Use the buttons in the center console to change setting. The setting in use when the engine is switched off is activated
the next time the engine is started.
Speed-dependent steering force (option)
Steering force increases with the speed of the vehicle to give the driver enhanced sensitivity. At low speed the vehicle
is easy to steer in order to facilitate parking, etc.
Steering force can be changed under Car settings
Steering force level. For a description of the menu system, see
page 125
.
NOTE
This menu function cannot be accessed when the vehicle is in motion.
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Setting a time interval
The buttons for setting a time interval are located on the left side of the steering wheel (see the illustration on page
160). Press to increase the interval or to decrease it.
Five different time intervals can be selected and are shown in the display as 1-5 horizontal bars. The
greater the number of bars, the longer the time interval.
166 04 Comfort and driving pleasure
Distance Alert
The number of bars indicating the selected time interval are shown while the setting is being made and for several
seconds afterward. A smaller version of the symbol is then shown to the right in the display. The same symbol is also
displayed when Adaptive Cruise Control is activated.
NOTE
The higher your vehicle's speed, the greater the distance to the vehicle ahead, measured in feet (meters), for a
given time interval.
The set time interval is also used by Adaptive Cruise Control, see page 161.
WARNING
Only use a time interval that is suitable in current traffic conditions.
Limitations
The Distance Alert function uses the same radar sensor used by Adaptive Cruise Control and the Collision Warning
system. See page 162
for more information on the radar sensor's limitations.
NOTE
Strong sunlight, reflections, extreme light contrasts, the use of sunglasses, or if the driver is not looking straight
ahead may make the visual warning signal in the windshield difficult to see.
WARNING
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Limitations
Strong sunlight, reflections, extreme light contrasts, the use of sunglasses, or if the driver is not looking straight ahead
may make the visual warning signal in the windshield difficult to see. For this reason, always activate the audible
warning signal in such conditions.
NOTE
The visual warning signal may be temporarily disengaged in the event of high passenger compartment temperature
due to strong sunlight, etc. If this occurs, the audible warning signal will be used, even if it has been deactivated in
the menu system.
Warnings may not appear if the distance to the vehicle ahead is very small or if steering wheel and pedal movements
are great, for example, due to a very active driving style.
WARNING
In certain situations, the system cannot provide warnings or warning may be delayed if traffic conditions or other
external factors make it impossible for the radar sensor or camera to detect the vehicle ahead.
Warnings may not be provided if the distance to the vehicle ahead is short, or if movements of the steering
wheel/brake pedal are great, such as during active driving.
The sensor system has a limited range for stationary or slow-moving vehicles and may therefore give delayed or
no warnings if your vehicle's speed is above approximately 45 mph (70 km/h).
Warnings for stationary or slow-moving vehicles may not be provided in dark conditions.
The Collision Warning system uses the same radar sensors as Adaptive Cruise Control. For more information on the
radar sensor and its limitations, see page 162.
If no warning is given, or if a warning is delayed, Auto-brake will also not be provided or will be delayed.
NOTE
If warnings are given too frequently, the warning distance can be reduced (see "Setting a warning distance" on page
169). This causes the system to provide later warnings, which decreases the total number of warnings provided.
The camera's limitations
The camera is used by Collision Warning with Auto-brake, Driver Alert Control (see page 173
), and Lane Departure
Warning (see page 176
).
NOTE
Keep the section of the windshield in front of the camera clean and free of ice, snow, or condensation.
171 04 Comfort and driving pleasure
Collision Warning with Auto-brake (option)
WARNING
The camera has the same limitations as the human eye. In other words, its "vision is impaired" by adverse weather
conditions such as heavy snowfall, dense fog, etc. These conditions may reduce the function of systems that depend
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173 04 Comfort and driving pleasure
Driver Alert System -option
Introduction
The Driver Alert System is designed to help a driver who may be becoming fatigued or who is inadvertently leaving
the lane.
The Driver Alert System consists of two different functions that can be switched on together or separately.
Driver Alert Control (DAC)
Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
When one or both of the functions has been switched on, it is in standby mode and is activated when the vehicle
exceeds a speed of 40 mph (65 km/h).
The function deactivates if speed goes under 37 mph (60 km/h).
Both functions use a camera that is dependent on the road/lane being clearly marked by painted lines on each side.
WARNING
The Driver Alert system does not function in all situations and is designed to be a supplementary aid. It is not,
however, intended to replace the driver's attention and judgement.
Driver Alert Control (DAC)-general information
This function is intended to alert the driver if his/her driving becomes erratic, such as if the driver is distracted or
fatigued.
A camera monitors the painted lines marking the lane in which the vehicle is traveling and compares the direction of
the road with the driver's movements of the steering wheel. The driver is alerted if the vehicle does not follow the lane
smoothly.
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NOTE
The camera has certain limitations, see page 170.
DAC is designed to help detect a slowly changing driving pattern. It is primarily intended to be used on main roads
and is not meant for use in city traffic.
WARNING
DAC is not intended to extend the duration of driving. Always plan breaks at regular intervals to help remain
alert.
In certain cases, fatigue may not affect the driver's behavior. In situations of this type, no warning will be
provided. Therefore, it is important to take breaks at regular intervals, regardless of whether or not DAC has given a
warning
Limitations
In certain situations, DAC may provide warnings even if the driver's driving pattern has not become erratic.
if the driver is testing the LDW function
in strong crosswinds
on grooved road surfaces.
174 04 Comfort and driving pleasure
Driver Alert System -option
Operating DAC
Certain settings can be made from the menu system controlled from the center instrument panel. See page 124
for
more information on the menu system.
The current system status can be checked on the trip computer's display by using the buttons on the left steering wheel
lever.
Thumb wheel. Turn this wheel until Driver Alert is displayed. The second line shows the alternative Off ,
Unavailable , or [-----], i.e., the number of bars.
READ button. Confirms and erases a message in the display.
Activating DAC
In the center instrument panel, go to Car settings
Driver Alert . Select On.
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This function is designed to help reduce the risk of accidents in situations where the vehicle leaves its lane and there is
a risk of driving off the road or into the opposite lane.
LDW consists of a camera that monitors the lane's side marker lines. The driver is alerted by an audible signal if the
vehicle crosses a side marker line or the road's center dividing line.
Operation and function
LDW can be switched on or off by pressing the button on the center console. A light in the button illuminates when the
function is on.
The trip computer display shows Lane Depart Warn Unavailable when the function is in standby mode.
When LDW is in standby mode, the function is activated automatically after the camera has monitored the road's side
marker lines and the vehicle's speed exceeds 40 mph (65 km/h). Lane Depart Warn Available will be displayed.
If the camera can no longer monitor the road's side marker lines, or if the vehicle's speed falls below 37 mph (60
km/h), LDW will return to standby mode and Lane Depart Warn Unavailable will be displayed.
If the vehicle unexpectedly crosses the lane's left or right side marker lines, the driver will be alerted by an audible
signal.
No warning signal will be given in the following situations:
The turn signal is being used
The driver's foot is on the brake pedal1
The throttle pedal is pressed quickly
If the steering wheel is moved quickly
In sharp turns that cause the vehicle's body to sway.
The camera also has certain limitations. See page 170
for information.
WARNING
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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 tailgate open: Driving with the tailgate open could lead to poisonous exhaust gases entering 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 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
193 05 During your trip
Driving recommendations
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.
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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
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 276
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 259.
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):
195 05 During your trip
Driving recommendations
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.
Avoid using de -icing sprays as they can cause damage to the locks.
196 05 During your trip
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