Wheels and tires
The handling and riding comfort of the vehicle is dependent on the inflation pressure and the type of tires fitted. Read the following pages carefully.
| 5:2 | General information |
| 5:3 | Tread wear indicators |
| 5:4 | Inflation pressure |
General information
Your vehicle is equipped with tires according to the tire information label located on the rear facing side of the right front door.
Wheels:
6" x 15" steel wheels
6" x 15" alloy wheels (certain models)
Tires:
185/65 R 15
195/65 R 15 (certain models)
The tire designation is coded as follows:
195 = tire width in mm.
60 = tire profile. This is the relationship (in percent) between the section height and the width of the tire.
R = radial tires.
15 = diameter in inches
The tires have good road holding characteristics and offer good handling on dry and wet surfaces. Certain models are equipped with "all-season" tires, which provide a somewhat higher degree of winter roadholding than tires without the "all-season" rating. However, for optimum road holding on icy or snow covered roads - we recommend suitable winter tires on.
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 road-holding and handling characteristics.
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NOTE:
When storing wheel/tire assemblies (e.g. winter tires and wheels), either lay the assemblies on their sides or suspend them off the ground. Laying wheel/tire assemblies on their sides for prolonged periods can cause wheel and/or tire damage.
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Snow chains
Snow tire chains can be used on your Volvo with the following restrictions:
Snow chains should be installed on your rear wheels only.
Snow chains can be used on the tires and wheels provided as original production equipment with your Volvo. If accessory, aftermarket or "custom" tires and wheels are installed and are wider than 205 mm, chains CANNOT be used. Sufficient clearances between chains and brakes, suspension and components must be maintained.
Some strap-on type chains will interfere with brake components and therefore CANNOT be used.
CAUTION:
Check local regulations regarding the use of snow chains before installing.
Always follow the chains manufacturer's installation instructions carefully. Install chains as tightly as possible and re-tighten periodically.
Never exceed the chain manufacture's specified maximum speed limit. (Under no circumstances should that limit be higher than 30 mph (50 km/h).
Avoid bumps, holes or sharp turns when driving with snow chains.
The handling of the vehicle can be adversely affected when driving with chains. Avoid fast or sharp turns as well as locked wheel braking.
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Wear indicator
The tires have a so-called "wear indicator" in the form of a number of narrow strips running across or parallel to the tread. When approx. 1/16" (1.6 mm) is left on the tread, these strips show up and indicate that the tire should be replaced.
Tires with less than 1/16" (1.6 mm) tread have a very poor grip in rain or snow.
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 alteration of the driving characteristics of the vehicle.
To improve tire economy:
Maintain correct tire pressure.
Drive smoothly: avoid fast starts, hard braking and tire screeching.
Tire wear increases with speed.
Do not change wheel location unless necessary.
Correct front wheel alignment is very important. Unbalanced wheels impair tire economy and driving comfort.
Unbalanced wheels impair tire economy and driving comfort.
Hitting curbs or potholes can damage the tires and/or wheels permanently.
Flat spots
All tires become warm during use. After cooling, when the vehicle is parked, the tires have a tendency to distort slightly, forming flat spots. These flat spots can cause vibrations similar to the vibrations caused by imbalanced wheels.
They do, however, disappear when the tire warms up. The degree to which the flat spots form depends on the type of cord used in the tire. Remember that, in cold weather, it takes longer for the tire to warm up and consequently longer for the flat spot to disappear.
Snow tires, studded tires *
Tires for winter use:
Use snow tires fitted to the standard 15" wheels (preferably steel).
Suitable tire size: 185/65R15 on all
four
wheels. Do not mix tires of different design, as this could negatively affect overall tire road grip especially during slippery road conditions!
Studded tires
should be run-in 300-600 miles (500-1000 km) during which the car should be driven as smoothly as possible to give the studs the opportunity to seat properly in the tires. The car tires should have the same rotational direction throughout their entire lifetime. In other words, if you wish to rotate the wheels, make sure that the same wheels are always on the same side of the car.
NOTE:
Regulations governing the use of studded tires may vary from one state or province to another.
WARNING!
Special wheel rims for air dams
Only special wheel rims, tested and approved by Volvo, are suitable for use with the air dam installed on the 940.
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Checking and correcting tire pressure
Check the tire pressure when refueling.
The tire pressure should be corrected only when the tires are cold. With warm tires, correct only when the pressure is too low. The tire temperature rises after driving just a few miles.
Vehicle Loading
The tires on your Volvo will perform to specifications at all normal loads when inflated as recommended on the tire information label located on the rear facing side on the right front door. This label lists both the tire and vehicle design limits.
Do not load your car beyond the load limits indicated.
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NOTE: This label is a sample. See label on your car for correct data.
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