2009 Volvo XC90 Owner's Manual - Page 177

07 Wheels and tires 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. cornering, braking, and accelerating. Failure to do so could reduce traction to an unsafe level or adversely affect handling. • Snow chains should be installed on front wheels only. Use only Volvo approved snow chains. • Do not mix tires of different design as this could also negatively affect overall tire road grip. • 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. • Winter tires wear more quickly on dry roads in warm weather. They should be removed when the winter driving season has ended. • • Studded tires should be run-in 300-600 miles (500-1000 km) during which the vehicle should be driven as smoothly as possible to give the studs the opportunity to seat properly in the tires. The tires should have the same rotational direction throughout their entire lifetime. • • • Some strap-on type chains will interfere with brake components and therefore CANNOT be used. • 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. NOTE Please consult state or provincial regulations restricting the use of studded winter tires before installing such tires. Snow tires, studded tires1 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. 07 • It is important to install winter tires on all four wheels to help retain traction during 1 Where permitted 177