Volvo XC70 (2016 year). Instruction - part 18

Some Volvo models are equipped with an

Ultra High Performance tire and wheel

combination designed to provide maxi-

mum dry pavement performance with con-

sideration for hydroplaning resistance.

They may be more susceptible to road

hazard damage and, depending on driving

conditions, may achieve a tread life of less

than 20,000 miles (30,000 km). Even if this

vehicle is equipped with Volvo’s advanced

AWD or stability system, these tires are not

designed for winter driving, and should be

replaced with winter tires when weather

conditions dictate.

The tires have good road holding characteris-

tics and offer good handling on dry and wet

surfaces. It should be noted however that the

tires have been developed to give these fea-

tures on snow/ice-free surfaces.
Most models are equipped with "all-season"

tires, which provide a somewhat higher

degree of road holding on slippery surfaces

than tires without the "all-season" rating.

However, for optimum road holding on icy or

snow-covered roads, we recommend suitable

winter tires on all four wheels.
When replacing tires, be sure that the new

tires are the same size designation, type

(radial) and preferably from the same manu-

facturer, on all four wheels. Otherwise there is

a risk of altering the car's roadholding and

handling characteristics.

Tire rotation
Your vehicle has no required tire rotation. Tire

wear is affected by a number of factors such

as tire inflation, ambient temperature, driving

style, etc.

•

If the tires are rotated, they should

only be moved from front to rear or

vice versa. They should never be rota-

ted left to right/right to left.

•

Ideally, tire rotation should be done the

first time after approximately 3,000

miles (5,000 km) and thereafter at

6,000-mile (10,000-km) intervals.

Some customers find that tire rotation

may help to get extra mileage from tire

life.

•

Tire rotation should only be performed

if front/rear tire wear is fairly even and

tread height is above 1/16" (1.6 mm).

Related information

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Changing a wheel – direction of rotation

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09 Wheels and tires

289

Tires – storage and age

When storing complete wheels (tires mounted

on rims), they should be suspended off the

floor or placed on their sides on the floor.

New Tires

Remember that tires are perishable goods. As

of 2000, the manufacturing week and year

(Department of Transportation (DOT) stamp)

will be indicated with 4 digits (e.g., 1513

means that the tire illustrated was manufac-

tured during week 15 of 2013).

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, fre-

quent high loading conditions or Ultra Violet

(U.V.) exposure can accelerate the aging

process. The temporary spare

should also

be replaced at 6-year intervals, even if it has

never been used.
A tire's age can be determined by the DOT

stamp on the sidewall (see the illustration).
A tire with e.g., visible cracks or discoloration

should be replaced immediately.

Storing wheels and tires
When storing completes wheels (tires moun-

ted on rims), they should be suspended off

the floor or placed on their sides on the floor.
Tires not mounted on rims should be stored

on their sides or standing upright, but should

not be suspended.

Tires should preferably be stored in a cool,

dry, dark place, and should never be

stored in close proximity to solvents, gaso-

line, oils, etc.

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

stability and handling.

•

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.

Related information

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Changing a wheel – direction of rotation

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Option or accessory on some models

09 Wheels and tires

290

Tires – tread wear indicator

The tires have wear indicator strips running

across or parallel to the tread.

G021829

The letters TWI are printed on the side of the

tire. When approximately 1/16" (1.6 mm) is

left on the tread, these strips become visible

and indicate that the tire should be replaced.

Tires with less than 1/16" (1.6 mm) tread offer

very poor traction.
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.

Related information

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Changing a wheel – direction of rotation

•

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inflation table, see Tire inflation – pressure

Tires – tire economy

A smooth driving style and correct inflation

pressure can help prolong the tires' service

life.

•

Maintain correct tire pressure. The tire

table (p. 300).

•

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 over-

steer during hard braking.

•

Hitting curbs or potholes can damage the

tires and/or wheels permanently.

09 Wheels and tires

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Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.

291

Changing a wheel – direction of

rotation

Incorrectly mounted tires impair the car's

braking properties and ability to force aside

rain, snow and slush.

Summer and winter tires

G021778

The arrows shows the direction of rotation of the

tire

•

The tires with the most tread should

always be on the rear axle (to help reduce

the risk of skidding).

•

When switching between summer and

winter tires, mark the tires to indicate

where they were mounted on the car,

e.g., LF = left front, RR = right rear

•

Tires with tread designed to roll in only

one direction are marked with an arrow

on the sidewall.

•

Contact a Volvo workshop if you are

unsure about the tread depth.

Related information

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Changing a wheel – removing wheel

Wheel changes should always be carried out

correctly.

G017464

Location of jack and tools

Changing a wheel
1. Apply the parking brake and put the gear

selector in P.

2. Take out the jack*, lug wrench*, the tool

for removing the plastic covers on the

wheel nuts, the towing eyelet and the

wheel cover removal tool (certain models

only) stowed under the floor of the cargo

area.

09 Wheels and tires

292

Tool for removing the plastic covers on the wheel

nuts

Remove the wheel cover (where applica-

ble) using the removal tool or remove the

wheel cover by hand.

4. Block the wheels that are on the ground

with wooden blocks or large stones.

Lug wrench and towing eyelet

5. Screw the towing eyelet into the lug

wrench as shown in the illustration.

The towing eyelet must be screwed into

the lug wrench as far as possible.

6. With the vehicle still on the ground,

remove the plastic covers on the wheel

nuts with the tool provided and use the

lug wrench/towing eyelet to loosen the

wheel nuts ½ – 1 turn by exerting down-

ward (counterclockwise) pressure.

Jack attachment points

09 Wheels and tires

293

7. There are two jack attachment points on

each side of the vehicle. Position the jack

under the attachment point to be used on

a level, firm, non-slippery surface and

crank it up until it is correctly aligned and

seated in the attachment point. Before

raising the vehicle, check that the jack is

still correctly positioned in the attach-

ment.

8. Raise the vehicle until the wheel to be

changed is lifted off the ground.

9. Unscrew the wheel nuts completely and

remove the wheel.

WARNING

•

The jack must correctly engage the

jack attachment.

•

Be sure the jack is on a firm, level,

non-slippery surface.

•

Never allow any part of your body to

be extended under a vehicle suppor-

ted by a jack.

•

Use the jack intended for the vehicle

when changing a tire. For any other

job, use stands to support the vehicle.

•

Apply the parking brake and put the

gear selector in the Park (P) position.

•

Block the wheels standing on the

ground, use rigid wooden blocks or

large stones.

•

The jack should be kept well-greased

and clean, and should not be dam-

aged.

•

No objects should be placed between

the base of jack and the ground, or

between the jack and the attachment

bar on the vehicle.

Changing a wheel – installing a wheel

The jack provided with your vehicle is

intended to be used only in temporary sit-

uations such as changing wheels in the

event of a flat tire. Only the jack that came

with your particular model should be used

to lift the vehicle. If the vehicle needs to be

lifted more frequently or for a prolonged

period, using a garage jack or hoist is rec-

ommended. Always follow this device’s

instructions for use.

Related information

•

(p. 295)

09 Wheels and tires

294

Changing a wheel – spare wheel

Wheel changes should always be carried out

correctly.

Spare tire
The spare tire in your vehicle

is called a

"Temporary Spare".
Recommended tire pressure (see the placard

on the B-pillar or on the fuel filler door) should

be maintained irrespective of which position

on the vehicle the temporary spare tire is

used on.
In the event of damage to this tire, a new one

can be purchased from your Volvo retailer.

WARNING

Current legislation prohibits the use of the

"Temporary Spare" tire other than as a

temporary replacement for a punctured

tire. It must be replaced as soon as possi-

ble by a standard tire. Road holding and

handling may be affected with the "Tem-

porary Spare" in use. Do not exceed

50 mph (80 km/h).

stated in the tire pressure table, see Tire infla-

The vehicle must not be driven with wheels

of different dimensions or with a spare tire

other than the one that came with the vehi-

cle. The use of different size wheels can

seriously damage your car's transmission.

Spare wheel
The spare wheel is only intended for tempo-

rary use. Replace it with a normal wheel as

soon as possible. The car's handling may be

altered by the use of the spare wheel. The

correct tire pressure for the spare wheel is

tion – pressure table (p. 300) and in the tire

inflation placard on the driver's side door

jamb at the rear of the driver's door opening.

WARNING

Current legislation prohibits the use of the

“Temporary Spare” tire other than as a

temporary replacement for a punctured

tire. It must be replaced as soon as possi-

ble by a standard tire. Road holding and

handling may be affected with the “Tem-

porary Spare” in use.

Changing a wheel – installing a wheel

The vehicle must never be driven with

more than one temporary spare wheel.

The spare wheel is located in the spare wheel

well with the rim side down. There are two

foam blocks, one under the spare wheel and

one over/inside. The upper one contains all

tools.
The same bolt runs through to secure the

spare wheel and the foam blocks.

Related information

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(p. 295)

•

Changing a wheel – removing wheel

Not on models equipped with the Tire sealing system.

09 Wheels and tires

295

Changing a wheel – accessing the

spare wheel

The following procedure explains how to

access the spare wheel (where applicable).

1. Open the floor hatch.
2. Undo the retaining bolt.
3. Lift out the foam block.
4. Lift out the spare wheel.
The other two blocks can remain in the spare

wheel well.

After use

The foam block and spare wheel must be

replaced in the reverse order. Note the arrow

on the upper foam block. It should point for-

ward.

Changing a wheel – spare wheel (p. 294)

If the floor hatch is not completely closed,

the private locking feature will not function.

Changing a wheel – installing a wheel

It is important to re-install wheels properly.

Re-installing the wheel
1. Clean the contact surfaces on the wheel

and hub.

2. Lift the wheel and place it on the hub.

Tighten the wheel nuts

3. Install the wheel nuts and tighten hand-

tight. Using the lug wrench, tighten cross-

wise until all nuts are snug.

4. Lower the vehicle to the ground and alter-

nately tighten the bolts crosswise to

103 ft. lbs. (140 Nm).

5. Press the plastic covers onto the wheel

nuts and Install the wheel cover (where

applicable). The opening in the wheel

cover for the tire's inflation valve must be

positioned over the valve.

Related information

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•

Changing a wheel – removing wheel

pressure table (p. 300). A tire inflation pres-

09 Wheels and tires

296

Tire inflation – general information

Check tire inflation pressure regularly.

Inflation placard

G032521

Tire inflation placard

Tire inflation
See the tire inflation table in Tire inflation –

sure placard is also located on the driver's

side B-pillar (the structural member at the

side of the vehicle, at the rear of the driver's

door opening). This placard indicates the des-

ignation of the factory-mounted tires on your

vehicle, as well as load limits and inflation

pressure.

•

The placards shown indicate inflation

pressure for the tires installed on the

vehicle at the factory only.

•

A certain amount of air seepage from

the tires occurs naturally and tire pres-

sure fluctuates with seasonal changes

in temperature. Always check tire

pressure regularly.

•

Use a tire gauge to check the tire inflation

pressure, including the spare, at least

once a month and before long trips. You

are strongly urged to buy a reliable tire

pressure gauge, as automatic service sta-

tion gauges may be inaccurate.

•

Use the recommended cold inflation

pressure for optimum tire performance

and wear.

•

Under-inflation or over-inflation may

cause uneven treadwear patterns.

WARNING

•

Under-inflation is the most common

cause of tire failure and may result in

severe tire cracking, tread separation,

or "blow-out," with unexpected loss of

vehicle control and increased risk of

injury.

•

Under-inflated tires reduce the load

carrying capacity of your vehicle.

When weather temperature changes occur,

tire inflation pressures also change. A 10-

degree temperature drop causes a corres-

ponding drop of 1 psi (7 kPa) in inflation pres-

sure. Check your tire pressures frequently

and adjust them to the proper pressure,

which can be found on the vehicle's tire infor-

mation placard or certification label.

Related information

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09 Wheels and tires

297

Tire inflation – checking pressure

Inflation pressure should be checked when

the tires are cold.

Cold tires

The tires are considered to be cold when

they have the same temperature as the

surrounding (ambient) air.
This temperature is normally reached after the

vehicle has been parked for at least 3 hours.
After driving a distance of approximately

1 mile (1.6 km), the tires are considered to be

hot. If you have to drive farther than this dis-

tance to pump your tire(s), check and record

the tire pressure first and add the appropriate

air pressure when you get to the pump.
If checking tire pressure when the tire is hot,

never "bleed" or reduce air pressure. The

tires are hot from driving and it is normal for

pressures to increase above recommended

cold pressures. A hot tire at or below recom-

mended cold inflation pressure could be sig-

nificantly under-inflated.

To check inflation pressure:

1. Remove the cap from the valve on one

tire, then firmly press the tire gauge onto

the valve.

2. Add air to reach the recommended air

pressure.

3. Replace the valve cap.

•

After inflating the tires, always reinstall

the valve cap to help avoid damage to

the valve from dirt, gravel, etc.

•

Use plastic valve caps only. Metal caps

could corrode and become difficult to

remove.

4. Visually inspect the tires to make sure

there are no nails or other objects

embedded that could puncture the tire

and cause an air leak.

5. Check the sidewalls to make sure there

are no gouges, cuts, bulges or other

irregularities.

6. Repeat this procedure for each tire,

including the spare.

see Tire inflation – pressure table

•

If you overfill the tire, release air by

pushing on the metal stem in the cen-

ter of the valve. Then recheck the

pressure with your tire gauge.

•

Some spare tires require higher infla-

tion pressure than the other tires. Con-

sult the tire inflation pressure table,

(p. 300) or see the inflation pressure

placard.

Related information

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09 Wheels and tires

298

Tire specifications

The following information can be found on a

tire's sidewall.

Tire ratings

Speed ratings

The speed ratings in the table translate as fol-

low:

Speed ratings

81 mph (130 km/h)

100 mph (160 km/h)

118 mph (190 km/h)

130 mph (210 km/h)

149 mph (240 km/h)

168 mph (270 km/h)

186 mph (300 km/h)

Information on the sidewall

Federal law mandates that tire manufacturers

place standardized information on the side-

wall of all tires (see the illustration).
The following information is listed on the tire

sidewall:
The tire designation:

Please be aware that the following tire

designation is an example only and that

this particular tire may not be available on

your vehicle.

1. 215: the width of the tire (in millimeters)

from sidewall edge to sidewall edge. The

larger the number, the wider the tire.

2. 65: The ratio of the tire's height to its

width in percent.

3. R: Radial tire (the designation RF and the

symbol indicate that the vehicle is

equipped with optional self-supporting
run flat tires

4. 15: The diameter of the wheel rim (in

inches).

5. 95: The tire's load index. In this example,

a load index of 95 equals a maximum

load of 1521 lbs (690 kg).

6. H: The tire's speed rating, or the maxi-

mum speed at which the tire is designed

to be driven for extended periods of time,

carrying a permissible load for the vehi-

cle, and with correct inflation pressure.

For example, H indicates a speed rating

of 130 mph (210 km/h).

Tire Quality Grading (p. 303) for more

The tire's load index and speed rating may

not appear on the sidewall because they

are not required by law.

Self-supporting run flat tires may not be available on all models

09 Wheels and tires

299

7. M+S or M/S = Mud and Snow, AT = All

Terrain, AS = All Season

8. U.S. DOT Tire Identification Number

(TIN): This begins with the letters "DOT"

and indicates that the tire meets all fed-

eral standards. The next two numbers or

letters are the plant code where it was

manufactured, the next two are the tire

size code and the last four numbers rep-

resent the week and year the tire was

built. For example, 1510 means that the

tire was manufactured during week 15 of

2010. The numbers in between are mar-

keting codes used at the manufacturer's

discretion. This information helps a tire

manufacturer identify a tire for safety

recall purposes.

9. Tire Ply Composition and Material

Used: Indicates the number of plies indi-

cates or the number of layers of rubber-

coated fabric in the tire tread and side-

wall. Tire manufacturers also must indi-

cate the ply materials in the tire and the

sidewall, which include steel, nylon, poly-

ester, and others.

10. Maximum Load: Indicates the maximum

load in pounds and kilograms that can be

carried by the tire. Refer to the vehicle's

tire information placard located on the B-

Pillar for the correct tire pressure for your

vehicle.

11. Treadwear, Traction, and Temperature

grades: see Tire specifications – Uniform

information.

12. Maximum permissible inflation

pressure: the greatest amount of air

pressure that should ever be put in the

tire. This limit is set by the tire manufac-

turer.

09 Wheels and tires

300

Tire inflation – pressure table

The following tire pressures are recom-

mended by Volvo for your vehicle. Refer to

the tire inflation placard (see Tire inflation –

general information (p. 296) for its location) for

information specific to the tires installed on

your vehicle at the factory.
Some of the tire sizes listed here may not

be available for all models in all markets.

Tire size

Cold tire pressure for up to five persons

Front
psi (kPa)

Rear
psi (kPa)

215/65 R16 Extra load
235/55 R17
235/50 R18

36 (250)

235/45 R19 Extra load

39 (270)

Temporary spare tire
T125/80R17

61 (420)

Please consult a Volvo retailer’s Parts

department for the most up-to-date speci-

fications.

09 Wheels and tires

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301

Loading specifications

Properly loading your vehicle will provide

maximum return of vehicle design perform-

ance.

Before loading your vehicle, familiarize your-

self with the following terms for determining

your vehicle's weight ratings, with or without

a trailer, from the vehicle's Federal/Canadian

Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS/

CMVSS) label, and the vehicle's tire informa-

tion placard:

Curb weight
The weight of the vehicle including a full tank

of fuel and all standard equipment. It does

not include passengers, cargo, or optional

equipment.

Capacity weight
All weight added to the curb weight, including

cargo and optional equipment. When towing,

trailer hitch tongue load is also part of cargo

weight.

Permissible axle weight
The maximum allowable weight that can be

carried by a single axle (front or rear). These

numbers are shown on the Federal/Canadian

Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS/

CMVSS) label. The total load on each axle

must never exceed its maximum permissible

weight.

Gross vehicle weight (GVW)
The vehicle's curb weight + cargo + passen-

gers.