Tires: tire size, tire placard, volvo s80

Question
I was wondering if a tire sized 225 50 R16 would fit a 2001 volvo S80 T6- executive. I have 4 that size but someone told me that they need 225 55 R16.

Answer
Katie,

On every vehicle sold in the US - and I understand this is a worldwide practice as well - there is a sticker – commonly called the tire placard - that lists the original tire size and the proper pressure for that size.  The placard is usually located on a doorpost or in the glove box – but sometimes it is located in the trunk or on the fuel filler door.

BTW, it doesn't matter who makes the tire or what pressure is listed on the tire's sidewall, if the tire size is the same as the placard, then the pressure listed on placard is also appropriate.

According to Tire Guides, a publication that summarizes vehicle tire placards, a 2001 Volvo S80 T6 originally came with 225/55R16 95H's inflated to 39 psi front and rear.  Check your vehicle placard to make sure that is correct, because what I am about to write is depoendednt on that being correct.

That means a 225/50R16 is too small for your vehicle.  That would be increasing the risk of a load related tire failure, which sometimes has tragic results.