Volvo XC90: Wheels and tires / Tire terminology
The following is a glossary of tire-related terms.
The tire suppliers may have additional markings, notes or warnings such as standard
load, radial tubeless, etc.
- Tire information placard: A placard showing the OE (Original Equipment)
tire sizes, recommended inflation pressure, and the maximum weight the vehicle
can carry.
- 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 manufacture.
- 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.
- PSI: Pounds per square inch, a standard unit of air pressure.
- B-pillar: The structural member at the side of the vehicle behind
the front door.
- 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.
- Rim: The metal support (wheel) for a tire or a tire and tube assembly
upon which the tire beads are seated.
- Maximum load rating: A figure indicating the maximum load in pounds
and kilograms that can be carried by the tire. This rating is established by
the tire manufacturer.
- 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.
- Recommended tire inflation pressure: Inflation pressure, established
by Volvo, which is based on the type of tires that are mounted on a vehicle
at the factory. This information can be found on the tire infla tion placard(s)
located on the driver's side B-pillar and in the tire inflation table.
- Cold tires: The tires are considered to be cold when they have the
same temperature as the surrounding (ambient) air. This temperature is normally
reached after the vehicle has been parked for at least 3 hours.
The tread wear indicator shows the status of the tire's tread.
The tread wear indicator is a narrow elevated strip running across the tire's
longitudinal tread grooves...
The following information can be found on a tire's sidewall.
Federal law mandates that tire manufacturers place standardized information on
the sidewall of all tires (see the illustration)...
Other information:
A more economical driving style can help lower fuel consumption.
Before driving
If possible, precondition the vehicle before driving.
If preconditioning is not possible when it is cold outside, use seat and
steering wheel heating first. Avoid heating the entire passenger compartment
to reduce the amount of current being taken from the start battery...
The doors and tailgate can be locked and unlocked from inside the vehicle
using the central lock buttons in the front doors.
Central locking
Button with indicator light for locking and unlocking in front
door.
Unlocking using the front door buttons
Press the button to unlock
all side doors and the tailgate...