are all important considerations.
In production, Volvo has partly or completely phased out several chemicals including freons, lead chromates,
naphtanates, asbestos, mercury and cadmium; and reduced the amount of chemicals used in our plants 50% since 1991.
In use, Volvo was the first in the world to introduce into production a three-way catalytic converter with a Lambda
sond, now called oxygen sensor, in 1976. The current version of this highly efficient system reduces emissions of
harmful substances (CO, HC, NOx) from the exhaust pipe by approximately 95% and the search to eliminate the
remaining emissions continues. Volvo is the only automobile manufacturer to offer CFC-free retrofit kits for the air
conditioning system for all models as far back as the M/Y 1975 240. Advanced electronic engine controls, refined
purification systems and cleaner fuels are bringing us closer to our goal.
After Volvo cars and parts have fulfilled their use, recycling is the next critical step in completing the life cycle. The
metal content is about 75% of the total weight of a car, which makes the car among the most recycled industrial
products. In order to have efficient and well controlled recycling, many Volvo variants have printed dismantling
manuals, indicating the weight and material of individual components. For Volvo, all homogeneous plastic parts
weighing more than 1.7 oz. (50 grams) are marked with international symbols that indicate how the component is to be
sorted for recycling.
In addition to continuous environmental refinement of conventional gasoline-powered internal combustion engines,
Volvo is actively looking at advanced technology alternative-fuel vehicles.
When you drive a Volvo, you become our partner in the work to lessen the car's impact on the environment.
To reduce your vehicle's environmental impact, you can:
· Maintain proper air pressure in your tires. Tests have shown decreased fuel economy with improperly inflated tires
· Follow the recommended maintenance schedule
· Drive at a constant speed
· See an authorized Volvo retailer as soon as possible for inspection if the check engine (malfunction indicator) lamp
illuminates, or stays on after the vehicle has started
· Properly dispose of any vehicle related waste such as used motor oil, used batteries, brake pads, etc.
· When cleaning your car, use Volvo's own car care products, all of which have systematically been adapted to the
environment
For additional information regarding the environmental activities in
which Volvo Cars of North America, Inc. and Volvo Car Corporation are involved, visit our Internet Home Page at:
http://www.volvocars.com
Three-way catalytic converter
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Washing the car
· The car should be washed at regular intervals since dirt, dust, insects and tar spots adhere to the paint and may cause
damage.
NOTE: It is particularly important to wash the car frequently in the wintertime to prevent corrosion, when salt has
been used on the roads.
· When washing the car, do not expose it to direct sunlight. Use lukewarm water to soften the dirt before you wash
with a sponge, and plenty of water, to avoid scratching.
· Bird droppings: Remove from paintwork as soon as possible. Otherwise the finish may be permanently damaged.
· A detergent can be used to facilitate the softening of dirt and oil.
· A water-soluble grease solvent may be used in cases of sticky dirt. However, use a wash place equipped with a
drainage separator.
· Dry the car with a clean chamois and remember to clean the drain holes in the doors and rocker panels *.
· The power radio antenna must be dried after washing.
· Tar spots can be removed with kerosene or tar remover after the car has been washed.
· A stiff-bristle brush and lukewarm soapy water can be used to clean the wiper blades. Frequent cleaning improves
visibility considerably.
· Wash off the dirt from the underside (wheel housings, fenders, etc.).
· In areas of high industrial fallout, more frequent washing is recommended.
CAUTION: During high pressure washing, the spray mouthpiece must never be closer to the vehicle than 13" (30
cm). Do not spray into the locks.
· When washing or steam cleaning the engine, avoid spraying water or steam directly on the electrical components or
toward the rear side of the engine.
· After cleaning the engine, the spark plug wells should be inspected for water and blown dry if necessary.
Suitable detergents
Special car washing detergents should be used. A suitable mixture is about 2.5 fl. oz. (8.5 cl) of detergent to 2.6 US
gal. (10 liters) of warm water. After washing with a detergent the car should be well rinsed with clean water.
WARNING!
· When the car is driven immediately after being washed, apply the brakes several times in order to remove any
moisture from the brake linings.
· Engine cleaning agents should not be used when the engine is warm. This constitutes a fire risk.
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