Volvo 2009 XC90, Owner'S Manual

Page: 167 / 282

07 Wheels and tires
General information
07
167
WARNING
•
The wheel and tire sizes for your Volvo
are specified to meet stringent stability
and handling requirements. Unap-
proved wheel/tire size combinations
can negatively affect your vehicle's sta-
bility and handling. Approved tire sizes
are shown in the Tire inflation pressure
tables on pages 170 and 171.
•
Any damage caused by installation of
unapproved wheel/tire size combina-
tions will not be covered by your new
vehicle warranty. Volvo assumes no
responsibility for death, injury, or
expenses that may result from such
installations.
New tires
Remember that tires are per-
ishable goods. As of 2000, the
manufacturing week and year
will be indicated with 4 digits
(e.g. 1502 means that the tire
illustrated was manufactured
during week 15 of 2002).
Tire age
Tires degrade over time, even when they are
not being used. It is recommended that tires
generally be replaced after 6 years of normal
service. Heat caused by hot climates, frequent
high loading conditions or Ultra Violet (U.V)
exposure can accelerate the aging process.
You should replace the spare tire when you
replace the other road tires due to the aging of
the spare.
A tire's age can be determined by the DOT
stamp on the sidewall (see the illustration
above).
A tire with e.g., visible cracks or discoloration
should be replaced immediately.
Improving tire economy:
•
Maintain correct tire pressure. See the tire
pressure table see page 170.
•
Drive smoothly: avoid fast starts, hard
braking and tire screeching.
•
Tire wear increases with speed.
•
Correct front wheel alignment is very
important.
•
Unbalanced wheels impair tire economy
and driving comfort.
•
Tires must maintain the same direction of
rotation throughout their lifetime.
When replacing tires, the tires with the most
tread should be mounted on the rear wheels to
reduce the chance of oversteer during hard
braking.
Hitting curbs or potholes can damage the tires
and/or wheels permanently.