2011 VOLVO XC90 brake

06 Starting and driving
Towing
06
157
CAUTION
Vehicles with AWD (All Wheel Drive) with the
front wheels off the ground should not be
towed at speeds above 50 mph (70 km/h) or
for distances longer than 30 miles (50 km).
CAUTION
•Please check with state and local
authorities before attempting this type
of towing, as vehicles being towed are
subject to regulations regarding maxi-
mum towing speed, length and type of
towing device, lighting, etc.
•If the vehicle's battery is dead, do not
attempt to start the vehicle by pushing
or pulling it as this will damage the
three-way catalytic converter(s). The
engine must be jump started using an
auxiliary battery (see page 147).
•If the vehicle is being towed on a flat bed
truck, the towing eyelets must not be
used to pull the vehicle up onto the flat
bed or to secure the vehicle on the flat
bed. Consult the tow truck operator.
WARNING
•Remember that the power brakes and
power steering will not function when
engine is not running. The braking and
steering systems will function but con-
siderably higher pressure will be
required on the brake pedal and greater
steering effort must be exerted.
•The towing eyelets must not be used for
pulling the vehicle out of a ditch or for
any similar purpose involving severe
strain. Do not use the towing eyelets to
pull the vehicle up onto a flat bed tow
truck.
G030862
Towing vehicles with front wheel drive/
All Wheel Drive
Volvo recommends the use of flat bed equip-
ment.
If wheel lift equipment must be used, please
use extreme caution to help avoid damage to
the vehicle. In this case, the vehicle should
be towed with the rear wheels on the ground
if at all possible.
If it is absolutely necessary to tow the vehicle
with the front wheels on the ground, please
refer to the towing information on the previous
page.
CAUTION
•Sling-type equipment applied at the
front will damage radiator and air con-
ditioning lines.
•It is equally important not to use sling-
type equipment at the rear or apply lift-
ing equipment inside the rear wheels;
serious damage to the rear axle may
result.
•If the vehicle is being towed on a flat bed
truck, the towing eyelets must not be
used to secure the vehicle on the flat
bed. Consult the tow truck operator.

06 Starting and driving
Towing a trailer
06
158* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.
The maximum weights recommended by Volvo
for trailers with brakes are shown in the table
below.
Recommended hitch tongue load: not more
than 10% of the trailer's weight. The trailerload should be positioned so that it does not
shift and the tongue load should be 10% of the
trailer's weight. However, the tongue load
should not exceed the maximum permissible
weights indicated in the table below.
No. of occu-
pants1234567
Seating posi-
tionFront seatFront seat2nd row of
seats2nd row of
seats2nd row of
seats3rd row of
seats*3rd row of
seats*
All Wheel Drive5,000 lbs
(2250 kg)5,000 lbs
(2250 kg)4,500 lbs
(2050 kg)3,700 lbs
(1700 kg)2,900 lbs
(1350 kg)1,800 lbs
(800 kg)Trailer towing
not recom-
mended
Max. trailer
hitch tongue
load500 lbs
(225 kg)500 lbs
(225 kg)450 lbs
(205 kg)370 lbs
(170 kg)290 lbs
(135 kg)180 lbs
(80 kg)–
Front Wheel
Drive4,000 lbs
(1800 kg)4,000 lbs
(1800 kg)4,000 lbs
(1800 kg)4,000 lbs
(1800 kg)3,700 lbs
(1650 kg)2,500 lbs
(1150 kg)1,400 lbs
(650 kg)
Max. trailer
hitch tongue
load400 lbs
(180 kg)400 lbs
(180 kg)400 lbs
(180 kg)400 lbs
(180 kg)370 lbs
(165 kg)250 lbs
(115 kg)140 lba
(65 kg)

06 Starting and driving
Towing a trailer
06

159
Points to keep in mind when towing a
trailer
•When towing trailers without brakes, the
maximum permissible trailer weight is
1,700 lbs (750 kg).
•If necessary, redistribute the weight of any
cargo in the trailer to avoid excessive
weight on the trailer hitch.
•The maximum trailer weight listed in the
table for All Wheel Drive models, 5,000 lbs
(2250 kg) is only applicable when there are
not more than two occupants in the vehi-
cle, in the front seats, with a combined
weight of 300 lbs (135 kg), with no other
cargo in the vehicle.
•The maximum weight listed for Front
Wheel Drive models, 4,000 lbs (1800 kg) is
only applicable when there are not more
than four occupants in the vehicle, in the
front seats and second row of seats, with
a combined weight of 600 lbs (270 kg), with
no other cargo in the vehicle.
•Vehicles used for towing a trailer on a reg-
ular basis, or for long-distance highway
towing should be equipped with an auto-
matic transmission oil cooler and Volvo's
automatic self-leveling system for the rear
suspension. Consult your Volvo retailer.
•Volvo recommends the use of Volvo trailer
hitches that are specially designed for the
vehicle.
•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.
•Increase tire pressure to recommended full
inflation pressure. See chapter "Wheels
and tires."
•When your vehicle is new, avoid towing
heavy trailers during the first 620 miles
(1,000 km).
•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 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.
•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.
•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.
NOTE
•When parking the vehicle with a trailer
on a hill, apply the parking brake before
putting the gear selector in P. When
starting on a hill, put the gear selector in
D before releasing the parking brake.
Always follow the trailer manufacturer's
recommendations for wheel chocking.
•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).

06 Starting and driving
Towing a trailer
06
160
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 a trained and qualified
Volvo service technician 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.
Smoother starts with a trailerModels equipped with the V8-engine and the
6-speed automatic transmission have a built-
in function that reduces acceleration slightly in
first gear when the vehicle is towing a trailer.
This is done to help avoid wheel spin and to
make starting off smoother.
•This function is activated when the trailer's
electrical connector is plugged into theelectrical socket mounted near the trailer
hitch.
•The function is automatically deactivated
when the trailer's wiring is disconnected
from the socket. The vehicle will then
accelerate normally.
NOTE
Since this function is activated when a con-
nector is plugged into the electrical socket
near the trailer hitch, it will be activated by
any electrical equipment (e.g. bicycle racks
with lighting, etc) that is plugged in, and will
remain active until the equipment is unplug-
ged from the socket.
LevelingIf your vehicle is equipped with automatic lev-
eling, the rear suspension always retains the
correct ride height regardless of the load.
•The system adjusts the rear suspension to
the correct level after the vehicle has been
driven a short distance.
•When the vehicle is stationary, the rear
suspension lowers, which is normal.

06 Starting and driving
Before a long distance trip
06
164
It is always worthwhile to have your vehicle
checked by a trained and qualified Volvo serv-
ice technician before driving long distances.
Your retailer or service technician 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.
•Check transmission oil level1.
•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 techni-
cian only.
•Check all lights, including high beams.
•Reflective warning triangles are legally
required in some states/provinces.
•Have a word with your Volvo retailer 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.
1To 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.

07 Wheels and tires
Snow chains, snow tires, studded tires
07
184
Snow chains
Snow chains can be used on your Volvo with
the following restrictions:
•Snow chains should be installed on front
wheels only. Use only Volvo approved
snow chains.
•If accessory, aftermarket or "custom" tires
and wheels are installed and are of a size
different than the original tires and wheels,
chains in some cases CANNOT be used.
Sufficient clearances between chains and
brakes, suspension and body components
must be maintained.
•Some strap-on type chains will interfere
with brake components and therefore
CANNOT be used.
•All Wheel Drive models: Snow chains
should only be installed on the front
wheels.
•Certain size tires may not allow the assem-
bly of snow chains/traction devices.
Consult your Volvo retailer for additional snow
chain information.
CAUTION
•Check local regulations regarding the
use of snow chains before installing.
•Always follow the chain manufacturer's
installation instructions carefully. Install
chains as tightly as possible and
retighten periodically.
•Never exceed the chain manufacturer's
specified maximum speed limit. (Under
no circumstances should you exceed
31 mph (50 km/h)).
•Avoid bumps, holes or sharp turns
when driving with snow chains.
•The handling of the vehicle can be
adversely affected when driving with
chains. Avoid fast or sharp turns as well
as locked wheel braking.
Snow tires, studded tires1
Tires for winter use:
•Owners who live in or regularly commute
through areas with sustained periods of
snow or icy driving conditions are strongly
advised to fit suitable winter tires to help
retain the highest degree of traction.
•It is important to install winter tires on all
four wheels to help retain traction duringcornering, braking, and accelerating. Fail-
ure to do so could reduce traction to an
unsafe level or adversely affect handling.
•Do not mix tires of different design as this
could also negatively affect overall tire road
grip.
•Winter tires wear more quickly on dry roads
in warm weather. They should be removed
when the winter driving season has ended.
•Studded tires should be run-in
300-600 miles (500-1000 km) during which
the vehicle should be driven as smoothly
as possible to give the studs the opportu-
nity to seat properly in the tires. The tires
should have the same rotational direction
throughout their entire lifetime.
NOTE
Please consult state or provincial regula-
tions restricting the use of studded winter
tires before installing such tires.
1Where permitted

07 Wheels and tires
Tire Sealing System
07

187
WARNING
Please keep the following points in mind
when using the tire sealing system:
•The sealing compound bottle (no. 8 in
the illustration) contains 1.2-Ethanol
and natural rubber-latex. These sub-
stances are harmful if swallowed.
•The contents of this bottle may cause
allergic skin reactions or otherwise be
potentially harmful to the skin, the cen-
tral nervous system, and the eyes.
Precautions:
•Keep out of reach of children.
•Do not ingest the contents.
•Avoid prolonged or repeated contact
with the skin.
•Hands should be washed thoroughly
after handling.
First aid:
•Skin: Wash affected areas of skin with
soap and water. Get medical attention
if symptoms occur.
•Eyes: Flush with plenty of water for least
15 minutes, occasionally lifting the
upper and lower eyelids. Get medical
attention if symptoms occur.
•Inhalation: Move the person to fresh air.
If irritation persists, get medical atten-
tion.
Tire sealing system–temporarily
repairing a flat tire
G019723
Temporarily repairing a flat tire is done in two
stages:
•Stage 1: The hole is sealed by pumping
sealing compound into the tire. The car is
then driven a short distance to distribute
the sealing compound in the tire.
NOTE
Do not remove any foreign objects (nails,
etc.) from the tire before using the sealing
system.
•Stage 2: The tire’s inflation pressure is
checked and adjusted if necessary.
WARNING
•Never leave the tire sealing system
unattended when it is operating.
•Keep the tire sealing system away from
children.
•Be sure the vehicle is parked safely off
the road and away from moving traffic.
•Apply the parking brake.
Stage 1: Sealing the hole1. Open the cover on the tire sealing kit.
2. Peel off the speed limit sticker and affix it
to the steering wheel hub where it will be
clearly visible to the driver.
3. Ensure that the on/off switch is in position
0 (the 0 side of the switch should be
pressed down).

07 Wheels and tires
Changing wheels
07

193
G026997
Jack attachment points
Jack attachmentsThere are two attachment points for the jack on
each side of the vehicle. These attachment
points are under the center of each door.
WARNING
There is an attachment point on each side
of the vehicle located under the pillars
between the front and rear doors. This point
is used during the production process only,
and is NOT intended for attaching the jack.
G020332
WARNING
The undersides of accessory running
boards are not intended for attaching the
jack.
Changing a wheel1. Park the vehicle on a firm, level, non-slip-
pery surface.
2. Engage the parking brake and put the gear
selector in the Park position.
3. Loosen the wheel bolts by exerting down-
ward pressure on the lug wrench.4. Remove the wheel cover (where applica-
ble) using the lug wrench in the tool bag.
5. With the wheels still on the ground, use the
lug wrench to loosen the wheel bolts 1/2 – 1
turn. Turn the bolts counterclockwise to
loosen the bolts.
G027000
Attaching the jack
6. Place the jack on the ground, under one of
the attachment points (see the illustration)
and crank while simultaneously guiding the
jack's attachment bracket onto the attach-
ment point (see illustration) The base of the
jack must be flat on a level, firm, non-slip-
pery surface. Before raising the vehicle,