Page 127 of 268

2007 Volvo XC90
Octane rating
Volvo engines are designed to achieve rated horsepower, torque, and fuel\
economy performance using premium 91 octane
fuel. Volvo recommends premium for best performance, but using 87 octane\
or above will not affect engine reliability.
In demanding driving conditions, such as operating the vehicle in hot we\
ather, towing a trailer, or driving for extended
periods at higher altitudes than normal, it may be advisable to switch t\
o higher octane fuel (91 or higher) or to change
gasoline brands to fully utilize your engine's capacity, and for the smo\
othest possible operation.
NOTE: When switching to higher octane fuel or changing gasoline brands, it ma\
y be necessary to fill the tank more than
once before a difference in engine operation is noticeable.
Fuel Formulations
Do not use gasoline that contains lead as a knock inhibitor, and do not \
use lead additives. Besides damaging the exhaust
emission control systems on your vehicle, lead has been strongly linked \
to certain forms of cancer.
Many fuels contain benzene as a solvent. Unburned benzene has been stron\
gly linked to certain forms of cancer. If you
live in an area where you must fill your own gas tank, take precautions.\
These may include:
l standing upwind away from the filler nozzle while refueling
l refueling only at gas stations with vapor recovery systems that fully se\
al the mouth of the filler neck during refueling
l wearing neoprene gloves while handling a fuel filler nozzle.
Use of Additives
With the exception of gas line antifreeze during winter months, do not a\
dd solvents, thickeners, or other store-bought
additives to your vehicle's fuel, cooling, or lubricating systems. Overu\
se may damage your engine, and some of these
additives contain organically volatile chemicals. Do not needlessly expo\
se yourself to these chemicals.
file:///K|/ownersdocs/2007/2007_XC90/07xc90_06.htm (3 of 32)12/30/2006\
5:53:44 PM
Page 147 of 268

2007 Volvo XC90
Towing a trailer
The maximum weights recommended by Volvo for trailers with brakes are shown in the table below.
NOTE:
l Recommended hitch tongue load: not more than 10% of the trailer's weight\
. The trailer load should be positioned
so that it does not shift and the tongue load should be 10% of the trail\
er's weight. However, the tongue load should not
exceed the maximum permissible weights indicated in the table above.
l When towing trailers without brakes, the maximum permissible trailer weight is 1,700 lbs (750 kg).\
l If necessary, redistribute the weight of any cargo in the trailer to avo\
id excessive weight on the trailer hitch.
l The maximum trailer weight listed in the table for All Wheel Drive model\
s, 5,000 lbs (2250 kg) is only applicable when
there are not more than two occupants in the vehicle, in the front seats\
, with a combined weight of 300 lbs (135 kg), with
no other cargo in the vehicle.
l The maximum weight listed for Front Wheel Drive models, 4,000 lbs (1800\
kg) is only applicable when there are not
more than four occupants in the vehicle, in the front seats and second r\
ow of seats, with a combined weight of 600 lbs (270
kg), with no other cargo in the vehicle.
pg. 138 Starting and driving
Towing a trailer
l Please be aware that the load on the trailer hitch is part of the vehicl\
e's total load carrying capacity. The amount of cargo
in the vehicle and the trailer must be limited so that the gross vehicle\
weight and maximum permissible rear axle weight
(see
page 209) are not exceeded.
l Vehicles used for towing a trailer on a regular basis, or for long-dista\
nce highway towing should be equipped with an
automatic transmission oil cooler and Volvo's automatic self-leveling sy\
stem for the rear suspension. Consult your Volvo
retailer.
l Volvo recommends the use of Volvo trailer hitches that are specially des\
igned for the vehicle.
l All Volvo models are equipped with energy-absorbing shock-mounted bumper\
s. Trailer hitch installation should not
interfere with the proper operation of this bumper system.
l Increase tire pressure to recommended full inflation pressure. See chapt\
er "Wheels and tires."
l When your vehicle is new, avoid towing heavy trailers during the first 6\
20 miles (1,000 km).
l Engine and transmission are subject to increased loads. Therefore, engin\
e coolant temperature should be closely
file:///K|/ownersdocs/2007/2007_XC90/07xc90_06.htm (23 of 32)12/30/200\
6 5:53:44 PM
Page 169 of 268

2007 Volvo XC90
Properly loading your vehicle will provide maximum return of vehicle des\
ign performance.
Before loading your vehicle, familiarize yourself with the following ter\
ms for determining your vehicle's
weight ratings, with or without a trailer, from the vehicle's Federal/ C\
anadian Motor Vehicle Safety
Standards (FMVSS/CMVSS) label, and the vehicle's tire information plac\
ard.
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 equipm\
ent. When towing, trailer hitch
tongue load is also part of cargo weight.
NOTE: For trailer towing information, please refer to the section "Towing a t\
railer" on
page 137.
Permissible axle weight
The maximum allowable weight that can be carried by a single axle (fron\
t or rear). These numbers are
shown on the Federal/Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS/ CM\
VSS) 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:
l The location of the various labels in your vehicle can be found on page 208.
l A table listing important weight limits for your vehicle can be found on\
page 209.
Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit
- Locate the statement "the combined weight of occupants and cargo shoul\
d never exceed XXX pounds''
on your vehicle's placard.
- Determine the combined weight of the driver and passengers that will b\
e riding in your vehicle.
- Subtract the combined weight of the driver and passengers from XXX kil\
ograms or XXX pounds.
- The resulting figure equals the available amount of cargo and luggage \
load capacity. For example, if
the "XXX'' amount equals 1400 lbs. and there will be five 150 lb. passen\
gers 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 calculat\
ed in Step 4.
- If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your trailer will \
be transferred to your vehicle.
Consult this manual
1 to determine how this reduces the available cargo and luggage load capa\
city of
your vehicle.
file:///K|/ownersdocs/2007/2007_XC90/07xc90_07.htm (13 of 23)12/30/200\
6 5:53:47 PM