Volvo S80 -, Owner'S Manual

Page: 308 / 422

09 Wheels and tyres
09
306
Tyres - direction of rotation
Tyres with a tread pattern which are designed
to only turn in one direction have the direction
of rotation marked with an arrow.
G021778
The arrow shows the tyre's direction of rotation.
The tyre must always rotate in the same
direction throughout its lifespan. Tyres should
only be switched between front and rear
positions, never between left and right-hand
sides, or vice versa. If the tyres are fitted
incorrectly, the car's braking characteristics
and capacity to force rain and slush out of the
way are adversely affected. Tyres with the
greatest tread depth should always be fitted
to the rear of the car (to decrease the risk of
skidding).
NOTE
Make sure that both pairs of wheels have
the same type and dimension, and also the
same make.
Follow the recommended tyre pressures
specified in the tyre pressure table (p. 405).
Related information
•
Tyres - dimensions (p. 310)
•
Tyres - speed ratings (p. 311)
•
Tyres - load index (p. 311)
•
Tyres - maintenance (p. 306)
•
Tyres - tread wear indicators (p. 308)
Tyres - maintenance
Amongst other things, the function of the
tyres is to provide grip on the road surface,
dampen vibration and protect the wheel from
wear.
Driving characteristics
Tyres greatly affect the car's driving characte-
ristics. The type of tyre, dimensions, tyre
pressure and speed rating are important for
how the car performs.
Tyre age
All tyres older than 6 years old should be
checked by an expert even if they seem
undamaged. Tyres age and decompose, even
if they are hardly ever or never used. The
function can therefore be affected. This
applies to all tyres that are stored for future
use. Examples of external signs which indi-
cate that the tyre is unsuitable for use are
cracks or discoloration.