Volvo 2003 XC90 Manual page 142

2003 VOLVO XC90
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 manufacturer, on all four wheels. Otherwise there is a risk of
altering the vehicle's roadholding and handling characteristics.
NOTE: When storing wheel/tire assemblies (e.g. winter tires and wheels), either stand the assemblies
upright, or suspend them off the ground. Laying wheel/tire assemblies on their sides for prolonged
periods can cause wheel and/or tire damage.
New tires
Remember that tires are perishable goods. As of 2000, manufacturing year and week will be indicated
with 4 digits (e.g. 0015 means that the tire is manufactured year 2000, week 15).
Improving tire economy:
Maintain correct tire pressure. See the tire pressure label on the inside of the fuel filler door.
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.
If tires are rotated, they must be kept on the same side of the vehicle so that they revolve in the same
direction as before rotation.
Hitting curbs or potholes can damage the tires and/or wheels permanently.
Flat spots
All tires become warm during use. After cooling, when the vehicle is parked, the tires have a tendency to
distort slightly, forming flat spots. These flat spots can cause vibrations similar to the vibrations caused
by unbalanced wheels. They do, however, disappear when the tire warms up. The degree to which flat
spots form depends on the type of cord used in the tire. In cold weather, it takes longer for the tire to
warm up and consequently longer for the flat spot to disappear.
file:///K|/ownersdocs/2003/2003_XC90/03xc90_08.htm (2 of 12)12/30/2006 4:19:01 PM