2009 Volvo XC70 Owner's Manual - Page 250

06 Maintenance and specifications Wheels and tires NOTE This information may not appear on the tire because it is not required by law. 7. M+S or M/S = Mud and Snow, AT = All Terrain, AS = All Season 8. U.S. DOT Tire Identification Number (TIN): This begins with the letters "DOT" and indicates that the tire meets all federal standards. The next two numbers or letters are the plant code where it was manufactured, the next two are the tire size code and the last four numbers represent the week and year the tire was built. For example, the numbers 317 mean the 31st week of 1997. After 2000 the numbers go to four digits. For example, 2501 means the 25th week of 2001. The numbers in between are marketing codes used at the manufacturer's discretion. This information helps a tire manufacturer identify a tire for safety recall purposes. 9. Tire Ply Composition and Material Used: Indicates the number of plies indicates or the number of layers of rubbercoated fabric in the tire tread and sidewall. Tire manufacturers also must indicate the ply materials in the tire and the sidewall, which include steel, nylon, polyester, and others. 10. Maximum Load: Indicates the maximum load in pounds and kilograms that can be carried by the tire. Refer to the vehicle's tire information placard or the safety certification label, located on the B-Pillar or the driver's door or on the inside of the fuel filler door on Canadian models, for the correct tire pressure for your vehicle. 11. Treadwear, Traction, and Temperature grades: See page 252 for more information. 12. Maximum permissible inflation pressure: the greatest amount of air pressure that should ever be put in the tire. This limit is set by the tire manufacturer. • Inflation pressure: A measure of the amount of air in a tire. • Standard load: A class of P-metric or Metric tires designed to carry a maximum load at 35 psi [37 psi (2.5 bar) for Metric tires]. Increasing the inflation pressure beyond this pressure will not increase the tires load carrying capability. • Extra load: A class of P-metric or Metric tires designed to carry a heavier maximum load at 41 psi [43 psi (2.9 bar) for Metric tires]. Increasing the inflation pressure beyond this pressure will not increase the tire's load carrying capability. • kPa: Kilopascal, a metric unit of air pressure. Glossary of tire terminology The tire suppliers may have additional markings, notes or warnings such as standard load, radial tubeless, etc. • PSI: Pounds per square inch, a standard unit of air pressure. 06 • B-pillar: The structural member at the side of the vehicle behind the front door. • Tire information placard: A placard showing the OE (Original Equipment) tire sizes, recommended inflation pressure, and the maximum weight the vehicle can carry. • Bead area of the tire: Area of the tire next to the rim. • Sidewall of the tire: Area between the bead area and the tread. • Tread area of the tire: Area of the perimeter of the tire that contacts the road when mounted on the vehicle. • Tire Identification Number (TIN): A number on the sidewall of each tire providing information about the tire brand and manufacturing plant, tire size and date of manufacturer. • Rim: The metal support (wheel) for a tire or a tire and tube assembly upon which the tire beads are seated. 250