Volvo 1997 850 User Manual

1997 Volvo 850

wheels. When replacing tires, be sure that the new tires are the same size designation, type (radial) and 
preferably from the same manufacturer, on all four wheels. Otherwise there is a risk of altering the car's 
road-holding and handling characteristics. 

 
NOTE: When storing wheel/tire assemblies (e.g. winter tires and wheels), either stand the assemblies 
upright or suspend them off the ground. Laying wheel/tire assemblies on their sides for prolonged 
periods can cause wheel and/or tire damage. 

 
Wear indicator 

 
The tires have a so-called "wear indicator" in the form of a number of narrow strips running across or 
parallel to the tread. When approx. 1/16" (1.6 mm) is left on the tread, these strips show up and indicate 
that the tire should be replaced.  
Tires with less than 1/16" (1.6 mm) tread have a very poor grip in rain or snow.  
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. 

 
To improve tire economy: 

 

●     

Maintain correct tire pressure. 

●     

Drive smoothly: avoid fast starts, hard braking and tire screeching. 

●     

Tire wear increases with speed. 

●     

Correct front wheel alignment is very important. 

●     

Unbalanced wheels impair tire economy and driving comfort. 

●     

If the wheels are rotated, they should be kept on the same side of the car so that they revolve in the 

same direction as prior to rotation. 

●     

Hitting curbs or potholes can damage the tires and/or wheels permanently. 

 
Flat spots 

 
All tires become warm during use. After cooling, when the vehicle is parked, the tires have a tendency to 
distort slightly, forming flat spots. These flat spots can cause vibrations similar to the vibrations caused 
by imbalanced wheels.  
They do, however, disappear when the tire warms up. The degree to which the flat spots form depends 
on the type of cord used in the tire. Remember that, in cold weather, it takes longer for the tire to warm 

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