05 During your trip
Driving recommendations
05
196
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 tem-
perature 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 Drive (D) position
as often as possible and avoid using kick-
down.
•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 con-
sumption.
•At highway driving speeds, fuel consump-
tion 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 trunk open: Driving with
the trunk open could lead to poisonous
exhaust gases entering the passenger com-
partment. If the trunk 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 win-
dows and the blower control to its high-
est setting.
Weight distribution affects handlingAt 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 trunk, the less the
tendency to understeer.
Handling, roadholdingVehicle 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 dis-
tributed so that capacity weight or maximum
permissible axle loads are not exceeded.
05 During your trip
Towing a trailer
05
207 Introduction
Volvo recommends the use of Volvo trailer
hitches that are specially designed for the vehi-
cle.
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 bump-
ers. 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 considera-
tion:
•Increase tire pressure to recommended
full. See the tire inflation tables on pages
249 and 250.
•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 watchedwhen driving in hot climates or hilly terrain.
Use a lower gear and turn off the air con-
ditioner 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 opera-
tion.
•Hauling a trailer affects handling, durabil-
ity, 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.
•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 author-
ized Volvo retailer for correct installa-
tion.
•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.
06 Maintenance and specifications
Wheels and tires
06
245
wheels to reduce the chance of oversteer
during hard braking.
•Hitting curbs or potholes can damage the
tires and/or wheels permanently.
Summer and winter tires
G021778
The arrows shows the direction of rotation of the
tire
•When switching between summer and
winter tires, mark the tires to indicate
where they were mounted on the car, e.g.,
LF = left front, RR = right rear
•Tires with tread designed to roll in only one
direction are marked with an arrow on the
sidewall.
•Incorrectly mounted tires impair the car's
braking properties and ability to force
aside rain, snow and slush.
•The tires with the most tread should always
be at the rear (to reduce the risk of skid-
ding).
•Contact a Volvo workshop if you are
unsure about the tread depth.
Storing wheels and tiresWhen storing complete wheels (tires mounted
on rims), they should be suspended off the
floor or placed on their sides on the floor.
Tires not mounted on rims should be stored on
their sides or standing upright, but should not
be suspended.
CAUTION
Tires should preferably be stored in a cool,
dry, dark place, and should never be stored
in close proximity to solvents, gasoline, oils,
etc.
WARNING
•The wheel and tire sizes for your Volvo
are specified to meet stringent stability
and handling requirements. Unap-
proved wheel/tire size combinations
can negatively affect your vehicle's sta-
bility and handling. Approved tire sizes
are shown in the tire inflation pressure
tables on pages 249 and 250.
•Any damage caused by installation of
unapproved wheel/tire size combina-
tions will not be covered by your new
vehicle warranty. Volvo assumes no
responsibility for death, injury, or
expenses that may result from such
installations.
Tire wear
Tire rotationTire wear is affected by a number of factors
such as tire inflation, ambient temperature,
driving style, etc. Your vehicle is driven mainly
by the front tires, which will wear faster.
If the tires are rotated, they should only be
moved from front to back or vice versa. They
should never be rotated left to right/right to left.
However, tire rotation, done at the recom-
mended intervals, is one way of helping to keep
06 Maintenance and specifications
Wheels and tires
06
246
tread wear as even as possible and will help
you get maximum mileage from your tires.
Ideally, tire rotation should be done the first
time after approximately 3,000 miles
(5, 000 km) and thereafter at 6,000 mile
(10,000 km) intervals.
Tire rotation should only be performed if front/
rear tire wear is fairly even and tread height is
above 1/16" (1.6 mm).
NOTE
Tire rotation is not included in regularly
scheduled maintenance and is performed
only at customer request, at additional
charge.
Your Volvo retailer can also provide guidance
based on your particular driving circumstan-
ces.
Tread wear indicator
G021829
The tires have wear indicator strips running
across or parallel to the tread. The letters TWI
are printed on the side of the tire. When
approximately 1/16" (1.6 mm) is left on the
tread, these strips become visible and indicate
that the tire should be replaced. Tires with less
than 1/16" (1.6 mm) tread offer very poor trac-
tion.
When replacing worn tires, it is recommended
that the tire be identical in type (radial) and size
as the one being replaced. Using a tire of the
same make (manufacturer) will prevent altera-
tion of the driving characteristics of the vehicle.
Tire inflation
G032521
Tire inflation placard on U.S. models
Tire inflationCheck tire inflation pressure regularly.
Tables listing the recommended inflation pres-
sure for your vehicle can be found on pages
249 and 250. A tire inflation pressure placard
is also located on the driver's side B-pillar (the
structural member at the side of the vehicle, at
the rear of the driver's door opening). This plac-
ard indicates the designation of the factory-
mounted tires on your vehicle, as well as load
limits and inflation pressure.
06 Maintenance and specifications
Wheels and tires
06
247
NOTE
•The placards shown indicate inflation
pressure for the tires installed on the
vehicle at the factory only.
•A certain amount of air seepage from
the tires occurs naturally and tire pres-
sure fluctuates with seasonal changes
in temperature. Always check tire pres-
sure regularly.
•Use a tire gauge to check the tire inflation
pressure, including the spare, at least once
a month and before long trips. You are
strongly urged to buy a reliable tire pres-
sure gauge, as automatic service station
gauges may be inaccurate.
•Use the recommended cold inflation pres-
sure for optimum tire performance and
wear.
•Under-inflation or over-inflation may cause
uneven treadwear patterns.
NOTE
A certain amount of air seepage from the
tires occurs naturally and tire pressure fluc-
tuates with seasonal changes in tempera-
ture. Always check tire pressure regularly.
WARNING
•Under-inflation is the most common
cause of tire failure and may result in
severe tire cracking, tread separation,
or "blow-out," with unexpected loss of
vehicle control and increased risk of
injury.
•Under-inflated tires reduce the load car-
rying capacity of your vehicle.
G032522
Tire inflation placard on Canadian models
When weather temperature changes occur, tire
inflation pressures also change. A 10-degree
temperature drop causes a corresponding
drop of 1 psi (7 kPa) in inflation pressure. Check
your tire pressures frequently and adjust them
to the proper pressure, which can be found onthe vehicle's tire information placard or certifi-
cation label.
Checking tire pressure
Cold tires
Inflation pressure should be checked when the
tires are cold.
The tires are considered to be cold when
they have the same temperature as the sur-
rounding (ambient) air.
This temperature is normally reached after the
vehicle has been parked for at least 3 hours.
After driving a distance of approximately
1 mile (1.6 km), the tires are considered to be
hot. If you have to drive farther than this dis-
tance to pump your tire(s), check and record
the tire pressure first and add the appropriate
air pressure when you get to the pump.
If checking tire pressure when the tire is hot,
never "bleed" or reduce air pressure. The tires
are hot from driving and it is normal for pres-
sures to increase above recommended cold
pressures. A hot tire at or below recommended
cold inflation pressure could be significantly
under-inflated.
06 Maintenance and specifications
Wheels and tires
06
248
To check inflation pressure:1. Remove the cap from the valve on one tire,
then firmly press the tire gauge onto the
valve.
2. Add air to reach the recommended air
pressure.
3. Replace the valve cap.
4. Repeat this procedure for each tire, includ-
ing the spare.
5. Visually inspect the tires to make sure there
are no nails or other objects embedded
that could puncture the tire and cause an
air leak.
6. Check the sidewalls to make sure there are
no gouges, cuts, bulges or other irregular-
ities.
NOTE
•If you overfill the tire, release air by
pushing on the metal stem in the center
of the valve. Then recheck the pressure
with your tire gauge.
•Some spare tires require higher inflation
pressure than the other tires. Consult
the tire inflation tables or see the infla-
tion pressure placard.
Tire specifications
Speed ratingsThe speed ratings in the table translate as fol-
low:
Speed ratings
M81 mph (130 km/h)
Q100 mph (160 km/h)
T118 mph (190 km/h)
H130 mph (210 km/h)
V149 mph (240 km/h)
W168 mph (270 km/h)
Y186 mph (300 km/h)
Load ratingsThe speed ratings in the table translate as fol-
low:
Load ratings
911365 lbs (615 kg)
931433 lbs (650 kg)
991709 lbs (755 kg)
See also page 251 for an explanation of the
designations on the sidewall of the tire.
06 Maintenance and specifications
Wheels and tires
06
249 Tire inflation pressure table – U.S. models
The following tire pressures are recommended by Volvo for your vehicle. Refer to the tire inflation placard for information specific to the tires installed
on your vehicle at the factory.
Tire sizeCold tire pressure for up to 5 persons
Front
psi/kPaRear
psi/kPa
6-cylinder models
225/50 R 17
245/45 R 17
245/40 R1835/24035/240
V8 models
245/45 R 1735/24035/240
V8 models
245/40 R1836/25036/250
T 125/80 R 1761/42061/420
06 Maintenance and specifications
Wheels and tires
06
250
Tire inflation pressure table – Canadian models
The following tire pressures are recommended by Volvo for your vehicle. Refer to the tire inflation placard for information specific to the tires installed
on your vehicle at the factory.
Tire sizeCold tire pressure for up to 5 personsOptional tire pressure for up to 3 persons
Front
psi/kPaRear
psi/kPaFront
psi/kPaRear
psi/kPa
6-cylinder models
225/50 R 17
245/45 R 1738/26038/26032/22032/220
6-cylinder models
245/40 R 1838/26038/26033/23033/230
V8 models
245/45 R 1738/26038/26032/22032/220
V8 models38/26038/26035/24035/240
T 125/80 R 1761/42061/42061/42061/420