Volvo S80 Owner's Manual page 341

Using snow chains
Snow chains may only be used on the front
wheels (also applies to all-wheel drive cars).
Never drive faster than 50 km/h with snow
chains. Avoid driving on bare ground as this
wears out both the snow chains and tyres.
WARNING
Use Volvo genuine snow chains or equiva-
lent chains designed for the car model,
and tyre and rim dimensions. In the event
of uncertainty Volvo recommends that you
consult an authorised Volvo workshop.
The wrong snow chains may cause serious
damage to your car and lead to an acci-
dent.
Specifications
The car has whole vehicle approval. This
means that certain combinations of wheels
and tyres are approved. For the permissible
combinations, see page 412
Wheel (rim) dimensions
Wheels (rims) have a designation of dimen-
sions, for example: 7Jx16x50.
7 Rim width in inches
J Rim flange profile
16 Rim diameter in inches
50 Off-set in mm (distance from wheel
centre to wheel contact surface
against the hub)
Tyre dimensions
The dimensions are stated on all car tyres.
Example of designation:
225/50R17 98W.
225 Tyre width (mm)
50 Ratio between tyre wall height and
tyre width (%)
R Radial ply
17 Rim diameter in inches (")
98 Codes for the maximum permitted
tyre load, tyre load index (LI)
W Speed rating for maximum permitted
speed, speed rating (SS). (In this
case 270 km/h).
08 Wheels and tyres
WARNING
19-inch wheels must never be used on
cars that are not equipped with the R-
Design or Sport chassis options. The use
of 19-inch wheels on cars with standard
chassis constitutes a safety risk, with a
risk of vehicle damage, and it impairs the
car's driving characteristics.
Load index
Each tyre has a certain capacity to carry a
load, a load index (LI). The car's weight deter-
mines the load capacity required of the tyres.
Minimum permitted index is specified in the
table, see page 412.
Speed ratings
Each tyre can withstand a certain maximum
speed, a speed rating (Speed Symbol; SS).
Tyre speed class must at least correspond
with the car's top speed. Minimum permitted
speed rating is specified in the table, see
page 412.
The only exception to these conditions is win-
ter tyres (both those with metal studs and
those without), where a lower speed rating
may be used. If such a tyre is chosen, the car
must not be driven faster than the speed rat-
ing of the tyre (for example, class Q can be
driven at a maximum of 160 km/h).
General
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