06 Starting and drivingGeneral information
06138
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 215 for the location of
the washer fluid reservoir). This is impor-
tant since dirt is often splashed on the
windshield during winter driving, requiring
the frequent use of the washers and wip-
ers. Volvo Washer Solvent should be dilu-
ted 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 sol-
vent 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 currentKeep the following in mind to help minimize
battery drain:•
When the engine is not running, avoid turn-
ing the ignition key to position II. Many
electrical systems (the audio system, the
optional navigation system, power win-
dows, 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 trunk
(certain models only) 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 vol-
ume.
Before a long distance tripIt is always worthwhile to have your vehicle
checked at a trained and qualified Volvo serv-
ice technician before driving long distances.
Your trained and qualified Volvo service tech-
nician 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
2.
•
Check condition of drive belts.
2To prevent injury from contact with hot surfaces, do not inspect your vehicle's transmission fluid yourself. Have your vehicle's transmission fluid level inspected by a qualified Volvo service technician.
