Remove snow tires when threat of snow or ice has ended.
Note that roof racks, ski racks, etc, increase air resistance and also fuel consumption.
Avoid using automatic transmission kickdown feature unless necessary.
However, at higher driving speeds, fuel consumption will be lower with the air conditioning on and the windows
closed than with the air conditioning off and the windows open.
Using the onboard trip computer's fuel consumption modes can help you learn how to drive more economically.
Other factors that decrease gas mileage are:
Dirty air cleaner
Dirty engine oil and clogged oil filter
Dragging brakes
Incorrect front end alignment.
Some of the above mentioned items and others are checked at the standard Maintenance Service intervals.
NOTE: Vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions should use (D)rive as often as possible and avoid using
"kickdown" to help improve fuel economy.
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).
pg. 114 Starting and driving
Handling and road holding
Weight distribution affects handling
At the specified curb weight your vehicle has a tendency to understeer, which means that the steering wheel has to be
turned more than might seem appropriate for the curvature of a bend.
This ensures good stability and reduces the risk of rear wheel skid. Remember that these properties can alter with the
vehicle load. The heavier the load in the trunk (max. 220 lbs, 100 kg), the less the tendency to understeer.
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.
Speed-sensitive power steering (Option on certain models)
With this feature, the steering is most responsive at lower speeds to make parking, driving in city traffic, etc., easier.
The effect of the power steering diminishes as you accelerate for greater stability at highway speeds.
Driving through water
The vehicle can be driven through water up to a depth of approximately 9 in. (25 cm), at a maximum speed of 6 mph
(10 km/h).
Take particular care when driving through flowing water.
Clean the electrical connections for trailer wiring after driving in mud or water When driving through water, maintain
low speed and do not stop in the water.
WARNING!
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If you wish to check your vehicle before the approach of cold weather, the following advice is worth noting:
Make sure that the engine coolant contains 50 percent antifreeze. Any other mixture will reduce freeze protection.
This gives protection against freezing down to -31°F (-35°C). See section "Coolant". The use of "recycled"
antifreeze is not approved by Volvo. Different types of antifreeze must not be mixed.
Volvo recommends using only genuine Volvo antifreeze in your vehicle's radiator. Your Volvo retailer stocks plenty
of Volvo engine coolant to protect your vehicle during cold weather.
Try to keep the fuel tank well filled - this prevents the formation of condensation in the tank. In addition, in
extremely cold weather conditions it is worthwhile to add fuel line de -icer before refueling.
The viscosity of the engine oil is important. Oil with low viscosity (thinner oil) improves cold-weather starting as
well as decreasing fuel consumption while the engine is warming up. For winter use, 5W -30 oil, particularly the
synthetic type
1, is recommended. Be sure to use good quality oil but do not use cold-weather oil for hard driving or in
warm weather. See section "Engine oil" for more information.
The load placed on the battery is greater during the winter since the windshield wipers, lighting, etc. are used more
often. Moreover, the capacity of the battery decreases as the temperature drops. In very cold weather, a poorly charged
battery can freeze and be damaged. It is therefore advisable to check the state of charge more frequently and spray an
antirust oil on the battery posts.
Volvo recommends the use of snow tires on all four wheels for winter driving - see section "Wheels and tires."
To prevent the washer fluid reservoir from freezing, add washer solvents containing antifreeze (see page 176 for
the location of the washer fluid reservoir). This is important since dirt is often splashed on the windshield during
winter driving, requiring the frequent use of the washers and wipers. Volvo Washer Solvent should be diluted as
follows:
- Down to 14° F (-10° C) : 1 part washer solvent and 4 parts water
- Down to 5° F (-15° C) : 1 part washer solvent and 3 parts water
- Down to 0° F (-18° C) : 1 part washer solvent and 2 parts water
- Down to -18° F (-28° C) : 1 part washer solvent and 1 part water
Use Volvo Teflon Lock Spray in the locks.
NOTE: Avoid the use of de -icing sprays as they can cause damage to the locks.
W - Winter/Wet driving mode - enhanced vehicle traction (automatic transmission)
Mode W will only function 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.
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 44
).
This mode may be selected for starting/ moving off on slippery roads.
1. Synthetic oil is not used when the oil is changed at the normal maintenance service intervals.
pg. 137 Starting and driving
Before a long distance trip
It is always worthwhile to have your vehicle checked at a Volvo retailer before driving long distances. Your retailer
will also be able to supply you with bulbs, fuses, spark plugs and wiper blades for your use in the event that problems
occur.
As a minimum, the following items should be checked before any long trip:
Check that engine runs smoothly and that fuel consumption is normal.
Check for fuel, oil, and fluid leakage.
Check transmission oil level1.
Check condition of drive belts.
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Use a tire gauge to check the tire inflation pressure, including the spare, at least once a month and before long trips.
You are strongly urged to buy a reliable tire pressure gauge, as automatic service station gauges may be inaccurate.
Use the recommended cold inflation pressure for optimum tire performance and wear.
Under-inflation or over-inflation may cause uneven treadwear patterns.
WARNING!
Under-inflation is the most common cause of tire failure and may result in severe tire cracking, tread separation,
or "blowout," with unexpected loss of vehicle control and increased risk of injury.
Under-inflated tires reduce the load carrying capacity of your vehicle.
When weather temperature changes occur, tire inflation pressures also change. A 10- degree temperature drop causes a
corresponding drop of 1 psi (7 kPa) in inflation pressure. Check your tire pressures frequently and adjust them to the
proper pressure, which can be found on the vehicle's tire information placard or certification label.
Checking tire pressure
A certain amount of air seepage from the tires occurs naturally and tire pressure fluctuates with seasonal changes in
temperature. Always check tire pressure regularly.
Cold tires
Inflation pressure should be checked when the tires are cold.
pg. 145 Wheels and tires
General information
The tires are considered to be cold when they have the same temperature as the surrounding (ambient) air.
This temperature is normally reached after the vehicle has been parked for at least 3 hours.
After driving a distance of approximately 1 mile (1.6 km), the tires are considered to be hot. If you have to drive
farther than this distance to pump your tire(s), check and record the tire pressure first and add the appropriate air
pressure when you get to the pump.
If checking tire pressure when the tire is hot, never "bleed" or reduce air pressure. The tires are hot from driving and it
is normal for pressures to increase above recommended cold pressures. A hot tire at or below recommended cold
inflation pressure could be significantly under-inflated.
To check inflation pressure:
- Remove the cap from the valve on one tire, then firmly press the tire gauge onto the valve.
- Add air to reach the recommended air pressure.
- Replace the valve cap.
- Repeat this procedure for each tire, including the spare.
- Visually inspect the tires to make sure there are no nails or other objects embedded that could puncture the tire and
cause an air leak.
- Check the sidewalls to make sure there are no gouges, cuts, bulges or other irregularities.
NOTE:
If you overfill the tire, release air by pushing on the metal stem in the center of the valve. Then recheck the pressure
with your tire gauge.
Some spare tires require higher inflation pressure than the other tires. Consult the tire inflation tables on pages 146
and 147, or see the inflation pressure placard.
pg. 146 Wheels and tires
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Maximum permissible inflation pressure: the greatest amount of air pressure that should ever be put in the tire.
This limit is set by the tire manufacturer.
Recommended tire inflation pressure: inflation pressure, established by Volvo, which is based on the type of tires
that are mounted on a vehicle at the factory. This inflation pressure is affected by the number of occupants in the
vehicle, the amount of cargo, and the speed at which the vehicle will be driven for a prolonged period. This
information can be found on the tire inflation placard(s) located on the driver's side B-pillar or on the inside of the fuel
filler door on Canadian models, and in the tire inflation table in this chapter.
Cold tires : The tires are considered to be cold when they have the same temperature as the surrounding (ambient)
air. This temperature is normally reached after the vehicle has been parked for at least 3 hours.
pg. 153 Wheels and tires
Vehicle loading
Properly loading your vehicle will provide maximum return of vehicle design performance.
Before loading your vehicle, familiarize yourself with the following terms for determining your vehicle's weight
ratings, with or without a trailer, from the vehicle's Federal/ Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards
(FMVSS/CMVSS) label, and the vehicle's tire information placard:
Curb weight
The weight of the vehicle including a full tank of fuel and all standard equipment. It does not include passengers,
cargo, or optional equipment.
Capacity weight
All weight added to the curb weight, including cargo and optional equipment. When towing, trailer hitch tongue load
is also part of cargo weight.
NOTE: For trailer towing information, please refer to the section "Towing a trailer" on page 131
.
Permissible axle weight
The maximum allowable weight that can be carried by a single axle (front or rear). These numbers are shown on the
Federal/Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS/ CMVSS) label. The total load on each axle must never
exceed its maximum permissible weight.
Gross vehicle weight (GVW)
The vehicle's curb weight + cargo + passengers.
NOTE:
The location of the various labels in your vehicle can be found on page 199.
A table listing important weight limits for your vehicle can be found on page 201.
Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit
- Locate the statement "the combined weight of occupants and cargo should never exceed XXX pounds'' on your
vehicle's placard.
- Determine the combined weight of the driver and passengers that will be riding in your vehicle.
- Subtract the combined weight of the driver and passengers from XXX kilograms or XXX pounds.
- The resulting figure equals the available amount of cargo and luggage load capacity. For example, if the Ô'XXX''
amount equals 1400 lbs. and there will be five 150 lb. passengers in your vehicle, the amount of available cargo and
luggage load capacity is 650 lbs. (1400- 750 (5 x 150) = 650 lbs.)
- Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo being loaded on the vehicle. That weight may not safely
exceed the available cargo and luggage load capacity calculated in Step 4.
- If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your trailer will be transferred to your vehicle. Consult this
1
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manual to determine how this reduces the available cargo and luggage load capacity of your vehicle.
1. See "Towing a trailer" on page 131.
pg. 154 Wheels and tires
Vehicle loading
WARNING!
Exceeding the permissible axle weight, gross vehicle weight, or any other weight rating limits can cause tire
overheating resulting in permanent deformation or catastrophic failure.
Do not use replacement tires with lower load carrying capacities than the tires that were original equipment on the
vehicle because this will lower the vehicle's GVW rating. Replacement tires with a higher limit than the originals do
not increase the vehicle's GVW rating limitations.
pg. 155 Wheels and tires
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
ALL PASSENGER VEHICLE 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,
maintenance 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 vehicle 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.
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Label information
1. Model plate
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Codes for color and upholstery, etc.
2. Child safety lock labels
1
3. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) specifications (USA) and Ministry of Transport (CMVSS)
standards (Canada)
Your Volvo is designed to meet all applicable safety standards, as evidenced by the certification label on the facing
side of the driver's door. For further information regarding these regulations, please consult your Volvo retailer.
4. Loads and Tire Pressures
The appearance of the decal will vary, depending on the market for which the vehicle is intended.
Canadian models: upper decal
U.S. models: lower decal
5. Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
The VIN plate is located on the top left surface of the dashboard. The VIN is also stamped on the right hand door
pillar.
The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) should always be quoted in all correspondence concerning your vehicle with
the retailer and when ordering parts.
6. Vehicle Emission Control Information/ Vacuum hose routing
Your Volvo is designed to meet all applicable emission standards, as evidenced by the certification label on the
underside of the hood. For further information regarding these regulations, please consult your Volvo retailer.
1. Not on vehicles equipped with the optional power child safety locks.
pg. 200 Specifications
Dimensions and weights
Dimensions Length 180 in. (458 cm)
S60R - 181.7 in. (462 cm)
Width 71 in. (180 cm)
S60R - 71 in. (180 cm)
Height 56.2 in. (143 cm)
S60R - 55.7 in. (142 cm)
Wheelbase 107 in. (272 cm)
Front track 61.5 in. (156 cm)
Rear track 61.4 in. (156 cm)
Turning circle 35.4-38.7 ft.
(10.8-11.8 m)
S60R: 42.7 ft (13 m)
Cargo capacity, trunk SAE V1 - 13.9 (394)
Max. loads
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Max. roof load220 lbs (100 kg)
Max. trailer weight:
- without brakes
- with brakes, 2" ball
1
- with brakes, 1 7/8" ball1650 lbs (750 kg)
3300 lbs (1500 kg)
2000 lbs (900 kg)
Max. tongue weight: 165 lbs (75 kg)
Trailer weights below 2,650 lbs (1,200 kg) 110 lbs (50 kg)
Trailer weights above 2,650 lbs (1,200 kg) 165 lbs (75 kg)
1. When driving for prolonged periods at temperatures above 86 °F (30 °C), the maximum recommended weight is 2000 lbs (900 kg).
See also page 131
for additional information.
WARNING!
When adding accessories, equipment, luggage and other cargo to your vehicle, the total capacity weight must not be
exceeded.
pg. 201 Specifications
Dimensions and weights
Weights
AWD = All Wheel Drive Gross vehicle weight
1USA Canada
5-cyl. turbo manual 4430 lbs2010 kg
5-cyl. turbo automatic 4470 lbs2030 kg
5-cyl turbo AWD automatic 4540 lbs2060 kg
5-cyl turbo AWD-R manual/automatic 4540 lbs2060 kg
Capacity weight
5-cyl. turbo 870 lbs395 kg
5 cyl. turbo AWD 805 lbs365 kg
5 cyl. turbo AWD-R 770 Ibs350 kg
Permissible axle weights, front
1
5-cyl. turbo 2400 lbs1090 kg
5-cyl. turbo AWD automatic 2420 lbs1100 kg
5-cyl. turbo AWD-R manual 2400 lbs1090 kg
5-cyl. turbo AWD-R automatic 2420 lbs1100 kg
Permissible axle weights, rear
1
5-cyl., 5-cyl. turbo 2220 lbs1010 kg
5-cyl. turbo AWD, AWD-R 2310 lbs1050 kg
Curb weight
5-cyl. turbo 3430-3505 lbs1545-1580 kg
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