2014 VOLVO XC90 ECO mode

06 Starting and driving
Automatic transmission
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151
starts off in 3rd gear to help maintain traction. First and second gears will only be used dur-ing kickdown.
NOTE
Mode
W can be chosen regardless of the
postion of the gear selector but will only function when the gear selector is in the D
(drive) position.

06 Starting and driving
All Wheel Drive*
06
* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.153
All Wheel Drive (AWD) – general information
Your Volvo can be equipped with an electron- ically controlled All Wheel Drive system*,which means that power is distributed auto-matically between the front and rear wheels.Under normal driving conditions, most of theengine's power is directed to the frontwheels. However, if there is any tendency forthe front wheels to spin, an electronicallycontrolled coupling distributes power to thewheels that have the best traction.
Tire dimensionsVolvo recommends that you always drive ontires of the same brand, size, construction(radial), tread pattern, load-, speed-, traction-,temperature-, and treadwear rating. Neverdrive on mixed tires, except for brief periodswhen the temporary spare tire is in use. Always use properly inflated tires of correct dimensions. Tire size and inflation pressuresare shown on the tire inflation pressure plac-ards, located on the driver's side B-pillar (thestructural member at the side of the vehicle,at the rear of the driver's door opening), or onthe inside of the fuel filler door on Canadianmodels.
Temporary SpareThe temporary spare tire is for temporary,low-speed, short-distance use only. Replaceit with a full-sized tire as soon as possible. Donot drive on the temporary spare at speedsabove 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h).
NOTE
Never install snow chains on a temporary spare.

06 Starting and driving
Towing a trailer
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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 ofany cargo in the trailer to avoid excessiveweight on the trailer hitch.
• The maximum trailer weight listed in thetable for All Wheel Drive models,5,000 lbs (2250 kg) is only applicablewhen there are not more than two occu-pants in the vehicle, in the front seats,with a combined weight of 300 lbs(135 kg), with no other cargo in the vehi-cle.
• The maximum weight listed for FrontWheel Drive models, 4,000 lbs (1800 kg)is only applicable when there are notmore than four occupants in the vehicle,in the front seats and second row ofseats, with a combined weight of 600 lbs(270 kg), with no other cargo in the vehi-cle.
• Vehicles used for towing a trailer on aregular basis, or for long-distance high-way towing should be equipped with anautomatic transmission oil cooler andVolvo's automatic self-leveling system forthe rear suspension. Consult your Volvoretailer. •
Volvo recommends the use of Volvotrailer hitches that are specially designedfor the vehicle.
• All Volvo models are equipped withenergy-absorbing shock-mounted bump-ers. Trailer hitch installation should notinterfere with the proper operation of thisbumper system.
• Increase tire pressure to recommendedfull inflation pressure. See chapter"Wheels and tires."
• When your vehicle is new, avoid towingheavy trailers during the first 620 miles(1,000 km).
• Engine and transmission are subject toincreased loads. Therefore, engine cool-ant temperature should be closelywatched when driving in hot climates orhilly terrain. Use a lower gear and turn offthe air conditioner if the temperaturegauge needle enters the red range.
• If the automatic transmission begins tooverheat, a message will be displayed inthe text window.
• Hauling a trailer affects handling, durabil-ity, and economy.
• It is necessary to balance trailer brakeswith the towing vehicle brakes to providea safe stop (check and observe state/local regulations). •
Do not connect the trailer's brake systemdirectly to the vehicle's brake system.
• Remove the ball and drawbar assemblywhen the hitch is not being used.
• Volvo recommends the use of syntheticengine oil when towing a trailer over longdistances or in mountainous areas.
NOTE
•When parking the vehicle with a trailer on a hill, apply the parking brakebefore putting the gear selector in
P.
When starting on a hill, put the gearselector in D before releasing the park-
ing brake. Always follow the trailermanufacturer's recommendations forwheel chocking.
• If you use the manual (Geartronic) shiftpositions while towing a trailer, makesure the gear you select does not puttoo much strain on the engine (usingtoo high a gear).

06 Starting and driving
Cold weather precautions
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If you wish to check your vehicle before the approach of cold weather, the followingadvice is worth noting:
• Make sure that the engine coolant con- tains 50 percent antifreeze. Any othermixture will reduce freeze protection. Thisgives protection against freezing down to–31 °F (–35 °C). See section "Coolant".
• The use of "recycled" antifreeze is notapproved by Volvo. Different types ofantifreeze must not be mixed.
• Volvo recommends using only genuineVolvo antifreeze in your vehicle's radiator.Your Volvo retailer stocks plenty of Volvoengine coolant to protect your vehicleduring cold weather.
• Try to keep the
fuel tank well filled – this
prevents the formation of condensation inthe tank. In addition, in extremely coldweather conditions it is worthwhile to addfuel line de-icer before refueling.
• The viscosity of the engine oil is impor-tant. Oil with low viscosity (thinner oil)improves cold-weather starting as well asdecreasing fuel consumption while theengine is warming up. Full synthetic0W-30 oil is recommended for driving inareas with sustained low temperatures.
• The load placed on the
battery is greater
during the winter since the windshieldwipers, lighting, etc. are used more often. Moreover, the capacity of the batterydecreases as the temperature drops. Invery cold weather, a poorly charged bat-tery can freeze and be damaged. It istherefore advisable to check the state ofcharge 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 – seesection "Wheels and tires."
• To prevent the
washer fluid reservoir
from freezing, add washer solvents con-taining antifreeze (see page 224 for thelocation of the washer fluid reservoir).This is important since dirt is oftensplashed on the windshield during winterdriving, requiring the frequent use of thewashers and wipers. Volvo Washer Sol-vent should be diluted 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
solvent 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 the use of de-icing sprays as they can cause damage to the locks.
W – Winter/Wet driving mode – enhanced vehicle traction
•Mode W will only function if the gear selector is in the (
D)rive position.
• Press the button at the base of the gearselector to engage/disengage this drivingmode.
• An LED in the button will light up to indi-cate that W is engaged and this will alsobe displayed in the instrument panel (seepage 58).
• This mode may be selected for starting/moving off on slippery roads.

07 Wheels and tires
General information
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Introduction
Your vehicle is equipped with tires according to the vehicle's tire information placard on theB-pillar (the structural member at the side ofthe vehicle, at the rear of the driver's dooropening).
CAUTION
Some Volvo models are equipped with an Ultra High Performance tire and wheelcombination designed to provide maxi-mum dry pavement performance with con-sideration for hydroplaning resistance.They may be more susceptible to roadhazard damage and, depending on drivingconditions, may achieve a tread life of lessthan 20,000 miles (30,000 km). Even if thisvehicle is equipped with Volvo’s advancedAWD or DSTC system, these tires are notdesigned for winter driving, and should bereplaced with winter tires when weatherconditions dictate.
The tires have good road holding characteris- tics and offer good handling on dry and wetsurfaces. It should be noted however that thetires have been developed to give these fea-tures on snow/ice-free surfaces. Most models are equipped with "all-season" tires, which provide a somewhat higherdegree of road holding on slippery surfacesthan tires without the "all-season" rating.However, for optimum road holding on icy orsnow-covered roads, we recommend suitablewinter tires on all four wheels. When replacing tires, be sure that the new tires are the same size designation, type(radial) and preferably from the same manu-facturer, on all four wheels. Otherwise there isa risk of altering the car's roadholding andhandling characteristics.
New Tires
Remember that tires are perishable goods. Asof 2000, the manufacturing week and year(Department of Transportation (DOT) stamp)will be indicated with 4 digits (e.g., 1513means that the tire illustrated was manufac-tured during week 15 of 2013).
Tire rotationYour vehicle has no required tire rotation. Tire wear is affected by a number of factors suchas tire inflation, ambient temperature, drivingstyle, etc.
NOTE
•
If the tires are rotated, they should only be moved from front to rear orvice versa. They should never be rota-ted left to right/right to left.
• Ideally, tire rotation should be done thefirst time after approximately 3,000miles (5,000 km) and thereafter at6,000-mile (10,000-km) intervals.Some customers find that tire rotationmay help to get extra mileage from tirelife.
• Tire rotation should only be performedif front/rear tire wear is fairly even andtread height is above 1/16" (1.6 mm).
Your Volvo retailer can also provide guidance based on your particular driving circumstan-ces.
Tire ageTires degrade over time, even when they arenot being used. It is recommended that tiresgenerally be replaced after 6 years of normalservice. Heat caused by hot climates, fre-

07 Wheels and tires
General information
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}}
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quent high loading conditions or Ultra Violet (U.V) exposure can accelerate the aging proc- ess. The temporary spare
1
should also be
replaced at 6-year intervals, even if it has never been used. A tire's age can be determined by the DOT stamp on the sidewall (see the illustration). A tire with e.g., visible cracks or discoloration should be replaced immediately.
Tread wear indicator
G020323
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 thetread, these strips become visible and indi-cate that the tire should be replaced. Tireswith less than 1/16" (1.6 mm) tread offer verypoor traction. When replacing worn tires, it is recommended that the tire be identical in type (radial) andsize as the one being replaced. Using a tire ofthe same make (manufacturer) will preventalteration of the driving characteristics of thevehicle.
Improving tire economy
•
Maintain correct tire pressure (see the inflation pressure table on page 183).
• Drive smoothly: avoid fast starts, hardbraking and tire screeching.
• Tire wear increases with speed.
• Correct front wheel alignment is veryimportant.
• Unbalanced wheels impair tire economyand driving comfort.
• Tires must maintain the same direction ofrotation throughout their lifetime.
• When replacing tires, the tires with themost tread should be mounted on therear wheels to reduce the chance of over-steer during hard braking. •
Hitting curbs or potholes can damage thetires and/or wheels permanently.
Summer and winter tires
G020325
The arrows shows the direction of rotation of the tire
• When switching between summer and winter tires, mark the tires to indicatewhere they were mounted on the car,e.g., LF = left front, RR = right rear
• Tires with tread designed to roll in onlyone direction are marked with an arrowon the sidewall.
1
Option or accessory on some models

07 Wheels and tires
Temporary spare
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The spare tire in your vehicle
1
is called a
"Temporary Spare". Recommended tire pressure (see the placard on the B-pillar or on the fuel filler door) shouldbe maintained irrespective of which positionon the vehicle the temporary spare tire isused. In the event of damage to this tire, a new one can be purchased from your Volvo retailer.
WARNING
Current legislation prohibits the use of the "Temporary Spare" tire other than as atemporary replacement for a puncturedtire. It must be replaced as soon as possi-ble by a standard tire. Road holding andhandling may be affected with the "Tem-porary Spare" in use. Do not exceed50 mph (80 km/h).
CAUTION
The vehicle must not be driven with wheels of different dimensions or with a spare tireother than the one that came with the vehi-cle. The use of different size wheels canseriously damage your vehicle's transmis-sion.
1 Not on models equipped with the Tire sealing system.

07 Wheels and tires
Changing wheels
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G030879
Jack location
Changing wheels
Location of the jackThe jack is located in the center under the rear hatch in the cargo area floor. Lift thishatch and release the retaining strap to slideout the jack. The rear section of the jack's crank and the tool bag are stowed in the foam block. Thefront (hook) section of the crank is stored inthe tool bag. The rear section of the crank is stored in the foam block.If the vehicle is equipped with the optionalgrocery bag holder, fold up the rear section ofthe cargo area floor, disconnect the grocerybag holder's retaining cords and fold up thelower section of the floor.
NOTE
The rear section of the crank is enclosed in a protective sleeve that should be slid offbefore the crank is used. We recommendreinserting the crank into this sleeve beforethe crank is stowed.
CAUTION
Seven-seat models:
Do not store objects
in the area for the rear seat cushions (when the backrests are to be foldeddown). This could damage the cushions.
Lowering the spare wheelThe spare wheel is located under the floor of the rear cargo compartment. It can be low-ered using the crank.