More frequent vehicle maintenance is required.
Remove the ball and drawbar assembly when the hitch is not being used.
Volvo recommends the use of synthetic engine oil when towing a trailer over long distances or in mountainous
areas.
WARNING
Bumper-attached trailer hitches must not be used on Volvos, nor should safety chains be attached to the bumper.
Trailer hitches attaching to the vehicle rear axle must not be used.
Never connect a trailer's hydraulic brake system directly to the vehicle brake system, nor a trailer's lighting system
directly to the vehicle lighting system. Consult your nearest authorized Volvo retailer for correct installation.
When towing a trailer, the trailer's safety wire must be correctly fastened to the hole or hook provided in the
trailer hitch on the vehicle. The safety wire should never be fastened to or wound around the drawbar ball.
214 05 During your trip
Towing a trailer
NOTE
When parking the vehicle with a trailer on a hill, apply the parking brake before putting the gear selector in P .
Always follow the trailer manufacturer's recommendations for wheel chocking.
When starting on a hill, put the gear selector in D before releasing the parking brake. See also page 120 for more
detailed information about starting off on a hill while towing a trailer.
If you use the manual (Geartronic) shift positions while towing a trailer, make sure the gear you select does not
put too much strain on the engine (using too high a gear).
The drawbar assembly/trailer hitch may be rated for trailers heavier than the vehicle is designed to tow. Please
adhere to Volvo's recommended trailer weights.
Avoid driving with a trailer on inclines of more than 15 %.
Trailer cable
An adapter is required if the vehicle's trailer hitch has a 13-pin connector and the trailer has 7 pins. Use an adapter
cable approved by Volvo. Make sure the cable does not drag on the ground.
215 05 During your trip
Towing a trailer
Detachable trailer hitch (accessory)
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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.
256 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 213
.
Permissible axle weight
The maximum allowable weight that can be carried by a single axle (front or rear). These numbers are shown on the
Federal/Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS/CMVSS) label. The total load on each axle must never
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(45° C).
CAUTION
Volvo does not recommend the use of long-life or durable paint protection coatings, some of which may claim to
prevent pitting, fading, oxidation, etc. These coatings have not been tested by Volvo for compatibility with your
vehicle's clear coat. Some of them may cause the clear coat to soften, crack, or cloud. Damage caused by application
of paint protection coatings may not be covered under your vehicle's paint warranty.
Cleaning the interior
Only use cleaning agents and car care products recommended by Volvo. Clean regularly and follow the instructions
included with the car care product.
Upholstery care
Fabric
Clean with soapy water or a detergent. For more difficult spots caused by oil, ice cream, shoe polish, grease, etc., use a
clothing/fabric stain remover. Consult your Volvo retailer.
Alcantera™ suede-like material
Suede -like upholstery can be cleaned with a soft cloth and mild soap solution.
Leather care
Volvo's leather upholstery is manufactured with a protectant to repel soiling. Over time, sunlight, grease and dirt can
break down the protection. Staining, cracking, scuffing, and fading can result.
Volvo offers an easy-to-use, non-greasy leather care kit formulated to clean and beautify your vehicle's leather, and to
renew the protective qualities of its finish. The cleaner removes dirt and oil buildup. The light cream protectant
restores a barrier against soil and sunlight.
268 06 Maintenance and specifications
Vehicle care
Volvo also offers a special leather softener that should be applied after the cleaner and protectant. It leaves leather soft
and smooth, and reduces friction between leather and other finishes in the vehicle.
Volvo recommends cleaning, protecting and conditioning your vehicle's leather two to four times a year. Ask your
Volvo retailer about Leather Care Kit 951 0251 and Leather Softener 943 7429.
Cleaning leather upholstery
1. Pour leather cleaner on a damp sponge and squeeze it until the cleaner foams.
2. Apply the foam to the stain by moving the sponge with circular movements.
3. Dampen the stain thoroughly with the sponge. Let the sponge absorb the stain, do not rub.
4. Dry the stain with soft paper towels or a towel, and allow the leather to dry completely.
Protecting leather upholstery
1. Put a small amount of protectant cream on a cloth and apply a thin coating of cream to the upholstery with light
circular movements.
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