
environment in which  we all live. Caring for the environment means an  everyday involvement in reducing our
environmental impact.
Volvo's  environmental activities are based on a  holistic  view,  which  means we consider the overall environmental
impact of a  product throughout its  complete life cycle. In this  context,  design, production, product use, and  recycling
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
Prem-Air®
On the surface  of the radiator in the engine compartment, there is a  special coating  called Prem-Air®. Prem-Air®
works  as a  catalytic converter, converting most  of the ozone passing through the radiator into oxygen,  thereby reducing
harmful ground-level  ozone.
For additional information regarding the environmental activities in
which  Volvo Cars of North America,  LLC. and  Volvo Car  of Canada, Ltd. are involved, visit our Internet Home  Page
at: 
http://www.volvocars.com
 
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injuries that may occur in an  accident.
 When installing any  accessory  equipment, make sure that the SRS system is not damaged. Do not attempt to
service any  component  of the SRS yourself. Attempting to do so may result in serious personal injury. If a  problem
arises, take your car to the nearest authorized Volvo retailer for inspection as soon as possible.
pg. 4 Front  airbags - SRS
Driver's side airbag - in  steering wheel hubPassenger's side airbag - above  glove compartment
As an  enhancement to the three-point seat belt system, your Volvo is equipped with a  Supplemental Restraint System
(SRS).  The Volvo SRS consists of an  airbag (2) on both the driver's and  passenger's  sides and  seat belt tensioners in
both front  door pillars (4). The system is designed to supplement the protection provided by the three-point seat belt
system. All three rear seat belts are also equipped with tensioners.
The SRS system is indicated by the "SRS" embossed  on the steering wheel pad  and  above the glove compartment, and
by decals on both sun visors and  on the front  and  far right side of the dash.
The airbags are folded and  located in the steering wheel hub and  above the glove compartment. They are designed to
deploy during certain frontal or front -angular collisions, impacts, or decelerations, depending on the crash severity,
angle, speed and  object  impacted. The airbags may also deploy in certain non-frontal collisions where  rapid
deceleration  occurs.
The airbag system includes gas generators (1) surrounded by the airbags (2) and  front  seat belt tensioners for both of
the front  seats  (4). To deploy the system, the sensor (3) activates the gas generators causing the airbags to be  inflated
with nitrogen gas. As the movement of the seats' occupants compresses the airbags, some of the gas is expelled at a
controlled rate to provide better cushioning. Both  seat belt tensioners also deploy, minimizing any  seat belt slack.
The entire process, including inflation and  deflation of the airbags, takes approximately two-tenths of a  second. 
WARNING!
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If you hold the gear selector toward "-", the transmission will downshift, one  gear at a  time, and  will utilize the
braking power of the engine. If the current speed is too high for using a  lower gear, the downshift will not occur until
the speed has decreased  enough  to allow the lower gear to be  used.
If you slow down to a  very low speed, the transmission will automatically  shift down.
When starting in the (MAN)ual position, 3rd gear is the highest gear that may be  selected.
NOTE: Kickdown (see previous  page) does not function  when the transmission is in the manual  shift (geartronic)
mode. The gear selector must  be  in the D (Drive)  position. 
W Winter/Wet driving mode - enhanced vehicle  traction
Mode W  will function only if the gear selector is in the (D)rive  position.
Press the button at the base of the gear selector to engage/disengage this  driving mode (see illustration).
An LED  in the button will light up to indicate that W is engaged and  this  will also be  displayed in the instrument
panel (see page 27
).
This mode may be  selected for starting/moving off on slippery roads. 
pg. 94 All  Wheel Drive - option
All Wheel Drive (AWD) - general information
Your Volvo can be  equipped with permanent All Wheel Drive, which  means that power is distributed automatically
between the front  and  rear wheels. Under normal driving conditions, most  of the engine's power is directed to the front
wheels. However, if there is any  tendency for the front  wheels to spin, an  electronically  controlled coupling distributes
power to the wheels that have the best traction.
Tire dimensions
Volvo recommends that you always drive on tires of the same brand, size, construction  (radial),  tread pattern, load-,
speed-, traction-, temperature-, and  treadwear  rating. Never  drive on mixed tires, except for brief periods  when the
temporary spare tire is in use.
Always use properly inflated tires of correct dimensions. Tire size and  inflation pressures are shown on the tire
pressure label  located inside the fuel filler  door.
Tire Rotation
Volvo recommends rotating the tires every 7,500 miles (12,000 km). Tires should be  rotated front -to-back/back-to-
front  only. Tires must  maintain the same direction of rotation throughout their lifetime, and  should never be  rotated
from  one  side of the vehicle to the other.
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Handling, roadholding
Vehicle load, tire design and  inflation pressure all affect vehicle handling. Therefore,  check that the tires are inflated to
the recommended pressure according  to the vehicle load. See  "Tire  pressure" section. Loads  should be  distributed so
that capacity weight or maximum permissible axle loads are not exceeded. 
pg. 96 Points  to  remember
Cooling system
The risk for engine overheating is greatest, especially in hot weather, when:
Towing a  trailer up steep inclines for prolonged periods  at wide  open  throttle and  low engine rpm.
Stopping the engine suddenly after high speed driving (so-called "after-boiling" can occur).
To avoid overheating, the following rules  should be  followed: Do not drive for prolonged periods  at engine speeds
above 4500 rpm if you are towing a  trailer in hilly terrain.
Reduce speed when towing a  trailer up long, steep inclines. The risk of overheating can be  reduced by switching off
the air conditioning system for a  short time.
Do not let the engine idle unnecessarily  for prolonged periods.
Do not mount auxiliary lamps in front  of the grill.
When the risk of overheating is imminent, or in the event of overheating (the temperature gauge goes repeatedly into,
or stays continually in, the red section), the following precautions should be  taken:
Switch off the air conditioning system.
Pull off the road, away from  traffic,  stop the car and  put the gear selector into neutral.
Switch the heater  to full (maximum) position. Increase the engine speed to approx. 2000 rpm (twice idling speed)
until the temperature begins to drop.
WARNING!
Do not remove coolant  expansion tank cap. The coolant  will be  extremely hot.
If necessary,  see page 129
 and  132 for information on checking and  topping-up the coolant  level.
CAUTION:  Drive slowly and  carefully if going through standing water (i.e. flooded roadways, etc.). Damage to the
engine could result if excess water is drawn in through the air intake  system. Never  drive the vehicle in water deeper
than 1 foot (300 mm). See  the flood warning on page 7
.
WARNING!
Driving with the tailgate open : Driving with the tailgate  open  could mean that poisonous exhaust gases enter the
passenger  compartment.
If the tailgate  must  be  kept open  for any  reason, proceed as follows:
- Close the windows.
- Set the ventilation system control to air flow to floor,  windshield and  side windows and  blower control to its
highest setting.
Floor mats : An extra mat on the driver's floor  can cause the accelerator  pedal to catch. Check that the movement
of the accelerator  pedal is not impeded.  Not more than one  protective floor  covering may be  used at one  time.
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2 0 0 3 
VOLVO V70
Chapter 7 - Wheels and tires
pg.107 Wheels and tires
General  information, Wear indicator, Tire economy, Flat spots108
Snow chains, Snow tires/studded tires109
Inflation pressure, Vehicle loading, Spare tire110
Uniform tire quality  grading111
Changing wheels112
pg. 108 Wheels and tires
General information
Your vehicle  is equipped  with tires according to the tire information label on the inside  of the fuel filler door.
The following is an  example  of a  tire designation code: 225/55 R16
225 =  tire width in mm.
55 =  tire profile. This is the relationship (in percent) between the section height and  width of the tire.
R =  radial tires.
16 =  diameter in inches.
The tires have good road holding characteristics and  offer  good handling on dry and  wet  surfaces. It should be  noted
however  that the tires have been developed to give these features on snow/ice-free surfaces. Certain models are
equipped  with "all-season" tires, which provide a somewhat higher degree of road holding on slippery  surfaces
than  tires without the "all-season" rating. However, for optimum road holding on icy or snow covered roads - we
recommend suitable winter tires on all four wheels . When replacing tires, be  sure that the new tires are the same
dimensions, type (radial)  and  preferably from  the same manufacturer, on all four wheels. Do not use bias ply tires.
Otherwise there is a  risk of altering the car's roadholding and  handling characteristics.
NOTE:  When storing wheel/tire assemblies (e.g. snow tires and  wheels), either stand the assemblies upright, or
suspend them off the ground. Laying wheel/tire assemblies on their sides for prolonged periods  can cause wheel and/or
tire damage.
Wear indicator
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.
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Tires with less than 1/16" (1.6 mm) tread have very poor grip in rain or snow.
To improve tire economy:
Maintain correct tire pressure. See  the tire pressure label  on the inside of the fuel filler  door.
Drive smoothly:  avoid fast  starts, hard braking and  tire screeching.
Tire wear  increases with speed.
Correct front  wheel alignment is very important.
Unbalanced wheels impair tire economy and  driving comfort.
Volvo does not recommend rotating the tires. However, if tires are rotated, they must  be  kept on the same side of the
car so that they revolve in the same direction as before rotation.
Hitting curbs or potholes can damage the tires and/or wheels permanently.
Flat spots
All tires become warm during use. After cooling, when the vehicle is parked, the tires have a  tendency to distort
slightly,  forming flat spots. These flat spots can cause vibrations similar to the vibrations caused by unbalanced wheels.
They do, however,  disappear when the tire warms up. The degree to which  flat spots form  depends on the type of cord
used in the tire. Remember that, in cold weather, it takes longer for the tire to warm up and  consequently longer for the
flat spot to disappear.
CAUTION:  The car must  not be  driven with wheels of different  dimensions/specifications 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 or
driveline. 
pg. 109 Wheels and tires
Snow chains
Snow chains can be  used on your Volvo with the following restrictions:
Snow chains should be  installed on front  wheels only. Use only Volvo approved snow chains.
Special  snow chains must  be  mounted on 215/55 R16. Consult your Volvo retailer.
If accessory,  aftermarket or "custom" tires and  wheels are installed and  are of a  size different  than the original tires
and  wheels, chains in some cases CANNOT be  used. Sufficient  clearances between chains and  brakes, suspension and
body components must  be  maintained.  Snow chains cannot be  used on 17" wheels.
Some strap -on type chains will interfere  with brake components and  therefore CANNOT be  used.
All Wheel Drive models: Snow chains should only be  installed on the front  wheels. Only chains adapted for AWD
models should be  used.
Consult your Volvo retailer for additional snow chain information.
CAUTION:
Check local  regulations  regarding the use of snow chains before installing.
Always follow the chain manufacturer's installation  instructions carefully. Install chains as tightly as possible and
retighten periodically.
Never  exceed the chain manufacturer's specified maximum speed limit. In no case should you exceed 31 mph (50
km/h).
Avoid bumps, holes or sharp turns when driving with snow chains.
Vehicle handling can be  adversely affected when driving with chains. Avoid fast  maneuvering and  hard braking.
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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  also lists vehicle load limits. Do not load
your car beyond  the indicated limits.WARNING!
Improperly inflated tires will reduce tire life, adversely affect vehicle handling and  can possibly lead to failure
resulting in loss of vehicle control without prior  warning.
Temporary Spare
The spare tire in your car is called a  "Temporary Spare". It has the following designation: T125/80 R17 (T135/90 R17
on the XC70).
At the recommended tire pressure shown on the inside of the fuel filler  door, the tire may be  used as a  temporary
replacement  for a  front  or rear tire.
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.
*Please note that the tire information label  indicates pressure for both comfort and  fuel economy. 
pg. 111 Wheels and tires
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
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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 which  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.
pg. 112 Changing wheels
Insert flat end  of lug wrench  and turn/pull  straight out
Changing wheels
The spare wheel is located under the carpet  on the cargo area floor.  The jack and  crank are secured in the wheel recess.
There are two jack attachment points  on each side of the car.
To change a wheel:
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