Have a word with a trained and qualified Volvo service technician if you intend to drive in countries where it may
be difficult to obtain the correct fuel.
Consider your destination. If you will be driving through an area where snow or ice are likely to occur, consider
snow tires.
Cold weather precautions
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). 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.
Try to keep the fuel tank well filled - this helps prevent 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, is recommended. Be sure to use good quality oil but do not use cold-weather oil for hard driving or in
warm weather. See page 246
for more information on engine oil.
NOTE
Synthetic oil is not used when the oil is changed at the normal maintenance intervals except at owner request and at
additional charge.
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
anti-rust oil on the battery posts.
Volvo recommends the use of snow tires on all four wheels for winter driving. See the information on page 231.
To prevent the washer fluid reservoir from freezing, add washer solvents containing antifreeze. 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
173 05 During your trip
Driving recommendations
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.
Avoid using de -icing sprays as they can cause damage to the locks.
174 05 During your trip
Refueling
Fuel requirements
Deposit control gasoline (detergent additives)
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The towing eyelet is located under the floor of the trunk, with the spare tire. This eyelet must be screwed into the
positions provided on the right sides of either the front or rear bumper (see illustration).
Attaching the towing eyelet
1. Use a coin to pry open the lower edge of the cover.
2. Screw the towing eyelet in place, first by hand and then using the tire iron until it is securely in place.
After the vehicle has been towed, the eyelet should be removed and returned to its storage location.
Press the cover for the attachment point back into position.
Precautions when the vehicle is in tow
The steering wheel must be unlocked. The remote key must be in the ignition slot1.
Attach jumper cables (see page 104) to provide current for releasing the optional electric parking brake and to move
the gear selector from the P position.
The gear selector must be in position N .
Maximum speed: 50 mph (80 km/h). Do not exceed the maximum allowable towing speed.
Maximum distance with front wheels on ground: 50 miles (80 km).
While the vehicle is being towed, try to keep the tow rope taut at all times.
The vehicle should only be towed in the forward direction.
1On vehicles with the optional keyless drive, the remote key must be in the passenger compartment.
CAUTION
Please check with state and local authorities before attempting this type of towing, as vehicles being towed are
subject to regulations regarding maximum towing speed, length and type of towing device, lighting, etc.
If the vehicle's battery is dead, do not attempt to start the vehicle by pushing or pulling it as this will damage the
three-way catalytic converter(s). The engine must be jump started using an auxiliary battery (see page 104
).
If the vehicle is being towed on a flat bed truck, the towing eyelets must not be used to secure the vehicle on the
flat bed. Consult the tow truck operator.
Towing vehicles with front wheel drive/All Wheel Drive
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Each time the car is refueled:
Check the engine oil level.
Clean the windshield, windshield wipers, headlights, and tail lights.
Monthly:
Check cold tire pressure in all tires. Inspect the tires for wear.
Check that engine coolant and other fluid levels are between the indicated "min" and "max" markings.
Clean interior glass surfaces with a glass cleaner and soft paper towels.
Wipe driver information displays with a soft cloth.
Visually inspect battery terminals for corrosion. Corrosion may indicate a loose terminal connector, or a battery near
the end of its useful service life. Consult your Volvo retailer for additional information.
As needed:
Wash the car, including the undercarriage, to reduce wear that can be caused by a buildup of dirt, and corrosion that
can be caused by salt residues.
Clean leaves and twigs from air intake vents at the base of the windshield, and from other places where they may
collect.
NOTE
Complete service information for qualified technicians is available online for purchase or subscription at
www.volvotechinfo.com
.
192 06 Maintenance and specifications
Maintaining your car
Emission inspection readiness
What is an Onboard Diagnostic System (OBD II)?
OBD II is part of your vehicle's computerized engine management system. It stores diagnostic information about your
vehicle's emission controls. It can light the Check Engine light (MIL) if it detects an emission control "fault." A "fault"
is a component or system that is not performing within an expected range. A fault may be permanent or temporary.
OBD II will store a message about any fault.
How do states use OBD II for emission inspections?
Many states connect a computer directly to a vehicle's OBD II system. The inspector can then read "faults." In some
states, this type of inspection has replaced the tailpipe emission test.
How can my vehicle fail OBD II emission inspection?
Your vehicle can fail OBD II emission inspection for any of the following reasons.
If your Check Engine (MIL) light is lit, your vehicle may fail inspection.
If your vehicle's Check Engine light was lit, but went out without any action on your part, OBD II will still have a
recorded fault. Your vehicle may pass or fail, depending on the inspection practices in your area.
If you had recent service that required disconnecting the battery, OBD II diagnostic information may be incomplete
and "not ready" for inspection. A vehicle that is not ready may fail inspection.
How can I prepare for my next OBD II emission inspection?
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216 06 Maintenance and specifications
Wheels and tires
Introduction
Your vehicle is equipped with tires according to the vehicle's tire information placard on the B-pillar (the structural
member at the side of the vehicle, at the rear of the driver's door opening).
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 size designation, type (radial) and preferably from the
same manufacturer, on all four wheels. Otherwise there is a risk of altering the car's roadholding and handling
characteristics.
Storing wheels and tires
When storing complete wheels (tires mounted on rims), they should be suspended off the floor or placed on their sides
on the floor.
Tires not mounted on rims should be stored on their sides or standing upright, but should not be suspended.
CAUTION
Tires should preferably be stored in a cool, dry, dark place, and should never be stored in close proximity to
solvents, gasoline, oils, etc.
Tread wear indicator
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The tires have wear indicator strips running across or parallel to the tread. The letters TWI are printed on the side of
the tire. When approximately 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 offer very poor traction.
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.
WARNING
The wheel and tire sizes for your Volvo are specified to meet stringent stability and handling requirements.
Unapproved wheel/ tire size combinations can negatively affect your vehicle's stability and handling. Approved tire
sizes are shown in the Tire inflation pressure tables beginning on page 221
.
Any damage caused by installation of unapproved wheel/tire size combinations will not be covered by your new
vehicle warranty. Volvo assumes no responsibility for death, injury, or expenses that may result from such
installations.
217 06 Maintenance and specifications
Wheels and tires
Remember that tires are perishable goods. As of 2000, the manufacturing week and year (Department of
Transportation (DOT) stamp) will be indicated with 4 digits (e.g. 1502 means that the tire illustrated was manufactured
during week 15 of 2002).
Tire age
Tires degrade over time, even when they are not being used. It is recommended that tires generally be replaced after
6 years of normal service. Heat caused by hot climates, frequent high loading conditions or Ultra Violet (U.V.)
exposure can accelerate the aging process.
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Self supporting run flat tires
Certain models equipped with the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) can also be equipped with self supporting
run flat tires.
Tires of this type have specially reinforced sidewalls that make it possible to continue driving in the event of a drop in
inflation pressure. Tires of this type are mounted on special rims.
NOTE
Self supporting run flat tires are only available in conjunction with TPMS.
If a self supporting run flat tire should lose inflation pressure, the yellow TPMS warning symbol (
) in the
instrument panel lights up to alert the driver, and a message will be shown in the text window in the instrument panel.
If this occurs, reduce vehicle speed to a maximum of 50 mph (80 km/h). The vehicle can be driven approximately 50
miles (80 km), or somewhat farther if the vehicle is not heavily loaded. The tire should be replaced as soon as
possible.
Hard braking and sudden steering maneuvers should be avoided.
In certain cases, it may be difficult to see which self supporting run flat tire is defective. To determine which tire is
damaged, check the inflation pressure of all four tires.
WARNING
Only specially trained persons should mount self supporting run flat tires.
If self supporting run flat tires are mounted, the vehicle must be equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitoring
System.
After a low pressure warning has been displayed, do not exceed 50 mph (80 km/h).
Avoid severe cornering and hard braking, and minimize the distance traveled before replacing the self supporting
run flat tire.
Self supporting run flat tires cannot be repaired. They must be replaced if damaged or punctured.
226 06 Maintenance and specifications
Wheels and tires
Tire designations
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Tire information placard: A placard showing the OE (Original Equipment) tire sizes, recommended inflation
pressure, and the maximum weight the vehicle can carry.
Tire Identification Number (TIN) : A number on the sidewall of each tire providing information about the tire
brand and manufacturing plant, tire size and date of manufacturer.
Inflation pressure : A measure of the amount of air in a tire.
Standard load: A class of P-metric or Metric tires designed to carry a maximum load at 35 psi [37 psi (2.5 bar) for
Metric tires]. Increasing the inflation pressure beyond this pressure will not increase the tires load carrying capability.
Extra load : A class of P-metric or Metric tires designed to carry a heavier maximum load at 41 psi [43 psi (2.9 bar)
for Metric tires]. Increasing the inflation pressure beyond this pressure will not increase the tire's load carrying
capability.
kPa : Kilopascal, a metric unit of air pressure.
PSI: Pounds per square inch, a standard unit of air pressure.
B-pillar : The structural member at the side of the vehicle behind the front door.
Bead area of the tire : Area of the tire next to the rim.
Sidewall of the tire: Area between the bead area and the tread.
Tread area of the tire : Area of the perimeter of the tire that contacts the road when mounted on the vehicle.
Rim: The metal support (wheel) for a tire or a tire and tube assembly upon which the tire beads are seated.
Maximum load rating : a figure indicating the maximum load in pounds and kilograms that can be carried by the
tire. This rating is established by the tire manufacturer.
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.
228 06 Maintenance and specifications
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 182
.
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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. (Under no circumstances should you
exceed 31 mph (50 km/h).
Avoid bumps, holes or sharp turns when driving with snow chains.
The handling of the vehicle can be adversely affected when driving with chains. Avoid fast or sharp turns as well
as locked wheel braking.
Snow tires, studded tires
1
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.
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 vehicle 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.
1Where permitted
NOTE
Please consult state or provincial regulations restricting the use of studded winter tires before installing such tires.
232 06 Maintenance and specifications
Wheels and tires
Temporary Spare
The spare tire in your vehicle is called a "Temporary Spare".
Recommended tire pressure (see the placard on the B-pillar or on the fuel filler door) should be maintained irrespective
of which position on the vehicle 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
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