2008 VOLVO V70 brake

Rear park assist is deactivated automatically when towing a trailer if Volvo genuine trailer wiring is used.
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Park assist (option)
Front park assist
The distance monitored in front of the vehicle is approximately 2.5 ft (0.8 m). The audible signal comes from the audio
system's front speakers.
It may not be possible to combine auxiliary headlights and front park assist since these lights could trigger the system's
sensors.
Faults in the system
If the information symbol illuminates and Park Assist syst Service required is shown on the information display, this
indicates that the system is not functioning properly and has been disengaged. Consult a trained and qualified Volvo
service technician.
CAUTION
In certain circumstances, the park assist system may give unexpected warning signals that can be caused by external
sound sources that use the same ultrasound frequencies as the system. This may include such things as the horns of
other vehicles, wet tires on asphalt, pneumatic brakes, motorcycle exhaust pipes, etc. This does not indicate a fault in
the system.
Cleaning the sensors
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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
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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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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 it. Have the vehicle towed
out of the water.
Engine and cooling system
Under special conditions, for example when driving in hilly terrain, extreme heat or with heavy loads, there is a risk
that the engine and cooling system will overheat. Proceed as follows to avoid overheating the engine.
Maintain a low speed when driving with a trailer up long, steep hills.
Do not turn the engine off immediately when stopping after a hard drive.
WARNING
The cooling fan may start or continue to operate (for up to 6 minutes) after the engine has been switched off.
Remove any auxiliary lights from in front of the grille when driving in hot weather conditions.
Do not exceed engine speeds of 4500 rpm if driving with a trailer in hilly terrain. The oil temperature could become
too high.
Conserving electrical current
Keep the following in mind to help minimize battery drain:
When the engine is not running, avoid using ignition mode II . Many electrical systems (the audio system, the
optional navigation system, power windows, etc) will function in ignition modes 0 and I . These modes reduce 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.
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Driving recommendations
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. 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
Have the transmission oil level checked.
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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):
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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.
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cargo, the weight of any accessories that may be installed, etc.
When loading the cargo area, keep the following in mind:
Load objects in the cargo area against the backrest whenever possible.
Unstable loads can be secured to the load anchoring eyelets with straps or web lashings to help keep them from
shifting.
Stop the engine and apply the parking brake when loading or unloading long objects. The gear selector can be
knocked out of position by long loads, which could set the vehicle in motion.
NOTE
To increase loading space, the rear seat backrests can be folded down, see page 85
.
WARNING
Stop the engine, put the gear selector in P , and apply the parking brake when loading or unloading long objects.
The vehicle's driving characteristics may change depending on the weight and distribution of the load.
A 44-pound (20 kg) object produces a force of 2,200 pounds (1,000 kg) in a head-on collision at 30 mph (50
km/h).
The cargo area and rear seat should not be loaded to a level higher than 2 in. (5 cm) below the upper edge of the
rear side windows. Objects placed higher than this level could impede the function of the Volvo Inflatable Curtain.
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Loading
Power tailgate (option)
Automatic opening
The power tailgate can be opened automatically in the three ways::
By pressing and holding thebutton on the lighting panel for several seconds (see page 65).
By pressing the button on the remote key and holding this button for several seconds (see page 65).
By pulling the outer handle on the tailgate.
The taillights illuminate automatically when the automatic open function is used.
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Loading
Load anchoring eyelets
The load anchoring eyelets on both sides of the vehicle are used to fasten straps, etc., to help anchor items in the cargo
area.
WARNING
Cover sharp edges on long loads to help prevent injury to occupants. Secure the load to help prevent shifting
during sudden stops.
Always secure large and heavy objects with a seat belt or cargo retaining straps.
Always secure the load to help prevent it from moving in the event of sudden stops.
Switch off the engine, apply the parking brake and put the gear selector in P when loading and unloading the
vehicle.
Cargo area floor rails and hooks
The floor of the cargo compartment has rails on opposite sides of the vehicle equipped with hooks for anchoring loads
with straps, nets, etc.
Cleaning the rails
Dirt or other small objects that collect in the rails can make moving, locking, unlocking, and removing the hooks more
difficult. Objects can be removed from the rails with a vacuum cleaner, and the rails can be cleaned with a moist cloth.
Moving the load anchoring hooks
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To move a hook, fold it down in the direction in which its opening points.
Press the hook down lightly and move it to the desired position.
Fold up the hook. It will lock in place.
NOTE
There should be at least 2 in. (50 cm) between the hooks in the rail.
WARNING
Switch off the engine, apply the parking brake and put the gear selector in P when loading and unloading the vehicle.
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Loading
Removing a hook
The load-securing hooks can easily be removed, for example, to clean the rail.
To remove a hook, fold it down in the direction in which its opening points.
Press the hook down lightly and move the it to an opening in the rail.
Pull the hook straight up.
Replace a hook in the rail in the reverse order.
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Load carriers are available as Volvo accessories. Observe the following points when in use:
To avoid damaging your vehicle and to achieve maximum safety when driving, we recommend using the load
carriers that Volvo has developed especially for your vehicle.
Volvo-approved removable roof racks are designed to carry the maximum allowable roof load for this vehicle: 220
lbs (100 kg). For non-Volvo roof racks, check the manufacturer's weight limits for the rack.
Never exceed the rack manufacturer's weigh limits and never exceed the maximum rated roof load of 220 lbs (100
kg).
Avoid single-point loads. Distribute loads evenly.
Place heavier cargo at the bottom of the load.
Secure the cargo correctly with appropriate tie-down equipment.
Check periodically that the load carriers and load are properly secured.
Remember that the vehicle's center of gravity and handling change when you carry a load on the roof.
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Cargo area
The vehicle's wind resistance and fuel consumption will increase with the size of the load.
Drive smoothly. Avoid rapid starts, fast cornering and hard braking.
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Towing a trailer
Introduction
Volvo recommends the use of Volvo trailer hitches that are specially designed for the vehicle.
NOTE
See page 274
for the maximum trailer and tongue weights recommended by Volvo.
Observe the legal requirements of the state/province in which the vehicles are
All Volvo models are equipped with energy- absorbing shock-mounted bumpers. Trailer hitch installation should
not interfere with the proper operation of this bumper system.
Trailer towing does not normally present any particular problems, but take into consideration:
Increase tire pressure to recommended full. See the tire inflation tables on pages 250 and 251.
When your vehicle is new, avoid towing heavy trailers during the first 620 miles (1,000 km).
Maximum speed when towing a trailer: 50 mph (80 km/h).
Engine and transmission are subject to increased loads. Therefore, engine coolant temperature should be closely
watched when driving in hot climates or hilly terrain. Use a lower gear and turn off the air conditioner if the
temperature gauge needle enters the red range.
If the automatic transmission begins to overheat, a message will be displayed in the text window.
Avoid overload and other abusive operation.
Hauling a trailer affects handling, durability, and economy.
It is necessary to balance trailer brakes with the towing vehicle brakes to provide a safe stop (check and observe
state/local regulations).
Do not connect the trailer's brake system directly to the vehicle's brake system.
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