05 Loading and storage
05
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Loading – general
The load carrying capacity of your vehicle is determined by factors such as the number ofpassengers, the amount of cargo, the weightof any accessories that may be installed, etc. To increase loading space, the rear seat backrests can be folded down, see Rearseats – folding backrest (p. 84). When loading the cargo area, keep the fol- lowing in mind:
• Load objects in the cargo area against the backrest whenever possible.
• Unstable loads can be secured to theload anchoring eyelets with straps or weblashings to help keep them from shifting.
• Stop the engine and apply the parkingbrake when loading or unloading longobjects. The gear selector can beknocked out of position by long loads,which could set the vehicle in motion.WARNING
•Stop the engine, put the gear selector in
P, and apply the parking brake
when loading or unloading longobjects.
• The vehicle's driving characteristicsmay change depending on the weightand distribution of the load.
• A 44-pound (20 kg) object produces aforce of 2,200 pounds (1,000 kg) in ahead-on collision at 30 mph (50 km/h).
• The cargo area and rear seat shouldnot be loaded to a level higher than2 in. (5 cm) below the upper edge ofthe rear side windows. Objects placedhigher than this level could impede thefunction of the Inflatable Curtain.
Related information
•
Load anchoring eyelets (p. 140)
• Steel cargo grid (p. 143)
• Loading – roof load carriers (p. 139)
Loading – roof load carriers
Using load carriersLoad carriers are available as Volvo accesso- ries. Observe the following points when inuse:
• To avoid damaging your vehicle and to achieve maximum safety when driving,we recommend using the load carriersthat Volvo has developed especially foryour vehicle.
• Volvo-approved removable roof racks aredesigned to carry the maximum allowableroof load for this vehicle: 220 lbs (100 kg).For non-Volvo roof racks, check the man-ufacturer's weight limits for the rack.
• Never exceed the rack manufacturer'sweigh limits and never exceed the maxi-mum rated roof load of 220 lbs (100 kg).
• Avoid single-point loads. Distribute loadsevenly.
• Place heavier cargo at the bottom of theload.
• Secure the cargo correctly with appropri-ate tie-down equipment.
• Check periodically that the load carriersand load are properly secured.
• Remember that the vehicle's center ofgravity and handling change when youcarry a load on the roof.
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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.
