Rotating tires, Tire markings, Winter tires – Saab 2000 9-5 User Manual

Page 199: Tire quality grading (cars sold in u.s.)

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199

Car care and technical information

Rotating tires

Because the car has 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.
If swapping the complete set, e.g. winter
tires for summer tires, mark the tires
removed to ensure that they go back in the
same position (e.g. FL for front left, RL rear
left, etc.).
Store wheels lying flat or hanging – never
standing upright.

Tire markings

An example of the meaning of the different
markings in a tire size is given below for a
tire size of:
205/65 R15 94 V

Winter tires

Winter (snow) tires are recommended for
winter climates where the majority of your
driving will be done on snow and ice. Winter
tires should be fitted to all four wheels to
maintain a proper balance. Your Saab
dealer can advise you as to the correct size
tire for your car (if different from the original
size) and also supply Saab approved winter
tires.

Tire quality grading (cars sold in
U.S.)

New tires must be graded and labeled in
accordance with new Federal regulations.
Standard tests are conducted to measure
performance in the areas of traction and
temperature resistance. Refer to the tire
sidewall for the specific quality grades of the
tires provided on your new Saab. Compact
spare tires are exempt.
DOT QUALITY GRADES

• Treadwear
• Traction AA, A, B, C
• Temperature A, B, C
All passenger car tires must conform to Fed-
eral safety requirements in addition to these
grades.

WARNING

When fitting just one new pair of tires,
these should be fitted to the rear wheels,
as these are more critical to the direc-
tional stability of the car (e.g. on braking
or in a skid). The existing rear wheels
should therefore be moved to the front.
Always move left rear to left front and right
rear to right front, so that the direction of
rotation remains the same.

205 Tire section width, mm

65 Aspect ratio, i.e. the section height

is 65% of the section width

R Radial ply

15 Wheel rim diameter 15 in at bead

seats

94 Tire load code

V Speed marking

Speed ratings

S Tire approved for speeds up to

100 mph (180 km/h)

T Tire approved for speeds up to

118 mph (190 km/h)

H Tire approved for speeds up to

130 mph (210 km/h)

V Tire approved for speeds up to

150 mph (240 km/h)

W Tire approved for speeds up to

167 mph (270 km/h)

Y Tire approved for speeds up to

186 mph (300 km/h)

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