New Tyres - Volvo XC90 Owner's Manual

Wheels and tyres
General
Driving characteristics and tyres
The tyres greatly affect the car's driving
characteristics. The type of tyre, dimensions,
tyre pressure and speed rating are important
for how the car performs.
When changing tyres, ensure that tyres of the
same type and dimensions, and preferably
also the same make, are fitted to all four
wheels. Follow the recommended tyre
pressures specified on the tyre pressure
label, see page 141.
Designation of dimensions
The dimensions are stated on all car tyres.
Example:
225/70R16 102H.
225 Section width (mm)
70 Ratio between section height and
width (%)
R Radial ply
16 Rim diameter in inches (")
102 Tyre load index (in this case 615 kg)
H Speed rating (in this case 210 km/h).
Speed ratings
The car is approved as a whole, which means
that dimensions and speed ratings must not
differ from those specified on the vehicle's
registration document. The only exception to
these conditions is winter tyres (both those
NPU
with metal studs and those without). If such a
tyre is chosen, the car must not be driven
faster than the speed rating of the tyre (for
example, class Q can be driven at a maximum
of 160 km/h).
Remember that traffic regulations determine
how fast a car can be driven, not the speed
class of the tyres.
Note! Maximum permitted speeds indicated.
Q 160 km/h (used only on winter
tyres)
T 190 km/h
H 210 km/h
V 240 km/h
W 270 km/h

New tyres

Tyres are perishable. After a
few years they begin to
harden at the same time as
the friction capacity/charac-
teristics gradually deteri-
orate. Therefore aim to get
as fresh tyres as possible when you replace
them. This is especially important with regard
to winter tyres. The week and year of
manufacture are stated with four digits, for
example 1502. The tyre in the illustration was
manufactured in week 15 of 2002.
Tyre age
Even if tyres have a theoretical lifespan of up
to ten years, it is not recommended to drive
on tyres which are more than six years old.