Volvo V50 Automobile User Manual


 
07 Wheels and tires
Snow chains, snow tires, studded tires
07
187
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 approved
snow chains.
If accessory, aftermarket or "custom" tires
and wheels are installed and are of a size
different than the original tires and wheels,
chains in some cases CANNOT be used.
Sufficient clearances between chains and
brakes, suspension and body components
must be maintained.
Some strap-on type chains will interfere
with brake components and therefore
CANNOT be used.
Certain size tires may not allow the assem-
bly of snow chains/traction devices.
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 manufacturer's
installation instructions carefully. Install
chains as tightly as possible and
retighten periodically.
Never exceed the chain manufacturer's
specified maximum speed limit. (Under
no circumstances should you exceed
31 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.
Snow tires, studded tires
Tires for winter use:
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.
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.
Do not mix tires of different design as this
could also negatively affect overall tire road
grip.
Winter tires wear more quickly on dry roads
in warm weather. They should be removed
when the winter driving season has ended.
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 opportu-
nity 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.