Wear Indicator; Flat Spots; Tires For Winter Use; Tire Chains - Volvo 740 GL Owner's Manual

1985 Volvo 740 GL, GLE, Turbo

Wear indicator

The tires have a so-called "wear indicator" in the form of a number of narrow strips running across or
parallel to the tread. When approx. 1/16" (1.5 mm) is left on the tread, these strips show up and indicate
that the tire should be replaced.
Tires with less than 1/16" (1.5 mm) tread have a very poor grip in rain or snow.
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.
To improve tire economy:
Maintain correct tire pressure.
Drive smoothly: avoid fast starts, hard braking and tire screeching.
Tire wear increases with speed.
Do not change wheel location unless necessary.
Correct front wheel alignment is very important.
Unbalanced wheels impair tire economy and driving comfort.
Hitting curbs 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 imbalanced 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.
Remember that in cold weather, it takes longer for the tire to warm up and consequently longer for the
flat spot to disappear.
Snow tires, studded tires, snow chains

Tires for winter use:

Use snow tires fitted to the standard 14" or 15" wheel rims or, alternatively, steel wheel rims designed
for the 740. Suitable tire sizes: 185/70R14 (GL, GLE; on all four wheels) or 195/60R15 (Turbo; on all
four wheels). No rims from other Volvo models can be used on the 740.
Do not mix tires of different design, as this could negatively affect overall tire road grip especially
during slippery road conditions!
Studded tires should be run-in 300-600 miles (500-1000 km) during which the car should be driven as
smoothly as possible to give the studs the opportunity to seat properly in the tires. The car tires should
have the same rotational direction throughout their entire lifetime. In other words, if you wish to rotate
the wheels, make sure that the same wheels are always on the same side of the car.
Tire chains can only be used on the rear wheels if the chains do not project too far from the tire and
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