07 Wheels and tyres
145
General
07
More even wear and maintenance
The correct tyre pressure results in more
even wear, see page 149. To achieve the
best traction and more even wear on the
tyres, the regular switching of the front and
rear tyres with each other is recommended.
The first change should be after 5000 km and
then at intervals of 10000 km, this is to avoid
differences in tread depth. Tyres with the
greatest tread depth should always be fitted
to the rear wheels to decrease the risk of
skidding. Contact an authorised Volvo work-
shop if you are uncertain about tread depth.
Wheels should be stored lying down or hang-
ing up, and not standing up.
Tyres with tread wear indicators
Tread wear indicators are narrow treadless
bands across the width of the tread. On the
side of the tyre are the letters TWI (Tread
Wear Indicator). When the tyre’s tread depth
is down to 1.6 mm, the tread depth will be
level in height with the tread wear indicators.
Change to new tyres as soon as possible.
Remember that tyres with little tread depth
provide very poor grip in rain and snow.
Winter tyres
Volvo recommends winter tyres with specific
winter tyre dimensions. These are stated on
the tyre pressure label, for location see
page 148. The tyre dimensions are depend-
ent on the engine variant. When driving on
winter tyres, they must be fitted to all four
wheels.
Studded tyres
Studded winter tyres should be run in gently
for 500–1000 km so the studs settle properly
into the tyres. This gives the tyre, and espe-
cially the studs, a longer service life.
Tread depth
Road conditions with ice, slush and low tem-
peratures place considerably higher de-
mands on tyres than summer conditions. It is
therefore recommended not to drive on win-
ter tyres that have a tread depth of less than
four millimetres.
Snow chains
Snow chains may only be used on the front
wheels, also applies to all-wheel drive cars.
Never drive faster than 50 km/h with snow
chains. Avoid driving on bare ground as this
wears out both the snow chains and tyres.
Never use quick-fit snow chains as the space
between the brake disks and the wheels is
too small.
NOTE
Ask a Volvo dealer which rim and tyre types
are most suitable.
NOTE
The legal provisions for the use of studded
tyres vary from country to country.
IMPORTANT
Use Volvo genuine snow chains or equiva-
lent chains designed for the car model, and
tyre and rim dimensions. Consult an author-
ised Volvo workshop