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Snow tires and chains
The use of snow chains and/or winter tires can help improve traction in winter driving conditions.
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 snowchains.
• If accessory, aftermarket or "custom" tiresand wheels are installed and are of a size dif-ferent than the original tires and wheels,chains in some cases CANNOT be used.Sufficient clearances between chains andbrakes, suspension and body componentsmust be maintained.
• Some strap-on type chains will interfere withbrake components and therefore CANNOTbe used.
• All Wheel Drive models
: Snow chains
should only be installed on the front wheels.
• Certain size tires may not allow the assemblyof snow chains/traction devices.
Consult your Volvo retailer for additional snow chain information.
CAUTION
• Snow chains should not be used on wheels larger than 19".
• Always follow the chain manufacturer'sinstallation instructions carefully. Installchains as tightly as possible andretighten periodically.
• Check local regulations regarding the useof snow chains before installing.
• Use single-sided snow chains only.
• Never exceed the chain manufacturer'sspecified maximum speed limit. (Underno circumstances should you exceed31 mph (50 km/h).
• Avoid bumps, holes or sharp turns whendriving with snow chains.
• The handling of the vehicle can beadversely affected when driving withchains. Avoid fast or sharp turns as wellas locked wheel braking.
Checking tire inflation pressure
Correct tire inflation pressure helps improve driv- ing stability, save fuel and increase the servicelife of the tires.
WARNING
• Under-inflation is the most common cause of tire failure and may result insevere tire cracking, tread separation, or"blow-out," with unexpected loss of vehi-cle control and increased risk of injury.
• Under-inflated tires reduce the load car-rying capacity of your vehicle.
Cold tiresInflation 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 youhave to drive farther than this distance to pumpyour tire(s), check and record the tire pressurefirst and add the appropriate air pressure whenyou get to the pump. When weather temperature changes occur, tire inflation pressures also change. A 10-degree
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CAUTION
•After inflating the tires, always reinstall the valve cap to help avoid damage to thevalve from dirt, gravel, etc.
• Use plastic valve caps only. Metal capscould corrode and become difficult toremove.
Related information
• Wheel bolts (p. 477)
• Jack (p. 476)
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) TPMS provides a warning if inflation pressure in one or more tires is too low. It also uses a sym-bol (called a telltale) that will flash for60 seconds and then glow steadily if there is asystem malfunction.
TPMS uses sensors mounted in the tire valves to check inflation pressure levels. When the vehicleis moving at a speed of approximately 20 mph(30 km/h) or faster, these sensors transmit infla-tion pressure data to a receiver located in thevehicle. If inflation pressure is too low, an indica-tor symbol will illuminate in the instrument paneland a text message will be displayed.
SymbolExplanation
The symbol illuminates to indicate low tire inflation pressure. If a malfunction occurs in the sys- tem, the tire pressure warning sym-bol will flash for approximately1 minute and then remain illumi-nated.
Each tire, including the spare (if provided), should be checked monthly when cold and inflated tothe inflation pressure recommended by the vehi-cle manufacturer on the vehicle placard or tireinflation pressure label. (If your vehicle has tires of a different size than the size indicated on thevehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label, youshould determine the proper tire inflation pres-sure for those tires.) As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been equipped with a tire pressure monitoringsystem (TPMS) that illuminates a low tire pres-sure telltale when one or more of your tires issignificantly under-inflated. Accordingly, when thelow tire pressure telltale illuminates, you shouldstop and check your tires as soon as possible,and inflate them to the proper pressure. Driving on a significantly under-inflated tire cau- ses the tire to overheat and can lead to tire fail-ure. Under-inflation also reduces fuel efficiencyand tire tread life, and may affect the vehicle'shandling and stopping ability. Please note thatthe TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire main-tenance, and it is the driver's responsibility tomaintain correct tire pressure, even if under-infla-tion has not reached the level to trigger illumina-tion of the TPMS low tire pressure telltale. Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS malfunction indicator to indicate when thesystem is not operating properly. The TPMS mal-function indicator is combined with the low tirepressure telltale. When the system detects a malfunction, the tell- tale will flash for approximately one minute andthen remain continuously illuminated. Thissequence will continue upon subsequent vehicle
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Emission inspection readiness
How do states use OBD II for emission
inspections?
Many states connect a computer directly to a vehicle's OBD II system. The inspector can thenread "faults." In some states, this type of inspec-tion has replaced the tailpipe emission test.
How can my vehicle fail OBD II emission
inspection?
Your vehicle can fail OBD II emission inspection for any of the following reasons.
• If your Check Engine (MIL) light is lit, your vehicle may fail inspection.
• If your vehicle's Check Engine light was lit,but went out without any action on your part,OBD II will still have a recorded fault. Yourvehicle may pass or fail, depending on theinspection practices in your area.
• If you had recent service that required dis-connecting the battery, OBD II diagnosticinformation may be incomplete and "notready" for inspection. A vehicle that is notready may fail inspection.
How can I prepare for my next
OBD II
emission inspection?
• If your Check Engine (MIL) light is lit – or was lit but went out without service, have yourvehicle diagnosed and, if necessary, servicedby a qualified Volvo technician.
• If you recently had service for a lit CheckEngine light, or if you had service that required disconnecting the battery, a periodof driving is necessary to bring the OBD IIsystem to "ready" for inspection. Two half-hour trips of mixed stop-and-go/highwaydriving are typically needed to allow OBD II toreach readiness. Your Volvo retailer can pro-vide you with more information on planning atrip.
• Maintain your vehicle in accordance with yourvehicle's maintenance schedule.
Owner maintenancePeriodic maintenance requirements and intervals are described in your vehicle's Warranty andService Records Information booklet. The following points can be carried out between the normally scheduled maintenance services.
Each time the car is refueled:
•Check the engine oil level.
• Clean the windshield, windshield wipers, headlights, and taillights.
Monthly:
•
Check cold tire pressure in all tires. Inspect the tires for wear.
• Check that engine coolant and other fluidlevels are between the indicated "min" and"max" markings.
• Clean interior glass surfaces with a glasscleaner and soft paper towels.
• Wipe driver information displays with a softcloth. •
Visually inspect battery terminals for corro-sion. Corrosion may indicate a loose terminalconnector, or a battery near the end of itsuseful service life. Consult your Volvo retailerfor additional information.
As needed:Wash the car, including the undercarriage, to reduce wear that can be caused by a buildup ofdirt, and corrosion that can be caused by salt res-idues. Clean leaves and twigs from air intake vents at the base of the windshield, and from other placeswhere they may collect.
NOTE
Complete service information for qualified technicians is available online for purchase orsubscription at www.volvotechinfo.com.
Related information
•
Climate system service (p. 495)
MAINTENANCE AND SERVICING
525
Related information
•Opening and closing the hood (p. 518)
• Engine compartment overview (p. 519)
Cleaning the exterior
The vehicle should be washed at regular inter- vals since dirt, dust, insects and tar spotsadhere to the paint and may cause damage. Tohelp prevent corrosion, it is particularly importantto wash the car frequently in the wintertime.
Hand washingThe following points should be kept in mind when washing and cleaning the car: • Avoid washing your car in direct sunlight. Doing so may cause detergents and wax todry out and become abrasive. To avoidscratching, use lukewarm water to soften thedirt before you wash with a soft sponge, andplenty of sudsy water.
• Bird droppings
: Remove from paintwork as
soon as possible. Otherwise the finish maybe permanently damaged.
• A car washing detergent can be used tofacilitate the softening of dirt and oil.
• Dry the car with a clean chamois andremember to clean the drain holes in thedoors and rocker panels.
• Tar spots can be removed with tar removerafter the car has been washed.
• A stiff-bristle brush and lukewarm soapywater can be used to clean the wiper blades.Frequent cleaning of the windshield andwiper blades improves visibility considerablyand also helps prolong the service life of thewiper blades. •
Wash off the dirt from the underside (wheelhousings, fenders, etc).
• In areas of high industrial fallout, more fre-quent washing is recommended.
CAUTION
• During high pressure washing, the spray mouthpiece must never be closer to thevehicle than 13" (30 cm). Do not sprayinto the locks.
• Dirt, snow, etc., on the headlights canreduce lighting capacity considerably.Clean the headlights regularly, for exam-ple when refueling.
Special laminated panoramic roof cau-
tions:
• Always close the laminated panoramicroof and sun shade before washing yourvehicle.
• Never use abrasive cleaning agents onthe laminated panoramic roof.
• Never use wax on the rubber sealsaround the laminated panoramic roof.
NOTE
When washing the car, remember to remove dirt from the drain holes in the doors and sills.