Adjusting tire pressure

The tire pressure needs to be adjusted if you're changing wheels or planning to drive with an unusually heavy load. It's normal for tire pressure to decrease over time. Adjusting it so that you have the correct pressure for the current situation helps ensure even tire wear and high performance.

The tires need to be at ambient temperature when the pressure is checked and adjusted. This is referred to as having cold tires. Never release air from a warm tire. When it cools down, the internal air pressure drops, which can lead to underinflated or even entirely deflated tires.

The tires can warm up very quickly and should be considered warm if driven for more than approximately 1.5 km (1 mile). They often need about 3 hours of cooling down before reaching ambient temperature again.

Remove the tire valve's valve cap and then press the tire pressure gauge firmly onto the valve.
Check the gauge to see the current tire pressure.
If the pressure is low, inflate the tire to the correct pressure. The recommended pressure for factory-mounted tires is shown on the door pillar on the driver's side.

 Note

Tire pressure monitoring system warning

You should do any adjustments to the tire pressure when the tires are cold. However, if you need to adjust the pressure on warm tires, you may have to add up to 20-40 kPa (2.9-5.8 psi) to the recommended tire pressure. This will help to remove an active low tire pressure warning.

Refit the valve cap1 to avoid damage to the valve.
Inspect the tire for stuck debris, such as nails or other objects, that could puncture the tire.
Check the sidewalls for any cavities, cuts, bumps or other irregularities.

If you accidentally over-inflate the tire, press the metal pin in the middle of the valve to let out the excess air. Then check the pressure again.

 Note

Spare wheels may have recommended pressures that are different from those of the original tires. Always use the pressure recommended by the spare wheel manufacturer.

 Tip

You can use the compressor from the temporary puncture repair kit to check and adjust the tire pressure on your original tires when needed.
  1. 1 Only use original Volvo dust caps or plastic ones, as metal dust caps may corrode and stick to the valve.