Car tyres have a very tough and vital task. The contact area between each tyre and the road is no larger than the palm of your hand. But the tyre must still be capable of absorbing the enormous forces arising during fast cornering and hard braking from high speeds. Wheels and tyres The Saab is fitted with large 15-inch wheels. These provide high ground clearance, good comfort and excellent mobility on loose surfaces, such as sand and snow. | | Large, 15-inch wheels ensure a comfortable ride and excellent grip on snow or other loose surfaces. They can also accommodate large disc brakes. |
The large wheels can also accommodate large brake discs, and they simplify the service work on the brakes. In addition, the wheels of the Saab 900 are centred on the hub, which ensures excellent centring, thus minimising the risk of a bumpy ride and vibrations. All models in the 900 line are fitted with low-profile tyres - of high-speed type on the Turbo models and of low-resistance on the others. Intensive work is going into the development of tyres with low rolling resistance, and Saab is participating actively in the testing. Back in 1980, Saab was one of the very first car manufacturers to introduce tyres with low rolling resistance on certain models and markets. Since the rolling resistance of these tyres is about 20% lower than that of conventional radial-ply tyres, the fuel consumption is reduced by 4-6%. Low rolling resistance is achieved by low lyre profile and appropriate design of the tread, and by employing a grade of rubber with very low internal friction. All research into reducing rolling resistance also extends appreciably the useful life of the tyre. Very high standards of ride comfort and road behaviour are also achieved. Low-profile tyres are designed primarily for safe motoring on harsh roads under summer conditions. Winter tyres, with or without studs, are recommended for icy and snowy conditions.  | | The "compact type" spare wheel is small, light and easy to use. |
Spare wheel
In common with other manufacturers, Saab has chosen to equip its cars with a small, lightweight spare wheel, in order to save weight and space. This should only be used for a short time before the ordinary wheel is repaired. The compact spare wheel can be used towards the end of a journey- even if the destination is still fairly far off and the car is fully laden. So if a lyre should puncture, it need not be repaired until you have reached your destination. But the car should not be driven continuously at speeds of more than 80 km/h (50 mph). | 
