2009 Volvo XC70 Owner's Manual - Page 245

06 Maintenance and specifications Wheels and tires 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. New tires • A tire's age can be determined by the DOT stamp on the sidewall (see the illustration). • A tire with e.g., visible cracks or discoloration should be replaced immediately. Improving tire economy WARNING • Maintain correct tire pressure. See the tire pressure tables on pages 248 and 249. • The wheel and tire sizes for your Volvo are specified to meet stringent stability and handling requirements. Unapproved wheel/tire size combinations can negatively affect your vehicle's stability and handling. Approved tire sizes are shown in the Tire inflation pressure tables. Any damage caused by installation of unapproved wheel/tire size combinations will not be covered by your new vehicle warranty. Volvo assumes no responsibility for death, injury, or expenses that may result from such installations. • Drive smoothly: avoid fast starts, hard braking and tire screeching. • Tire wear increases with speed. • Correct front wheel alignment is very important. • Remember that tires are perishable goods. As of 2000, the manufacturing week and year (Department of Transportation (DOT) stamp) will be indicated with 4 digits (e.g. 1502 means that the tire illustrated was manufactured during week 15 of 2002). G021823 • Unbalanced wheels impair tire economy and driving comfort. • Tires must maintain the same direction of rotation throughout their lifetime. • When replacing tires, the tires with the most tread should be mounted on the rear wheels to reduce the chance of oversteer during hard braking. 06 Tire age • Tires degrade over time, even when they are not being used. It is recommended that tires generally be replaced after 6 years of normal service. Heat caused by hot climates, frequent high loading conditions or Ultra Violet (U.V.) exposure can accelerate the aging process. • Hitting curbs or potholes can damage the tires and/or wheels permanently. • You should replace the spare tire when you replace the other road tires due to the aging of the spare. 245