03 Your driving environment
Brakes
03
* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.119 Brake system
The brake system is a hydraulic system con-
sisting of two separate brake circuits. If a prob-
lem should occur in one of these circuits, it is
still possible to stop the vehicle with the other
brake circuit.
If the brake pedal must be depressed farther
than normal and requires greater foot pressure,
the stopping distance will be longer.
A warning light in the instrument panel will light
up to warn the driver that a fault has occurred.
If this light comes on while driving or braking,
stop immediately and check the brake fluid
level in the reservoir.
NOTE
Press the brake pedal hard and maintain
pressure on the pedal – do not pump the
brakes.
WARNING
If the fluid level is below the MIN mark in the
reservoir or if a brake system message is
shown in the information display: DO NOT
DRIVE. Have the vehicle towed to a trained
and qualified Volvo service technician and
have the brake system inspected.
Brake pad inspectionOn vehicles equipped with a jack*, the condi-
tion of the brake pads can be checked by rais-
ing the vehicle (see page 306 for information
about using the jack and removing a wheel)
and performing a visual inspection of the brake
pads.
WARNING
•If the vehicle has been driven immedi-
ately prior to a brake pad inspection, the
wheel hub, brake components, etc., will
be very hot. Allow time for these com-
ponents to cool before carrying out the
inspection.
•Apply the parking brake and put the
gear selector in the Park (P) position.
•Block the wheels standing on the
ground, use rigid wooden blocks or
large stones.
WARNING
•Use the jack intended for the vehicle
when changing a tire. For any other job,
use stands to support the vehicle.
•The jack should be kept well-greased
and clean, and should not be damaged.
•Be sure the jack is on a firm, level, non-
slippery surface.
•No objects should be placed between
the base of jack and the ground, or
between the jack and the attachment
bar on the vehicle.
•The jack must correctly engage the jack
attachment.
•Never allow any part of your body to be
extended under a vehicle supported by
a jack.
Brake lightsThe brake lights come on automatically when
the brakes are applied.
Adaptive brake lightsThe adaptive brake lights activate in the event
of sudden braking or if the ABS system is acti-
vated. This function causes an additional tail-
light on each side of the vehicle to illuminate to
help alert vehicles traveling behind.
The adaptive brake lights activate if:
03 Your driving environment
Brakes
03
120
•The ABS system activates for more than
approximately a half second
•In the event of sudden braking while the
vehicle is moving at speeds above approx-
imately 6 mph (10 km/h)
When the vehicle has come to a stop, the brake
lights and additional taillights remain on for as
long as the brake pedal is depressed or until
braking force on the vehicle is reduced.
Power brakes function only when the
engine is running
The power brakes utilize vacuum pressure
which is only created when the engine is run-
ning. Never let the vehicle roll to a stop with the
engine switched off.
If the power brakes are not working, consider-
ably higher pressure will be required on the
brake pedal to compensate for the lack of
power assistance. This can happen for exam-
ple when towing your vehicle or if the engine is
switched off when the vehicle is rolling. The
brake pedal feels harder than usual.
Water on brake discs and brake pads
affects braking
Driving in rain and slush or passing through an
automatic car wash can cause water to collect
on the brake discs and pads. This will cause a
delay in braking effect when the pedal is
depressed. To avoid such a delay when thebrakes are needed, depress the pedal occa-
sionally when driving through rain, slush, etc.
This will remove the water from the brakes.
Check that brake application feels normal. This
should also be done after washing or starting
in very damp or cold weather.
Severe strain on the brake systemThe brakes will be subject to severe strain
when driving in mountains or hilly areas, or
when towing a trailer. Vehicle speed is usually
slower, which means that the cooling of the
brakes is less efficient than when driving on
level roads. To reduce the strain on the brakes,
shift into a lower gear and let the engine help
with the braking. Do not forget that if you are
towing a trailer, the brakes will be subjected to
a greater than normal load.
Anti-lock braking system (ABS)The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) helps to
improve vehicle control (stopping and steering)
during severe braking conditions by limiting
brake lockup. When the system "senses"
impending lockup, braking pressure is auto-
matically modulated in order to help prevent
lockup that could lead to a skid.
The system performs a brief self-diagnostic
test when the engine has been started and
driver releases the brake pedal. Another auto-
matic test may be performed when the vehicle
first reaches a speed of approximately 6 mph(10 km/h). The brake pedal will pulsate several
times and a sound may be audible from the
ABS control module, which is normal.
Cleaning the brake discsCoatings of dirt and water on the brake discs
may result in delayed brake function. This delay
is minimized by cleaning the brake linings.
Cleaning the brake pads is advisable in wet
weather, prior to long-term parking, and after
the vehicle has been washed. Do this by brak-
ing gently for a short period while the vehicle is
moving.
Emergency Brake AssistanceEBA is designed to provide full brake effect
immediately in the event of sudden, hard brak-
ing. The system is activated by the speed with
which the brake pedal is depressed.
When the EBA system is activated, the brake
pedal will go down and pressure in the brake
system immediately increases to the maximum
level. Maintain full pressure on the brake pedal
in order to utilize the system completely. EBA
is automatically deactivated when the brake
pedal is released.
03 Your driving environment
Hill Descent Control (HDC)*
03
* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.125 Introduction
Normally, when the accelerator pedal is
released while driving down hills, the vehicle's
speed slows as the engine runs at lower rpm
(the normal engine braking effect). However, if
the downhill gradient becomes steeper and if
the vehicle is carrying a load, speed increases
despite the engine braking effect. In this situa-
tion, the brakes must be applied to reduce the
vehicle's speed.
HDC is a type of automatic engine brake and
makes it possible to increase or decrease the
vehicle's speed on downhill gradients using
only the accelerator pedal, without applying
the brakes. The brake system functions auto-
matically to maintain a low and steady speed.
HDC is particularly useful when driving down
steep hills with rough surfaces, and where the
road may have slippery patches.
WARNING
HDC does not function in all situations, and
is a supplementary braking aid. The driver
has full responsibility for driving in a safe
manner.
Function
•HDC can be switched on and off with the
button in the center console. An indicator
light in the button illuminates when HDC is
activated.
•The indicator light in the instrument
panel illuminates and a message is dis-
played when the system is controlling the
vehicle's speed.
•HDC only functions when first or reverse
gears are selected (1 will be shown in the
instrument panel display when first gear is
selected).
NOTE
HDC cannot be activated if the gear selector
is the D position.
Using HDC
HDC allows the car to roll forward at a maxi-
mum speed of 6 mph (10 km/h), and 4 mph
(7 km/h) in reverse. However, the accelerator
pedal can be used to select any speed that is
possible in first or reverse gears. When the
accelerator pedal is released, speed is quickly
reduced again to 6 mph (10 km/h) or 4 mph
(7 km/h), depending on the gear selected,
regardless of the hill's gradient. It is not nec-
essary to apply the brakes.
•The brake lights illuminate automatically
when HDC is controlling the vehicle's
speed.
•The driver can slow or stop the vehicle at
any time by applying the brakes.
HDC is deactivated when:
•The button on the center console is
pressed
•A gear higher than first gear is selected
•D is selected on vehicles with an automatic
transmission
HDC can be deactivated at any time. If this is
done while driving down a steep hill, the sys-
tem's braking effect will decrease gradually.
04 Comfort and driving pleasure
The MY CAR menus
04
135
Driver support systems
MY CARSupport systems
(MY CAR > Support systems)
The screen shows the current status (settings)
for the vehicle's driver support systems.
Menu settings
The following pages list the main menus/sub-
menus and possible selections.
Car key memory
See pages 86 and 57 for more information.
Lock settings
Automatic door lockingDoors unlock
All doors
Driver door, then all
Keyless entry
All doors
Any door
Doors on same side
Both front doors
Audible confirmation
See page 57 and 63 for more information.
Reduced Guard
Activate once
Ask when exiting
See page 70 for more information.
Side mirror settings
Fold mirrors
Tilt left mirror
Tilt right mirror
See page 103 for more information.
Light settings
Door lock confirmation light
Unlock confirmation lightSee page 57 for more information.
Approach light duration
Off
30 sec
60 sec
90 sec
See page 58 for more information.
Home safe light duration
30 sec
60 sec
90 sec
See page 96 for more information.
Triple indicator
See page 95 for more information.
Daytime running lights
See page 92 for more information.
Active bending lights
See page 93 for more information.
Tire pressure system
Warns if tire pressure is too low
04 Comfort and driving pleasure
Climate system
04
* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.143 Climate system controls
Heated front seats*
The current seat temperature is shown in the cen-
ter console display
Press the button once for the
highest heat level – three indi-
cator lights come on.
Press the button twice for a
lower heat level – two indica-
tor lights come on.
Press the button three times for the lowest heat
level – one indicator light comes on.
Press the button four times to switch off the
heat – no indicator lights come on.
Seat heating will automatically switch off when
the engine is switched off.
Heated rear seats*1
Heat control for the outboard seating positions
is done in the same way as for the front seats.
Blower controlTurn the control clockwise to
increase or counterclockwise
to decrease the blower
speed. If AUTO is selected,
blower speed will be regula-
ted automatically and this will
override manual adjustment.
NOTE
If the blower is turned off completely, the air
conditioning is disengaged, which may
result in fogging on the windows.
Air distribution
Manual air distribution—defroster
Manual air distribution—dashboard air
vents
Manual air distribution—floor
The figure consists of three buttons. When a
button is pressed, the corresponding figure will
appear in the display with an arrow indicating
which manual air flow has been selected (see
1Not available on models equipped with the optional integrated booster cushions
04 Comfort and driving pleasure
Climate system
04
144
the following illustration). See also the air dis-
tribution chart on page 146.
Air distribution is shown in the center console dis-
play
AutoThe function automatically
regulates cooling, heating,
blower speed, recirculation,
and air distribution to main-
tain the chosen temperature.
If you select one or more man-
ual functions, the other func-
tions continue to be controlled automatically.
The air quality sensor is engaged and all man-
ual settings are switched off when AUTO is
pressed. The display shows
AUTO
CLIMATE.
Blower speed in automatic mode can be set
under Climate settings
Automatic blower
adjustment. Choose between
Low, Normalor High.
NOTE
Selecting the lowest blower speed may
increases the risk of fog forming on the win-
dows.
Temperature controlThe temperatures on the
driver and passenger sides
can be set separately. When
the vehicle is started, the
most recent setting is
resumed.
NOTE
Heating or cooling cannot be speeded up by
selecting a higher/lower temperature than
the actual temperature required.
A/C – ON/OFFWhen the indicator light in the
button is on, the air condition-
ing is controlled automati-
cally. This cools/heats and
dehumidifies the incoming air.
When the indicator light in the
button is off, the air condition-
ing is disengaged. Other functions are still con-
trolled automatically. When maximum
defroster is selected, the air conditioning sys-
tem is set for maximum blower speed and
dehumidification.
DefrosterThis function defrosts/de-ices
the windshield and front side
windows. The indicator light
in the defroster button lights
when the function is active.
•Blower speed increases automatically and
the air conditioning will switch on (if not
already on and if the passenger compart-
ment blower is not turned off) to dehumid-
ify the air in the passenger compartment.
Air conditioning can be switched off by
pressing the AC button.
•Recirculation will not function while defrost
is engaged.
04 Comfort and driving pleasure
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)*
04
160* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.
WARNING
Accessories or other objects, such as extra
headlights, must not be installed in front of
the grille.
Modification of the radar sensor could make
its use illegal.
The radar sensor's capacity to detect vehicles
ahead is impeded:
•if the radar sensor is obstructed and can-
not detect other vehicles, for example in
heavy rain, or if snow or other objects are
obscuring the radar sensor.
NOTE
Keep the area in front of the radar sensor
clean.
•if the speed of vehicles ahead is signifi-
cantly different from your own speed.
Situations where ACC may not function
optimally
WARNING
•The radar sensor has a limited field of
vision. In some situations it may detect
a vehicle later than expected or not
detect other vehicles at all.
•If ACC is not functioning properly,
cruise control will also be disabled.
Radar sensor's field of vision (shown in pink)
In certain situations, the radar sensor can-
not detect vehicles at close quarters, for
example a vehicle that suddenly enters the
lane between your vehicle and the target
vehicle.
Small vehicles, such as motorcycles, or
vehicles not driving in the center of the lane
may remain undetected.
04 Comfort and driving pleasure
City Safety™
04
168
driver is always responsible for main-
taining a safe distance to the vehicle
ahead.
Function
Location of the laser sensor in the windshield2
City Safety™ monitors traffic ahead of you
using a laser sensor mounted in the upper sec-
tion of the windshield. If a collision is imminent,
City Safety™ will automatically apply the
brakes, which may feel like hard braking.
If the difference in speed between your vehicle
and the vehicle ahead is more than approxi-
mately 9 mph (15 km/h), City Safety™ alone
cannot prevent a collision from taking place.The driver must apply the brakes to help avoid
a collision or reduce its effect.
When the function activates and applies the
brakes, a message will appear in the informa-
tion display to indicate that the system is/has
been active.
NOTE
•When City Safety™ applies the brakes,
the brake lights will illuminate.
•In cases where City Safety™ has stop-
ped the vehicle, the system will then
release the brakes. The driver must
apply the brakes to keep the vehicle at
a standstill.
Using City Safety™
NOTE
The City Safety™ function is activated auto-
matically each time the engine has been
switched off and restarted.
On and OffIn certain situations, it may be desirable to
switch City Safety™ off, such as when drivingin close quarters where leaves, branches, etc.
may obscure the hood and windshield.
When the engine is running, City Safety™ can
be switched off as follows:
Press My Car in the center console control
panel and go to Settings
Car settings
Driver support systemsCity Safety.
Select
Off.
If the engine is switched off, City Safety™ will
reactivate when the engine is restarted.
WARNING
The laser sensor emits light when the igni-
tion is in mode II or higher, even if City
Safety™ has been switched off.
To switch City Safety™ on again:
•Follow the same procedure as for switch-
ing City Safety™ off but select ON.
2The illustration is schematic; details will vary, depending on the model