
Snow tires, studded tires *
Tires for winter use:
Owners who live in or regularly commute through areas with sustained periods of snow or icy driving conditions are
strongly advised to fit suitable winter tires to help retain the highest degree of traction.
It is important to install winter tires on all four wheels to help retain traction during cornering, braking, and
accelerating. Failure to do so could reduce traction to an unsafe level or adversely affect handling. Do not mix tires of
different design as this could also negatively affect overall tire road grip.
Volvo recommends195/65 R15 (205/55R16 on turbo models) winter tires on all four wheels.
Winter tires wear more quickly on dry roads in warm weather. They should be removed when the winter driving
season has ended.
Studded tires should be run-in 300-600 miles (500-1000 km) during which the car should be driven as smoothly as
possible to give the studs the opportunity to seat properly in the tires. The tires should have the same rotational
direction throughout their entire lifetime. In other words, if you wish to rotate the wheels, make sure that the same
wheels are always on the same side of the car.
NOTE: Please consult state or provincial regulations restricting the use of studded winter tires before installing such
tires.
* Where permitted
pg. 158 Tire pressure
Checking and correcting tire pressure
The tire pressure label is located on the inside of the fuel filler door.
Check the tire pressure regularly.
The tire pressure should be corrected only when the tires are cold.
With warm tires, correct only when the pressure is too low. The tire temperature rises after driving just a few miles.
Vehicle loading The tires on your Volvo will perform to specifications at all normal loads when inflated as
recommended on the tire information label located on the inside of the fuel filler door. This label lists both tire and
vehicle design limits. Do not load your car beyond the load limits indicated.
WARNING!
Improperly inflated tires will reduce tire life, adversely affect vehicle handling and can possibly lead to failure
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resulting in loss of vehicle control without prior warning.
Temporary Spare (certain models)
The spare tire in your car is called a "Temporary Spare". It has the following designation: T125/80 R17.
Recommended tire pressure (see decal on Fuel filler door) should be maintained irrespective of which position on the
car the Temporary Spare tire is used on. In the event of damage to this tire, a new one can be purchased from your
Volvo retailer.
WARNING!
Current legislation prohibits the use of the "Temporary Spare" tire other than as a temporary replacement for a
punctured tire. It must be replaced as soon as possible by a standard tire. Road holding and handling may be affected
with the "Temporary Spare" in use. Do not exceed 50 mph (80 km/h). Do not drive farther than 50 miles (80 km) on
a temporary spare tire.
CAUTION:
The car must not be driven with wheels of different dimensions or with a spare tire other than the one that came with
the car. The use of different size wheels can seriously damage your car's transmission.
NOTE: Certain models may be equipped with a full-size spare tire. When used, it should be inflated to the same
pressure as the tire it is replacing.
pg. 159 Tread wear indicators
Tires have tread
wear indicators The tires have wear indicator strips running across or parallel to the tread.
When approx. 1/16" (1.6 mm) is left on the tread, these strips become visible and indicate that the tire should be
replaced.
Tires with less than 1/16" (1.6 mm) tread have a very poor grip in rain or snow.
When replacing worn tires, it is recommended that the tire be identical in type (radial) and size as the one being
replaced. Using a tire of the same make (manufacturer) will prevent alteration of the driving characteristics of the
vehicle.
pg. 160 Changing wheels
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Position the jack correctly on the bar in the attachment (see illustration above) and crank while simultaneously
guiding the base of the jack to the ground. The base of the jack must be flat on a level, firm, non-slippery surface.
Before raising the car, check that the jack is still correctly positioned in the attachment.
Raise the vehicle until the wheel to be changed is lifted off the ground.
Unscrew the wheel bolts completely and carefully remove the wheel so as not to damage the threads on the studs.
NOTE: To avoid excessive wear and the necessity of rebalancing, mark and reinstall wheels in the same location and
position as before removal. To lessen the chance of imbalance, each wheel hub is equipped with a guide stud to ensure
that a removed wheel can be reinstalled in its original position (as when changing over to winter tires/wheels).
Installing the wheel
Clean the contact surfaces on the wheel and hub.
Lift the wheel and place it on the hub.
Install the wheel bolts and tighten hand -tight. Using the lug wrench, tighten crosswise until all bolts are snug.
Lower the vehicle to the ground and alternately tighten the bolts crosswise to 102 ft. lbs. (140 Nm).
Install the wheel cap (where applicable).
WARNING!
The jack must correctly engage the bar in the jack attachment. The car's weight must not rest on the jack attachment.
See illustration "Attaching the jack" to the left.
Be sure the jack is on a firm, level, non-slippery surface.
Never allow any part of your body to be extended under a car supported by a jack. Use the jack intended for the car
when replacing a wheel. For any other job, use stands to support the side of the car being worked on.
Apply the parking brake and put the gear selector in the (P) ark position (or reverse on manual transmissions).
Block the wheels standing on the ground, use rigid wooden blocks or large stones. The jack should be kept well-
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greased.
pg. 162 Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
ALL PASSENGER CAR TIRES MUST CONFORM TO FEDERAL SAFETY REQUIREMENTS IN
ADDITION TO THESE GRADES
Quality grades can be found, where applicable, on the tire sidewall between the tread shoulder and maximum
section width. For example:
Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature A
TREADWEAR
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled conditions
on a specified government test course. For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one and one half (1 1/2) times as
well on the government course as a tire graded 100. The relative performance of tires depends upon the actual
conditions of their use, however, and many depart significantly from the norm due to variation in driving habits,
service practices and differences in road characteristics and climate.
TRACTION
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A, B, and C, as measured under controlled conditions on specified
government test surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may have poor traction performance..
WARNING!
The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on braking (straight-ahead) traction tests and is not a measure of
cornering (turning) traction.
TEMPERATURE
The temperature grades are AA (the highest), A, B, and C, representing the tire's resistance to the generation of heat
and its ability to dissipate heat when tested under controlled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel.
Sustained high temperature can cause the material of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire life, and excessive
temperature can lead to sudden tire failure. The grade C corresponds to a minimum level of performance that all
passenger car tires must meet under the Federal Motor Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A represent higher
levels of performance on the laboratory test wheel than the minimum required by law.
WARNING!
The temperature grade for this tire is established for a tire that is properly inflated and not overloaded. Excessive
speed, under-inflation, or excessive loading, either separately or in combination, can cause heat buildup and possible
tire failure.
Contents | Top of Page
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Automatic car wash
An automatic car wash is a simple and quick way of washing the car. Bear in mind, however, that an automatic car
wash can never replace a proper handwashing. During the first months of the car's life - while the paint is still curing -
we recommend that you handwash the car.
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.
Automatic washing - simple and quick
We do NOT recommend washing your car in an automatic wash during the first six months (because the paint will
not have hardened sufficiently).
An automatic wash is a simple and quick way to clean your car, but it is worth remembering that it may not be as
pg. 165 Washing and cleaning the car
thorough as when you yourself go over the car with sponge and water. Keeping the underbody clean is most important,
especially in the winter. Some automatic washers do not have facilities for washing the underbody.
Before driving into an automatic car wash, make sure that side view mirrors, auxiliary lamps, etc, are secure, and
that any antenna( s) are retracted or removed. Otherwise there is risk of the machine dislodging them.
Polishing and Waxing
Normally, polishing is not required during the first year after delivery, however, waxing may be beneficial.
Before applying polish or wax the car must be washed and dried. Tar spots can be removed with kerosene or tar
remover. Difficult spots may require a fine rubbing compound.
After polishing use liquid or paste wax.
Several commercially available products contain both polish and wax.
Waxing alone does not substitute for polishing a dull surface.
A wide range of polymer-based car waxes can be purchased today. These waxes are easy to use and produce a
long-lasting, high-gloss finish that protects the bodywork against oxidation, road dirt and fading.
Do not polish or wax your car in direct sunlight (the surface of the car should not be warmer than 113° F (45° C).
Cleaning the upholstery
The fabric can be cleaned with soapy water or a detergent. For more difficult spots caused by oil, ice cream, shoe
polish, grease, etc., use a clothing/fabric stain remover.
The plastic in the upholstery can be cleaned with a soft cloth and mild soap solution.
Leather upholstery/suede-like upholstery (alcanteraª) can be cleaned with a soft cloth and mild soap solution. For
more difficult spots, Volvo offers a leather care kit.
Under no circumstances should gasoline, naphtha or similar cleaning agents be used on the plastic or the leather
since these can cause damage.
Cleaning the seat belts
Clean only with lukewarm water and a mild soap solution.
Cleaning floor mats
The floor mats should be vacuumed or brushed clean regularly, especially during winter when they should be taken out
for drying. Spots on textile mats can be removed with a mild detergent.
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Note the following before you begin working on your car:
Battery
Ensure that the battery cables are correctly connected and tightened.
Never disconnect the battery when the engine is running (e. g. when replacing the battery).
Never use a fast charger to charge the battery. The battery cables should be disconnected when recharging.
The battery contains acid that is both corrosive and poisonous. It is important that the battery is handled in an
environmentally friendly way. Let your Volvo dealer assist you.
Hoisting the car
If a garage jack is used to lift the car, the two jack attachments points should be used. They are specially reinforced to
bear the weight of the car. A garage jack can also be placed under the front of the engine support frame. Take care not
to damage the splash guard under the engine. Ensure that the jack is positioned so that the car cannot slide off it.
Always use axle stands or similar structures.
If a two-post hoist is used to lift the car, the front and rear lift arm pads should be centered under the reinforced lift
plates on the inboard edge of the sill rail (see illustration).
WARNING!
The car ignition system has very high voltage!
The voltage in the ignition system is dangerous!
Do not touch spark plugs, ignition cables or the ignition coil when the engine is running or the ignition is switched
on!
The ignition should be switched off when:
Conducting engine tests.
Replacing parts in the ignition system, such as spark plugs, ignition coil, distributor, ignition cables, etc.
WARNING!
Never try to repair any part of the SRS or SIPS bag systems yourself. Any interference in the system could cause
malfunction and serious injury. Any work should only be performed by an authorized Volvo workshop.
pg. 171 Working on your car
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Belt check
Check the belt regularly to make sure it is in good condition and is clean. A worn or dirty belt can cause poor cooling
and low alternator output as well as impair the operation of the power steering and the air conditioning unit.
NOTE: The drive belt is equipped with a self -tensioning mechanism and requires no adjustment between changes.!
WARNING!
The engine must not be running when this check is performed.
Check coolant level
The cooling system must be filled with coolant and not leak to operate at maximum efficiency. Check the coolant level
regularly. The level should be between the "MAX" and "MIN" marks on the expansion tank. The check should be
made with particular thoroughness when the engine is new or when the cooling system has been drained.
Do not remove the filler cap other than for topping up with coolant. Frequent removal may prevent coolant circulation
between the engine and the expansion tank during engine warm up and cooling.
Changing coolant
Normally, the coolant does not need to be changed. If the system must be drained, consult your Volvo retailer.
NOTE: Do not top off with water only. This reduces the rust-protective and antifreeze qualities of the coolant and has
a lower boiling point. It can also cause damage to the cooling system if it should freeze. Top off with Volvo Genuine
Coolant/Antifreeze only (a 50/50 mix of water and antifreeze).
CAUTION:
The cooling system must always be kept filled to the correct level. If it is not kept filled, there can be high local
temperatures in the engine which could result in damage. Different types of antifreeze/coolant may not be mixed.
WARNING!
Never remove the radiator cap while the engine is warm. Wait until the car cools.
pg. 172 Hood and engine compartment
Opening the hood
Pull the lever located under the left side of the dash to release the hood lock.
Lift the hood slightly.
Press up the release control located under the front edge of the hood (at the center) and lift.
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WARNING!
Check that the hood locks properly when closed!
Engine compartment
1. Expansion tank - coolant
2. Power steering fluid reservoir
3. Washer fluid reservoir
4. Dipstick - engine oil
5. Radiator
6. Cooling fan
7. Oil filler cap - engine
8. Clutch/brake fluid reservoir
9. Relay/fuse box
10. Air cleaner
11. Battery (in trunk)
12. Data plate
WARNING!
The cooling fan (6) may start or continue to operate (for up to 6 minutes) after the engine has been switched off.
pg. 173 Oils and fluids
Oil quality
Engine oil must meet the minimum ILSAC specification GF-2, including ACEA A1, API SJ, SJ/CF and SJ/ Energy
Conserving.
Your Volvo has been certified using ILSAC oil specification GF-2 5W -30. Volvo recommends use of oil with a
quality rating equal to or higher that ILSAC GF-2. Equivalent and better oils include ACEA A1, API SJ, SJ/CF and
SJ/Energy conserving. Lower quality oils may not offer the same fuel economy, engine performance, or engine
protection.
Depending on your driving habits, premium or synthetic oils may provide superior fuel economy and engine
protection. Consult your Volvo retailer for recommendations on premium or synthetic oils.
Oil additives must not be used.
NOTE: Synthetic oil is not used when the oil is changed at normal maintenance services. This oil is only used at
customer request, at additional charge. Please consult your Volvo retailer.
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