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06 Starting and driving
Cold weather precautions
06
169
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.
Page 224 of 308

09 Maintenance and servicing
Engine oil 09
222
Oil specifications
Full synthetic engine oil meeting the minimum ACEA A5/B5 must be used. Lower quality oilsmay not offer the same fuel economy, engineperformance, or engine protection. Refer to the Warranty and Service Records information booklet for information on oilchange intervals and oil type requirements.
NOTE
This vehicle comes from the factory with synthetic oil.
Oil additives must not be used.
Oil viscosityIncorrect viscosity oil can shorten engine life under normal use. SAE 5W-30 will providegood fuel economy and engine protection.See the viscosity chart.
Viscosity chart
Extreme engine operationSAE 0W-30 oil meeting ACEA A5/B5 require- ments is recommended for driving in areaswith sustained low temperatures.
NOTE
Volvo uses different systems to indicate a low oil level or pressure. Some modelshave an oil pressure sensor, in which casea warning symbol (see page 60) is used toindicate low oil pressure. Other modelshave an oil level sensor, in which case thedriver is alerted by the warning symbol inthe center of the instrument panel and atext in the information display. Some mod-els use both systems. Contact a trainedand qualified Volvo service technician formore information.
Changing engine oil and oil filter
See page 290 for oil volumes. Refer to the Warranty and Service Records Informationbooklet for information on the oil changeintervals.
NOTE
Volvo does not recommend the use of oil additives.
Checking and adding oil
G030880
Location of dipstick (1) and oil filler cap (2)
The oil level should be checked at regular intervals, particularly during the period up tothe first scheduled maintenance service.
Page 225 of 308

09 Maintenance and servicing
Engine oil09
223
•
The vehicle should be parked on a level surface when the oil is checked.
• If the engine is warm
, wait for at least
10-15 minutes after the engine has beenswitched off before checking the oil.
Volvo recommends Castrol oil products
Checking the oil
• Pull out the dipstick and wipe it with a lint-free rag.
• Reinsert the dipstick, pull it out, andcheck the oil level.
• Add oil if necessary. If the level is close tothe
MIN mark, add approximately
0.5 US quarts (0.5 liters) of oil. •
Recheck the level and add more oil ifnecessary until the level is near the
MAX
mark.
• Oil level should be between the
MIN and
MAX marks on the dipstick.
G030881
CAUTION
•Check the engine oil level regularly.
• Never fill oil above the
MAX mark or
let the oil level go below the MIN mark.
This could result in serious damage to the engine.
• Always add oil of the same type andviscosity as already used.
• Oil changes should be carried out by atrained and qualified Volvo servicetechnician.
WARNING
Do not allow oil to spill onto or come into contact with hot exhaust pipe surfaces.