2009 Volvo XC70 Owner's Manual - Page 253

06 Maintenance and specifications Wheels and tires TEMPERATURE The temperature grades are AA (the highest), A, B, and C, representing the tire's resistance to the generation of heat and its ability to dissipate heat when tested under controlled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel. Sustained high temperature can cause the material of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire life, and excessive temperature can lead to sudden tire failure. The grade C corresponds to a minimum level of performance that all passenger vehicle tires must meet under the Federal Motor Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A represent higher levels of performance on the laboratory test wheel than the minimum required by law. Snow chains, snow tires, studded tires Snow chains Snow chains can be used on your Volvo with the following restrictions: CAUTION • • Check local regulations regarding the use of snow chains before installing. Always follow the chain manufacturer's installation instructions carefully. Install chains as tightly as possible and retighten periodically. Never exceed the chain manufacturer's specified maximum speed limit. (Under no circumstances should you exceed 31 mph (50 km/h). Avoid bumps, holes or sharp turns when driving with snow chains. The handling of the vehicle can be adversely affected when driving with chains. Avoid fast or sharp turns as well as locked wheel braking. 06 • Snow chains should be installed on front wheels only. Use only Volvo approved snow chains. • If accessory, aftermarket or "custom" tires and wheels are installed and are of a size different than the original tires and wheels, chains in some cases CANNOT be used. Sufficient clearances between chains and brakes, suspension and body components must be maintained. • • • • Some strap-on type chains will interfere with brake components and therefore CANNOT be used. WARNING The temperature grade for this tire is established for a tire that is properly inflated and not overloaded. Excessive speed, underinflation, or excessive loading, either separately or in combination, can cause heat buildup and tire failure. • All Wheel Drive models: Snow chains should only be installed on the front wheels. Only chains adapted for AWD models should be used. Consult your Volvo retailer for additional snow chain information. Snow tires, studded tires2 Tires for winter use: • Owners who live in or regularly commute through areas with sustained periods of snow or icy driving conditions are strongly advised to fit suitable winter tires to help retain the highest degree of traction. • It is important to install winter tires on all four wheels to help retain traction during cornering, braking, and accelerating. Fail2 Where permitted 253