Hit very bad pothole resulting in deflated tire and probable rim damage on way home to SuperBowl Sunday kick-off in Canada's very cold north. Could not unlock sub-floor spare tire compartment. No phone, no spare, no time before kick-off. Result - took long slow drive on flat, shredding tire to oblivion, very reluctantly. No other keys (once home) open secret compartment. Do I add broken lock (definitely not frozen) to ravaged rim and retired rubber? Any suggestions? Thnx.

 

try shooting some WD40 or similar into the lock. Possible some dirt or corrosion found its way in there in the past 20 years. Not sure why Volvo put a lock there in the first place...

 

Thanks for a good suggestion, mt6127. So busy trying lock deicer given inhuman temps past few days, didn't even think of ol' reliable (WD40). Will try that once car back from tire dealer (towed there on flatbed). All this because muni failed road maintenance duties. Topic of news lately with many damaged vehicles from same potholes cause. Hmmm... time for tort.

 

yep, that's why I keep a spare rim in the garage and run steelies in the winter! Its a good idea to also keep your tire pressure higher than the sticker - I typically run 36-39 PSI after having blown out 3 different tires all due to sidewall issues from hitting pot holes.

 

This is probably no help but mine will only open with one side of the key. My key wont work sometimes when I flip it over then it will open. I thought these keys didnt have a "side". Just thought Id throw this out there.