
3. Release the brake pedal and ensure that the vehicle is at a standstill.
4. If the vehicle rolls, the parking brake lever must be pulled more firmly.
5. When parking a vehicle always put the gear selector in first gear (for manual transmission) or P (for automatic
transmission).
Parking on a hill
If the vehicle is pointing uphill, turn the front wheels so that they point away from the curb.
If the vehicle is pointing downhill, turn the front wheels so that they point toward the curb.
Releasing the parking brake
1. Press firmly on the brake pedal.
2. Pull the lever up slightly, press the button at the end of the lever and lower the lever completely.
WARNING
Pull up the parking brake lever up firmly to its full extent.
70 02 Instruments and controls
12-volt sockets
12-volt socket (front seat)
The 12-volt socket can be used to plug in certain accessories such as cellular telephones, etc. The maximum current is
10A. The key must be in position I (or higher) for the auxiliary socket to function.
Ashtrays/cigarette lighter
The auxiliary socket can also be used for a cigarette lighter
1, and ashtrays1 are also available. Please contact your Volvo
retailer.
1 Accessory.
NOTE
The cover should be kept on when the auxiliary socket is not in use.

The ignition key must be in position I or higher (see page 139) before all side windows can be opened/closed using the
switches in the front doors.
1 This menu alternative also makes it possible to open all side windows by pressing and holding the Unlock button on the remote control for several
seconds.
Approach lighting
This alternative determines the length of time for which the car's lights will remain on when the Approach light button on
the central locking system's remote control is pressed. Intervals of 30/60/90 seconds may be selected. See page 78
for
more information.
Home safe lighting
This alternative determines the length of time for which the car's lights will remain on when the high beam lever on the
steering column is pulled toward the wheel with the ignition switched off. Intervals of 30/60/90 seconds may be selected.
See page 78
for information on using this function.
Information
VIN number:
The VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) is the car's unique identity number.
Number of Keys:
The number of keys registered for the vehicle is displayed here.
Climate functions
Blower speed in AUTO mode:
The blower speed can be set to AUTO mode in models equipped with ECC. Choose between "Low", "Normal" and
"High".
Timer for recirculation:
When the timer is active, the air recirculates in the vehicle for 3-12 minutes depending on the ambient temperature. Select
On/Off depending on whether the recirculation timer is to be active or not.
Keyless locking and unlocking (option as available)
The following alternatives can be selected for locking and unlocking the doors and rear liftgate:
All doors
All doors are locked or unlocked at the same time.
One front door
79 02 Instruments and controls
Personal settings
Either of the front doors can be unlocked separately1.
Reset to factory settings
Use this alternative to return to the default climate system settings.

2 0 0 8
VOLVO C30
130 06 Starting and driving
General information 132
Fuel requirements136
Ignition switch/Steering wheel lock139
Starting the vehicle141
Starting the vehicle (keyless drive)143
Manual transmission, 6-speed144
Automatic transmission (option)145
Shiftlock override147
Brake system148
Dynamic Stability Traction Control150
Towing152
Jump starting154
Transporting loads155
Blind Spot Information System (BLIS)-option156
Park assist (Option/accessory)160
131 06 Starting and driving
132 06 Starting and driving
General information
Economical driving conserves natural resources
Better driving economy may be obtained by thinking ahead, avoiding rapid starts and stops and adjusting the speed of
your vehicle to immediate traffic conditions.
Observe the following rules:

Bring the engine to normal operating temperature as soon as possible by driving with a light foot on the accelerator
pedal for the first few minutes of operation. A cold engine uses more fuel and is subject to increased wear.
Whenever possible, avoid using the vehicle for driving short distances. This does not allow the engine to reach
normal operating temperature.
Drive carefully and avoid rapid acceleration and hard braking.
Use the transmission's (D)rive position as often as possible and avoid using kickdown.
Do not exceed posted speed limits.
Avoid carrying unnecessary items (extra load) in the vehicle.
Maintain correct tire pressure. Check tire pressure regularly (when tires are cold).
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.
At highway 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 intervals.
WARNING
Driving with the rear liftgate open : Driving with the rear liftgate open could lead to poisonous exhaust gases
entering the passenger compartment. If the rear liftgate 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 the blower control to its
highest setting.
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 cargo
area, 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 the "Tire pressure" section. Loads should be distributed
so that capacity weight
133 06 Starting and driving
General information
or maximum permissible axle loads are not exceeded.
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
After driving through water, press lightly on the brake pedal to ensure that the brakes are functioning normally.
Water or mud can make the brake linings slippery, resulting in delayed braking effect.
CAUTION
Engine damage will occur if water is drawn into the air cleaner.
If the vehicle is driven through water deeper than 9 in (25 cm), water may enter the differential and the
transmission. This reduces the oil's lubricating capacity and may shorten the service life of these components.
Do not allow the vehicle to stand in water up to the door sills longer than absolutely necessary. This could result
in electrical malfunctions.
If the engine has been stopped while the vehicle is in water, do not attempt to restart the engine. Have the vehicle
towed out of the water.
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). 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 help 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 page 251
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
1Synthetic oil is not used when the oil is changed at the normal maintenance intervals except at owner request and at additional charge. Please
consult a trained and qualified Volvo service technician.
134 06 Starting and driving
General information
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 chapter "Wheels and tires."
To prevent the washer fluid reservoir from freezing, add washer solvents containing antifreeze (see page 202 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 using de -icing sprays as they can cause damage to the locks.
Conserving electrical current
Keep the following in mind to help minimize battery drain:
When the engine is not running, avoid turning the ignition key to position II. Many electrical systems (the audio
system, the optional navigation system, power windows, etc) will function with the ignition key in position I. This
position reduces drain on the battery.
Please keep in mind that using systems, accessories, etc that consume a great deal of current when the engine is not
running could result in the battery being completely drained.
The optional 12 volt socket in the cargo area provides electrical current even with the ignition switched off, which
drains the battery.
NOTE
If the ignition is switched on, a warning message will be displayed in the text window in the instrument panel
when the battery charge is low.
An energy conserving function designed into the vehicle's electrical system will switch off certain functions or
reduce the load on the battery by, e.g., reducing the audio system's volume.
135 06 Starting and driving
General information
Before a long distance trip
It is always worthwhile to have your vehicle checked by a trained and qualified Volvo service technician before
driving long distances. An authorized Volvo 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 the engine runs smoothly and that fuel consumption is normal.
Check for fuel, oil, and fluid leakage.
Have the transmission oil level checked1.
Check condition of drive belts.
Check state of the battery's charge.
Examine tires carefully (the spare tire as well), and replace those that are worn. Check tire pressures.
The brakes, front wheel alignment, and steering gear should be checked by a trained and qualified Volvo service
technician only.
Check all lights, including high beams.
Reflective warning triangles are legally required in some states/provinces.
Have a word with a trained and qualified Volvo service technician if you intend to drive in countries where it may

After refueling, close the fuel filler cap by turning it clockwise until it clicks into place.
Avoid overfilling the fuel tank. Do not press the handle on the filler nozzle more than one extra time. Too much
fuel in the tank in hot weather conditions can cause the fuel to overflow. Overfilling could also cause damage to the
emission control systems.
Avoid spilling gasoline during refueling. In addition to causing damage to the environment, gasolines containing
alcohol can cause damage to painted surfaces, which may not be covered under the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Do not use gasolines containing methanol (methyl alcohol, wood alcohol). This practice can result in vehicle
performance deterioration and can damage critical parts in the fuel system. Such damage may not be covered under
the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
1If the fuel filler cap is not closed tightly or if the engine is running when the vehicle is refueled, the Check Engine Light (malfunction indicator
lamp) may indicate a fault. However, your vehicle's performance will not be affected. Use only Volvo original or approved fuel filler caps.
139 06 Starting and driving
Ignition switch/Steering wheel lock
Ignition switch and steering wheel lock
0 - Locked position
Remove the key to lock the steering wheel
1. Never turn the key to position 0 while driving or when the vehicle is
being towed.
NOTE
A ticking sound may be audible if the key is turned to a position between 0 and I. To stop this sound, turn the key to
position II and back to position 0.
I - Intermediate position2
Certain accessories, radio, etc. on, daytime running lights off.
1Automatic transmission: the gear selector must be in the Park position. The optional keyless drive start control does not need to be removed.
2Please be aware that leaving the key in positions I or II will increase battery drain
II - Drive position
The key's position when driving. The vehicle's entire electrical system is activated.
III - Start position

Turn the key to this position and release it immediately. The key returns automatically to the Drive position.
A chime will sound if the key is left in the ignition and the driver's door is opened (does not apply to vehicles with the
optional keyless drive).
Steering wheel lock
When the key is removed from the ignition, the steering wheel locks so that it cannot be turned.
NOTE
The steering wheel lock is activated when the driver's door is opened on vehicles with the optional keyless drive.
Releasing the steering wheel lock
If the front wheels are hard up against a curb, the steering wheel lock may be under too much tension to unlock.
If so, the key will turn in the ignition switch but the vehicle will not start.
At the same time, a message "Steering locked turn wheel" will appear in the information display.
If this happens:
1. Remove the key
3 from the ignition.
2. Turn the steering wheel slightly and hold it to release pressure on the lock mechanism.
3. Reinsert the key and start the vehicle.
The steering should immediately unlock. If not, try again.
NOTE
In order to help reduce vehicle theft, make sure the steering wheel lock is engaged before leaving the vehicle.
3 Vehicles with optional keyless drive: Turn the start control to position 0, turn the wheel slightly to release the pressure, and turn the start control
to position III to start the vehicle.
140 06 Starting and driving
Ignition switch/Steering wheel lock
WARNING
Never switch off the ignition (turn the ignition key or start control to position 0) or remove the key or start control
from the ignition switch while the vehicle is in motion. This could cause the steering wheel to lock, which would
make the vehicle impossible to steer.