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08 Starting and driving
08
286* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.
• Using the engine's optional Eco func- tion18
can help improve fuel economy. For
additional information, see ECO* (p. 267).
• Using the transmission's Sport mode 19
may increase fuel consumption some- what. Use the transmission's Drive ( D)
position as often as possible. For addi-tional information about Sport mode, seeTransmission – Geartronic (p. 259).
• Do not exceed posted speed limits.
• Avoid carrying unnecessary items (extraload) in the vehicle.
• Maintain correct tire pressure. Check tirepressure regularly (when tires are cold).
• Remove snow tires when threat of snowor ice has ended.
• Note that roof racks, ski racks, etc,increase air resistance and also fuel con-sumption.
• At highway driving speeds, fuel consump-tion will be lower with the air conditioningon and the windows closed than with theair conditioning off and the windowsopen.
• Using the onboard trip computer's fuelconsumption modes can help you learnhow to drive more economically.
Other factors that decrease gas mileage are: •
Dirty air cleaner
• Dirty engine oil and clogged oil filter
• Dragging brakes
• Incorrect front end alignment
Some of the above mentioned items and oth-ers are checked at the standard maintenanceintervals.
WARNING
Driving with the tailgate open: Driving
with the tailgate open could lead to poi- sonous exhaust gases entering the pas-senger compartment. If the tailgate mustbe kept open for any reason, proceed asfollows: • Close the windows
• Set the ventilation system control to air flow to floor, windshield and side win-dows and the blower control to itshighest setting.
Handling and roadholdingAt the specified curb weight your vehicle has a tendency to understeer, which means thatthe steering wheel has to be turned morethan might seem appropriate for the curva-ture of a bend. This ensures good stabilityand reduces the risk of rear wheel skid.Remember that these properties can alter with the vehicle load. The heavier the load inthe cargo area, the less the tendency toundersteer. •
Vehicle load, tire design and inflation pressure all affect vehicle handling.Therefore, check that the tires are inflatedto the recommended pressure accordingto the vehicle load. Loads should be dis-tributed so that capacity weight or maxi-mum permissible axle loads are notexceeded.
• At the specified curb weight your vehiclehas a tendency to understeer, whichmeans that the steering wheel has to beturned more than might seem appropriatefor the curvature of a bend. This ensuresgood stability and reduces the risk of rearwheel skid. Remember that these proper-ties can alter with the vehicle load. Theheavier the load in the cargo compart-ment, the less the tendency to under-steer.
Related information
• Climate – general information (p. 122)
18
Available on certain 4-cyl. engines
19 Models with the T6 turbo engine only.
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08 Starting and driving
08
288
CAUTION
The maximum trailer weights listed are only applicable for altitudes up to 3,280 ft(1000 m) above sea level. With increasingaltitude the engine power and thereforethe car's climbing ability are impairedbecause of the reduced air density, so themaximum trailer weight has to be reducedaccordingly. The weight of the vehicle andtrailer must be reduced by 10% for everyfurther 3,280 ft (1000 m) (or part thereof).When towing 5,950 lbs (2,700kg) hill incli-nation is restricted to 14%.
WARNING
•Bumper-attached trailer hitches must not be used on Volvos, nor shouldsafety chains be attached to thebumper.
• Trailer hitches attaching to the vehiclerear axle must not be used.
• Never connect a trailer's hydraulicbrake system directly to the vehiclebrake system, nor a trailer's lightingsystem directly to the vehicle lightingsystem. Consult your nearest author-ized Volvo retailer for correct installa-tion.
• When towing a trailer, the trailer'ssafety chains or wire must be correctlyfastened to the attachment points pro-vided in the trailer hitch on the vehicle.The safety chain or wire must never befastened to or wound around the tow-ing ball.
Trailer cableAn adapter is required if the vehicle's trailer hitch has a 13-pin connector and the trailerhas 7 pins. Use an adapter cable approvedby Volvo. Make sure the cable does not dragon the ground.
Related information
•
Loading – general (p. 139)
Trailer Stability Assist (TSA)
Trailer Stability Assist is a system designed to help stabilize a vehicle that is towing a trailerwhen the vehicle and trailer have begun tosway and is part of the stability system. Forinformation on the stability system, see Stabil-ity system – introduction (p. 169)
FunctionA vehicle towing a trailer may begin to swayfor various reasons. Normally this only occursat high speeds but, for example, if the traileris overloaded or if the load is unevenly dis-tributed in the trailer, there is risk of swayingat speeds between approximately 45-55 mph(70-90 km/h). Swaying may be caused by factors such as: •
The vehicle and trailer are hit by a sud- den, strong crosswind
• The vehicle and trailer are traveling on anuneven road surface or drive over a bump
• Sudden movements of the steering wheel
Facts about TSA
• TSA intervenes at speeds above approxi-mately 40 mph (60 km/h)
• The stability system symbol in the instru-ment panel will flash when TSA is working
• If the driver switches off the stability sys-tem's Spin Control function, TSA will also
08 Starting and driving
08
* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.291
WARNING
• When the vehicle is being towed, the ignition should be in mode
II (in mode
I , all of the vehicle's airbags are deac-
tivated). For more information, seeIgnition modes (p. 77)
• Never remove the remote key from theignition slot when the vehicle is beingtowed. For vehicles with keyless drive,the remote key must remain inside thevehicle.
• The power brakes and power steeringwill not function when the engine is notrunning. Approximately 5 times morepressure will be required on the brakepedal and the steering wheel will beconsiderably harder to turn.
• The towing eyelets must not be usedfor pulling the vehicle out of a ditch orfor any similar purpose involvingsevere strain.
Related information
•
Towing the vehicle (p. 289)
• Towing by tow truck (p. 291)
Towing by tow truck
When necessary, call for professional help from an authorized towing company. Volvorecommends the use of flat bed equipment.
CAUTION
In certain conditions, the towing eyelet may be used to pull the vehicle onto aflatbed tow truck.
• The vehicle's position and ground clearance determine if it can be pulledup onto a flatbed tow truck using thetowing eyelet.
• If the angle of the tow truck’s ramp istoo steep or the ground clearanceunder the vehicle is insufficient, dam-age could occur by attempting to pullthe vehicle using the towing eyelet.
• If necessary, lift the vehicle using thetow truck’s lifting device.
WARNING
No person or object should be behind the tow truck while the vehicle is being pulledup onto the flatbed.
CAUTION
• The vehicle should always be towed in the forward direction.
• Vehicles with All Wheel Drive (AWD)*that are being towed with the frontwheels off the ground should not betowed at a speed above approx.45 mph (70 km/h) and should not betowed farther than 30 miles (50 km).
Related information
•
Towing eyelet (p. 290)
09 Wheels and tires
09
294
Tires – storage and age
When storing complete wheels (tires mounted on rims), they should be suspended off thefloor or placed on their sides on the floor.
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 ageTires degrade over time, even when they are not being used. It is recommended that tiresgenerally be replaced after 6 years of normalservice. Heat caused by hot climates, fre-quent high loading conditions or Ultra Violet(U.V.) exposure can accelerate the agingprocess. The temporary spare
1
should also
be replaced at 6-year intervals, even if it hasnever 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.
Storing wheels and tiresWhen storing completes wheels (tires moun-ted on rims), they should be suspended offthe floor or placed on their sides on the floor. Tires not mounted on rims should be stored on their sides or standing upright, but shouldnot be suspended.
CAUTION
Tires should preferably be stored in a cool, dry, dark place, and should never bestored in close proximity to solvents, gaso-line, oils, etc.
WARNING
• The wheel and tire sizes for your Volvo are specified to meet stringent stabilityand handling requirements. Unap-proved wheel/tire size combinationscan negatively affect your vehicle'sstability and handling.
• Any damage caused by installation ofunapproved wheel/tire size combina-tions will not be covered by your newvehicle warranty. Volvo assumes noresponsibility for death, injury, orexpenses that may result from suchinstallations.
Related information
•
Tire inflation – pressure table (p. 305)
• Tire specifications (p. 303)
• Tire specifications (p. 303)
• Changing a wheel – direction of rotation (p. 296)
• Tires – tread wear indicator (p. 295)
1
Option or accessory on some models
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09 Wheels and tires
09
298
7. There are two jack attachment points oneach side of the vehicle. Position the jack under the attachment point to be used ona level, firm, non-slippery surface andcrank it up until it is correctly aligned andseated in the attachment point. Beforeraising the vehicle, check that the jack isstill correctly positioned in the attach-ment.
8. Raise the vehicle until the wheel to be changed is lifted off the ground.
9. Unscrew the wheel nuts completely and remove the wheel.WARNING
•The jack must correctly engage the jack attachment.
• Be sure the jack is on a firm, level,non-slippery surface.
• Never allow any part of your body tobe extended under a vehicle suppor-ted by a jack.
• Use the jack intended for the vehiclewhen changing a tire. For any otherjob, use stands to support the vehicle.
• Apply the parking brake and put thegear selector in the Park (
P) position.
• Block the wheels standing on theground, use rigid wooden blocks orlarge stones.
• The jack should be kept well-greasedand clean, and should not be dam-aged.
• No objects should be placed betweenthe base of jack and the ground, orbetween the jack and the attachmentbar on the vehicle.
NOTE
The jack provided with your vehicle is intended to be used only in temporary sit-uations such as changing wheels in theevent of a flat tire. Only the jack that camewith your particular model should be usedto lift the vehicle. If the vehicle needs to belifted more frequently or for a prolongedperiod, using a garage jack or hoist is rec-ommended. Always follow this device’sinstructions for use.
Related information
•
Changing a wheel – installing a wheel (p. 300)
09 Wheels and tires
09
* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.299
Changing a wheel – spare wheel
Wheel changes should always be carried out correctly.
Spare tireA spare tire can be purchased for your vehi-cle as an accessory. Follow the instructionsincluded with the spare tire regarding use andstowing in the vehicle. See also Changing awheel – removing wheel (p. 296) for additionalinformation.
Spare wheelThe following instructions only apply if youhave purchased a temporary spare wheel* foryour vehicle. If there is no temporary spare wheel in your vehicle, please see Tire sealing system* –general information (p. 319) for instructionson using the tire sealing system. The accessory temporary spare wheel is pro- vided in a bag that must be securely strappedin place in the cargo area while the vehicle isbeing driven. The spare wheel is only intended for tempo- rary use. Replace it with a normal wheel assoon as possible. The vehicle's handling maybe altered by the use of the spare wheel. Thecorrect tire pressure is stated in the tire pres-sure table, see Tire inflation – pressure table(p. 305) and in the tire inflation placard on thedriver's side door jamb at the rear of the driv-er's door opening.Turn the handle on the spare wheel bag out toward you. Secure the stitched strap hooksin the front loading eyelets. Secure the long strap in one of the front loading eyelets, wrapthe strap diagonally over the spare wheel andthrough the upper handle. Secure the shortstrap on the long strap. Secure in the rearloading eyelet and tighten.
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.
CAUTION
The vehicle must never be driven with more than one temporary spare wheel.
Related information
• Changing a wheel – installing a wheel (p. 300)
• Changing a wheel – removing wheel(p. 296)
09 Wheels and tires
09
300* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.
Changing a wheel – accessing the spare wheel
The following procedure explains how to access the spare wheel (where applicable).
1. Release the bag's retaining straps.
2. Lift the bag out of the vehicle and remove
the spare wheel from the bag.
3. Fold up the floor hatch in the cargo area.
4. Remove the jack* and tools* from the foam block and change the wheels (see the instructions in the following section"Changing a wheel").
5. After changing wheels, return the jack and tools to the foam block and close thefloor hatch.
6. If possible, place the wheel with the punctured tire in the bag. 7. If there is a wheel in the bag, strap the
bag securely in place in the cargo area.WARNING
•If there is a wheel in the bag, the bag must be securely restrained using itsstraps and the load anchoring eyelets inthe cargo area. See (p. 299) and care-fully follow the instructions.
• If the wheel with the punctured tire istoo big to fit in the bag, it should besecurely restrained in the cargo areausing suitable straps, a net for anchor-ing cargo, etc.
Changing a wheel – installing a wheel
It is important to re-install wheels properly.
Re-installing the wheel1. Clean the contact surfaces on the wheel
and hub.
2. Lift the wheel and place it on the hub.
Tighten the wheel nuts
3. Install the wheel nuts and tighten hand- tight. Using the lug wrench, tighten cross- wise until all nuts are snug.
4. Lower the vehicle to the ground and alter- nately tighten the bolts crosswise to103 ft. lbs. (140 Nm).
5. Press the plastic covers onto the wheel nuts and Install the wheel cover (whereapplicable). The opening in the wheelcover for the tire's inflation valve must bepositioned over the valve.
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09 Wheels and tires
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302
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 ofvehicle control and increased risk ofinjury.
• Under-inflated tires reduce the loadcarrying capacity of your vehicle.
When weather temperature changes occur, tire inflation pressures also change. A 10-degree temperature drop causes a corres-ponding drop of 1 psi (7 kPa) in inflation pres-sure. Check your tire pressures frequentlyand adjust them to the proper pressure,which can be found on the vehicle's tire infor-mation placard or certification label.
Related information
•
Tire specifications (p. 303)
• Tires – storage and age (p. 294)
• Tires – tread wear indicator (p. 295)
• Tire inflation – pressure table (p. 305)
Tire inflation – checking pressure
Inflation pressure should be checked when the tires are cold.
Cold tiresThe tires are considered to be cold when they have the same temperature as thesurrounding (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 behot. If you have to drive farther than this dis-tance to pump your tire(s), check and recordthe tire pressure first and add the appropriateair pressure when you get to the pump. If checking tire pressure when the tire is hot, never "bleed" or reduce air pressure. Thetires are hot from driving and it is normal forpressures to increase above recommendedcold pressures. A hot tire at or below recom-mended cold inflation pressure could be sig-nificantly under-inflated.
To check inflation pressure:1. Remove the cap from the valve on one
tire, then firmly press the tire gauge onto the valve.
2. Add air to reach the recommended air pressure. 3. Replace the valve cap.
CAUTION
•
After inflating the tires, always reinstall the valve cap to help avoid damage tothe valve from dirt, gravel, etc.
• Use plastic valve caps only. Metal capscould corrode and become difficult toremove.
4. Visually inspect the tires to make sure
there are no nails or other objects embedded that could puncture the tireand cause an air leak.
5. Check the sidewalls to make sure there are no gouges, cuts, bulges or otherirregularities.
6. Repeat this procedure for each tire, including the spare 3
.
NOTE
• If you overfill the tire, release air by pushing on the metal stem in the cen-ter of the valve. Then recheck thepressure with your tire gauge.
• Some spare tires (available as anaccessory) require higher inflationpressure than the other tires. Consultthe tire inflation pressure table, see
3
Available as an accessory