct inflation pressure helps improve driv- ing stability, save fuel and increase the serv-ice life of the tires.
Tire pressure decreases over time, which is normal. Tire pressure also varies depending onthe ambient temperature. Driving on under-inflated tires could cause the vehicle to over-heat and lead to damage. Tire pressure affectstraveling comfort, road noise and driving cha-racteristics. Check the pressure in the tires every month. Use the recommended inflation pressure forcold tires to help maintain good tire perform-ance. Under-inflated or over-inflated tirescould cause uneven tread wear. Use an air pressure gauge and check the infla- tion pressure on all the tires, including the spare tire 4
, at least once a month and before
long trips. Volvo recommends buying a relia- ble air pressure gauge, as the automaticgauges provided at service stations may beinaccurate.
WARNING
Under-inflation is the most common cause of tire failure and may result insevere tire cracking, tread separation,or "blow-out," with unexpected loss ofvehicle control and increased risk ofinjury.
Under-inflated tires reduce the loadcarrying capacity of your vehicle.
Cold tiresInflation pressure should be checked when thetires are cold. The tires are considered to becold when they have the same temperature asthe surrounding (ambient) air. This tempera-ture is normally reached after the vehicle hasbeen parked for at least 3 hours. After driving for approximately 1.6 km (1 mile), the tires are considered to be warm. If youneed to drive longer than that to inflate thetires, check and record the inflation pressureof the tires first and inflate accordingly whenyou arrive at the pump. When the ambient temperature changes, so does the inflation pressure. A 10-degree tem-perature drop causes a corresponding drop ininflation pressure of 1 psi (7 kPa). Check theinflation pressure of the tires regularly andadjust to the correct pressure, which can be found on the vehicle's tire information decal orcertification label. If you check inflation pressure when the tires are warm, you should never release air. Thetires become warm after driving and it is nor-mal for warm tires to have an inflation pres-sure above the recommended pressure forcold tires. A warm tire with an inflation pres-sure equal to or under the recommended pres-sure for cold tires could be significantly under-inflated.Related information

Adjusting tire pressure (p. 554)
Recommended tire pressure (p. 555)
Tire pressure monitoring system
*
(p. 555)
Tires (p. 546)
4
Not available in all models.

WHEELS AND TIRES
554
Adjusting tire pressureTire pressure decreases over time, which is normal. The tire pressure must therefore beadjusted to maintain the recommended tirepressure.
Use the recommended inflation pressure for cold tires to help maintain good tire perform-ance and even wear.
NOTE
To help prevent incorrect inflation pressure, pressure should be checked when the tiresare cold. The tires are considered to becold when they have reached the sametemperature as the ambient temperature(about 3 hours after the vehicle was lastdriven). After driving for a few kilometers,the tires will warm up and the pressure willincrease.
1. Remove the valve cap from the tire and press the air pressure gauge firmly onto the valve.
2. Inflate the tire to the correct inflation pres- sure; see the tire pressure placard on thedriver's side B pillar for recommendedpressures for factory-mounted tires. 3. Screw the valve cap back on.
NOTE

After inflating a tire, always replace the valve cap to help prevent valve damagecaused by gravel, dirt, etc.
Use plastic valve caps only. Metal capscould corrode and become difficult toremove.
4. Visually inspect the tire to make sure there
are no nails or other embedded objects that could puncture the tire and cause airleakage.
5. Check the sidewalls to make sure there are no gouges, cuts, bulges or other irreg-ularities.
6. Repeat this procedure for each tire, includ- ing the spare tire 5
.
NOTE
If you have overfilled the tire, release air by pushing on the metal stem in the center ofthe valve. Then recheck the pressure withyour tire gauge. Some spare tires require higher inflation pressure than the other tires. Consult thetire inflation pressure table or the inflationpressure decal.
Related information
Recommended tire pressure (p. 555)
Checking tire pressure (p. 553)
Inflate tires with the compressor included in the tire sealing system (p. 573)
Approved tire pressure (p. 672)
5
Not available on all models.

WHEELS AND TIRES
}}
* Option/accessory.555
Recommended tire pressure
The tire pressure placard on the driver's side B pillar (between the front and the rear door)indicates tire pressure for different loads andspeed conditions.
The decal specifies the designation for the fac- tory-mounted tires on the vehicle, as well asload limits and inflation pressures.
Related information
Checking tire pressure (p. 553)
Approved tire pressure (p. 672)
Tire pressure monitoring system
*
The tire pressure monitoring system 6
pro-
vides a warning symbol in the instrument panel if pressure is too low in one or moretires.
This symbol illuminates to indicate low inflation pressure. If there is a system malfunction, the inflation pressure warning symbol
will flash for approximately one minute andthen glow steadily.
System descriptionThe tire pressure monitoring system measures differences in rotational speed between thewheels through the ABS system to determineif the tires are properly inflated. If inflationpressure in a tire is too low, its diameter (andconsequently its rotational speed) changes. Bycomparing the tires with each other, the sys-tem can determine if the pressure in one ormore tires is too low.
General information about the tire pressure monitoring system
In the following description, the tire monitor- ing system is generally referred to as TPMS. Each tire, including the spare (if provided) 7
should be checked monthly when cold and inflated to the inflation pressure recom- mended by the vehicle manufacturer on thevehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label.(If your vehicle has tires of a different size thanthe size indicated on the vehicle placard or tireinflation pressure label, you should determinethe proper tire inflation pressure for thosetires.) As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been equipped with a tire pressure monitoringsystem (TPMS) that illuminates a low tirepressure telltale when one or more of yourtires is significantly under-inflated. Accord-ingly, when the low tire pressure telltale illumi-nates, you should stop and check your tires assoon as possible, and inflate them to theproper pressure. Driving on a significantly under-inflated tire causes the tire to overheat and can lead to tirefailure. Under-inflation also reduces fuel effi-ciency and tire tread life, and may affect thevehicle's handling and stopping ability. Pleasenote that the TPMS is not a substitute forproper tire maintenance, and it is the driver'sresponsibility to maintain correct tire pressure,even if under-inflation has not reached thelevel to trigger illumination of the TPMS lowtire pressure telltale. Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS malfunction indicator to indicate when
6
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
7 Not available on all models.

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WHEELS AND TIRES
* Option/accessory.
556 the system is not operating properly. The TPMS malfunction indicator is combined withthe low tire pressure telltale. When the systemdetects a malfunction, the telltale will flash forapproximately one minute and then remaincontinuously illuminated. This sequence willcontinue upon subsequent vehicle start-ups aslong as the malfunction exists. When the mal-function indicator is illuminated, the systemmay not be able to detect or signal low tirepressure as intended. TPMS malfunctions may occur for a variety of reasons, including the installation of replace-ment or alternate tires or wheels on the vehi-cle that prevent the TPMS from functioningproperly. Always check the TPMS malfunction telltale after replacing one or more tires or wheels onyour vehicle to ensure that the replacement oralternate tires and wheels allow the TPMS tocontinue to function properly.
Messages in the instrument panelIf tire pressure is too low, the low tire pressurewarning symbol is shown in the instrumentpanel along with a message. Check the infla- tion pressure in the
Car Status app in the
center display.
Tire pressure low Check Car Status
app in center display
Tire pressure system Temporarily
unavailable
Tire pressure system Service required
To keep in mind
Always save the new inflation pressure in the system after changing a tire or adjust-ing the inflation pressure.
If you switch to a tire of another size thanthe factory-mounted tires, the systemmust be reset by storing a new inflationpressure for these tires to avoid falsewarnings.
If a spare wheel 8
is used, it is possible that
the tire pressure monitoring system willnot work correctly due to the differencesbetween the wheels.
The system does not replace the need forregular tire inspection and maintenance.
It is not possible to deactivate the tirepressure monitoring system.
WARNING
Incorrect inflation pressure could lead to tire failure, which could cause thedriver to lose control of the vehicle.
The system cannot predict sudden tiredamage.
Related information
Recommended tire pressure (p. 555)
Viewing tire pressure status in the center display
* (p. 558)
Action when warned of low tire pressure (p. 559)
Saving a new inflation pressure in the monitoring system
* (p. 557)
8
Not available on all models.

WHEELS AND TIRES
* Option/accessory.557
Saving a new inflation pressure in the monitoring system *
In order for the tire pressure monitoring sys- tem 9
to function correctly, tire pressure refer-
ence values must be saved correctly. To help ensure that the system can correctly alert thedriver of low inflation pressure, this must bedone each time the tires are changed or theinflation pressure is adjusted.
For example, when driving with a heavy load or at high speeds (over 160 km/h (100 mph)),tire pressure should be adjusted to the Volvo-recommended tire pressure values. The sys-tem should then be reset by saving the newinflation pressure. To store the new inflation pressure as a refer- ence value in the system:
1. Switch off the ignition.
2. Inflate the tire to the correct inflation pres- sure; see the tire pressure placard on the driver's side B pillar for recommendedpressures for factory-mounted tires.
3. Start the vehicle. 4. Open the
Car Status app in App view.
5. Tap
TPMS.
NOTE
The vehicle must be stationary for theStore Pressure button to be selectable.
6.Tap Store Pressure.
7. Tap
OK to confirm that the tire pressure in
all four tires has been checked and adjusted.
8. Drive the vehicle until the new inflation pressure has been saved. The new infla-tion pressure is stored when the vehicle isdriven at speeds over 35 km/h (22 mph).
> When enough data has been collectedfor the system to detect low inflation pressure, the animation showing theprogress of the storing procedure willdisappear from the center display. Thesystem will not provide any further con-firmation that the new inflation pres-sure has been stored.
If storing cannot be performed,
Storing
pressure unsuccessful. Try again. will be
displayed. If the vehicle's ignition is switched off before the new inflation pressure has been saved, theprocedure must be performed again. To helpensure that the new inflation pressure is saved correctly, allow the storing procedure to com-plete during a single operating cycle.
WARNING
The exhaust gases contain carbon monox- ide, which is invisible and odorless but verypoisonous. The procedure for saving a newinflation pressure must therefore always beperformed outdoors or in a workshop withexhaust gas extraction.
Related information

Recommended tire pressure (p. 555)
Adjusting tire pressure (p. 554)
Viewing tire pressure status in the center display
* (p. 558)
Action when warned of low tire pressure (p. 559)
Tire pressure monitoring system
* (p. 555)
9
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

WHEELS AND TIRES
* Option/accessory.
558
Viewing tire pressure status in the center display *
With the system for tire pressure monitor- ing 10
, tire pressure status can be viewed in
the center display.
Checking statusThe vehicle may need to be driven for a few minutes at a speed above 35 km/h (22 mph)to activate the system. 1. Open the
Car Status app in App view.
2. Tap
TPMS to display the status of the
tires.
Status indicator light
The illustration is generic. Layout may vary depend- ing on vehicle model or software version.
Below are a few examples of messages that may be displayed for inflation pressure statusand what they mean.
Instrument panel: Tire
pressure low Check CarStatus app incenter displayThe indicator symbol will illuminate to indicate thatinflation pressure is lowin one or more tires. See the
Car Status app in
the center display for more information.
Instrument panel:
Tire
pressure sys- tem
Tempo-
rarily unavaila- ble
The indicator symbol will flash for about 1 minuteand then glow steadily.The system is temporarilyunavailable and will beactivated momentarily.
Instrument panel:
Tire
pressure sys- tem
Service
required
The indicator symbol will flash for about 1 minuteand then glow steadily. Ifthe system is not work-ing properly, contact a workshop A
.
A An authorized Volvo workshop is recommended.
Related information
Saving a new inflation pressure in the monitoring system
* (p. 557)
Action when warned of low tire pressure (p. 559)
Tire pressure monitoring system
* (p. 555)
Vehicle status (p. 601)
10
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)