Wear Indicator; To Improve Tire Economy; Flat Spots - Volvo 850 Owner's Manual

1996 Volvo 850
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.

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" (1.6 mm) is left on the tread, these strips show up and indicate
that the tire should be replaced.
Tires with less than 1/16" (1.6 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.
If the wheels are rotated, they should be kept on the same side of the car so that they revolve in the
same direction as prior to 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 imbalanced wheels. They do, however, disappear when the tire warms up. The degree to which the
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.
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