2006 Saab 9-3 Owner's Manual - Page 260

260 Car care The wheels and tires have been carefully matched to the characteristics of the car and play a key role in its outstanding roadholding and handling. Do not take it for granted that a wheel/tire combination will work in the best possible way, just because it can be fitted to the car. To ensure that the speedometer is as accurate as possible it should be reprogrammed if wheels of a different dimension are fitted. Contact a Saab dealer. Because of front wheel drive, the front tires tend to wear faster than the rear ones. New tires should always be fitted in pairs, so that tires on the same axle have the same amount of tread. Store wheels lying flat or hanging - never standing upright. Buying New Tires To find out what kind and size of tires you need, look at the Tire-Loading Information label. If you wish to fit other tires or wheels than those supplied with the car, consult your Saab dealer first as to the possibilities available. Wheels/tires combinations that are not approved by Saab can negatively affect the car's directional stability, steering and braking in both wet and dry conditions. NOTICE Always consult your Saab dealer before changing the car's wheels or tires on your Saab. Wide wheels and tires with side walls that are too low can: • be damaged in potholes, etc. • cause springs, shock absorbers and wheel bearings and body mountings to be overloaded. • affect the function of the Electronic Stability Program (ESP). The speed and load limits of the tires must not be exceeded; see page 266. Wheels larger than 17" must not be fitted on the Saab 9-3 for reasons above. The permissible offset is 1.61 inch (41 mm).