08 Starting and driving
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282
Towing a trailer
When towing a trailer, always observe the legal requirements of the state/province.
NOTE
For the maximum trailer and tongue weights recommended by Volvo, seeWeights (p. 374).
•All Volvo models are equipped with energy-absorbing shock-mounted bump-ers. Trailer hitch installation should notinterfere with the proper operation of thisbumper system.
Trailer towing does not normally present any particular problems, but take into considera-tion: • Increase tire pressure to recommended full pressure, see Tire inflation – pressuretable (p. 301).
• When your vehicle is new, avoid towingheavy trailers during the first 620 miles(1,000 km).
• Maximum speed when towing a trailer:50 mph (80 km/h).
• 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.
• Avoid overload and other abusive opera-tion.
• 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.
• More frequent vehicle maintenance isrequired.
• Remove the ball holder when the hitch isnot being used.
NOTE
• When parking the vehicle with a trailer on a hill, apply the parking brakebefore putting the gear selector in
P.
Always follow the trailer manufactur-er's recommendations for wheelchocking.
• When starting on a hill, put the gearselector in
D before releasing the park-
ing brake.
• 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).
• The drawbar assembly/trailer hitchmay be rated for trailers heavier thanthe vehicle is designed to tow. Pleaseadhere to Volvo's recommended trailerweights.
• Avoid driving with a trailer on inclinesof more than 15%.
09 Wheels and tires
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}}
297
Related information
•Changing a wheel – spare wheel (p. 295)
• Changing a wheel – removing wheel (p. 292)
Tire inflation – general information
Check tire inflation pressure regularly.
Inflation placard
G032521
Tire inflation placard
Tire inflationSee the tire inflation table in Tire inflation – pressure table (p. 301). A tire inflation pres-sure placard is also located on the driver'sside B-pillar (the structural member at theside of the vehicle, at the rear of the driver'sdoor opening). This placard indicates the des-ignation of the factory-mounted tires on yourvehicle, as well as load limits and inflationpressure.
NOTE
• The placards shown indicate inflation pressure for the tires installed on thevehicle at the factory only.
• A certain amount of air seepage fromthe tires occurs naturally and tire pres-sure fluctuates with seasonal changesin temperature. Always check tirepressure regularly.
•
Use a tire gauge to check the tire inflation pressure, including the spare, at leastonce a month and before long trips. Youare strongly urged to buy a reliable tirepressure gauge, as automatic service sta-tion gauges may be inaccurate.
• Use the recommended cold inflationpressure for optimum tire performanceand wear.
• Under-inflation or over-inflation maycause uneven treadwear patterns.
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.
||
09 Wheels and tires
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298
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. 299)
• Tires – storage and age (p. 290)
• Tires – tread wear indicator (p. 291)
• Tire inflation – pressure table (p. 301)
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.
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 require higher infla-tion pressure than the other tires. Con-sult the tire inflation pressure table,see Tire inflation – pressure table(p. 301) or see the inflation pressureplacard.
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310
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) – messages
Erasing warning messagesWhen a low tire pressure warning message has been displayed and the tire pressure warning light in the instrument panell (
)
has come on:
1. Use a tire pressure gauge to check the inflation pressure of all four tires.
2. Re-inflate the tire(s) to the correct pres- sure (consult the tire pressure placard located on the driver's side B-pillar (thestructural member at the side of the vehi-cle, at the rear of the driver's door open-ing) or the inflation pressure table, seeTire inflation – pressure table (p. 301).
3. In certain cases, it may be necessary to drive the vehicle for several minutes at aspeed of 20 mph (30 km/h) or faster. Thiswill erase the warning text and the telltalewill go out.
NOTE
•Tire monitoring systems use a tem- perature compensated pressure value.This pressure value is dependent ontire temperature and ambient tempera-ture, which can differ from the recom-mended cold tire pressure in the tireinflation table and on the tire pressureplacard located on the driver's side B-pillar (the structural member at theside of the vehicle, at the rear of thedriver's door opening). This meansthat it may sometimes be necessary toinflate them slightly above the recom-mended cold pressure value(approx. 3-4 psi or 0.2-0.3 bar) in orderto reset a low tire pressure warning.
• To help avoid incorrect tire inflationpressure, if possible only inflate thetires when they are cold. The tires areconsidered to be cold when they havethe same temperature as the sur-rounding (ambient) air. This tempera-ture is normally reached after the vehi-cle has been parked for at least3 hours. After driving a distance ofapproximately 1 mile (1.6 km), the tiresare considered to be hot.
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. Metalcaps could corrode and become diffi-cult to remove.
WARNING
•Incorrect inflation pressure could lead to tire failure, resulting in a loss of con-trol of the vehicle.
• Tire monitoring systems cannot indi-cate sudden tire damage caused byexternal factors (e.g., a blowout) inadvance.
Related information
•
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) – general information (p. 307)
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)– recalibrating (p. 309)
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)– activating/deactivating (p. 309)
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)– changing wheels (p. 308)
• Tire pressure monitoring - introduction(p. 306)
• Tire inflation – pressure table (p. 301)
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313
Tire Monitor – messages
When low tire pressure has been detected, a message will be displayed and the tire pres-sure warning telltale in the instrument panel
will illuminate.
Erasing warning messagesTo erase a low tire pressure message and turn off the telltale:
1. Use a tire pressure gauge to check theinflation pressure of all four tires (see the article "Tire inflation – checking pres-sure").
2. Re-inflate the tires to the correct pressure (consult the tire pressure placard locatedon the driver's side B-pillar (the structuralmember at the side of the vehicle, at therear of the driver's door opening) or theinflation pressure table, see Tire inflation –pressure table (p. 301).
3. Recalibrate Tire Monitor, see Calibrating Tire Monitor (p. 311).
NOTE
To help avoid incorrect tire inflation pres- sure, only inflate the tires when they arecold. The tires are considered to be coldwhen they have the same temperature asthe surrounding (ambient) air. This tem-perature is normally reached after the vehi-cle has been parked for at least 3 hours.After driving a distance of approximately1 mile (1.6 km), the tires are considered tobe hot.
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. Metalcaps could corrode and become diffi-cult to remove.
WARNING
•
Incorrect inflation pressure could lead to tire failure, resulting in a loss of con-trol of the vehicle.
• Tire monitoring systems cannot indi-cate sudden tire damage caused byexternal factors (e.g., a blowout) inadvance.
Related information
•
Tire Monitor – messages (p. 313)
• Tire inflation – checking pressure (p. 298)
• Tire inflation – pressure table (p. 301)
||
09 Wheels and tires
09
316* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.
NOTE
Do not remove any foreign objects (nails, etc.) from the tire before using the sealingsystem.
• Stage 2:
The tire’s inflation pressure is
checked and adjusted if necessary.
WARNING
• Never leave the tire sealing system unattended when it is operating.
• Keep the tire sealing system awayfrom children.
• Be sure the vehicle is parked safely offthe road and away from moving traffic.
• Apply the parking brake.
Related information
•
Tire sealing system* – overview (p. 316)
• Tire sealing system* – inflating tires (p. 320)
• Tire sealing system* – sealing compoundcontainer (p. 321)
• Tire sealing system* – sealing hole(p. 317)
• Tire sealing system – checking inflationpressure (p. 319)
• Tunnel console – 12-volt sockets (p. 140)
• 12-volt socket in the cargo area* (p. 141)
Tire sealing system* – overview
Certain models are equipped with a tire sealing system
* that enables you to tempo-
rarily seal a hole in the tread surface and re-inflate a flat tire, or to adjust a tire’s inflationpressure.
Speed limit sticker (on the rear side of the compressor)
On/Off switch
Electrical wire
Bottle holder (orange cover)
Protective hose cover
Air release knob
Hose
Bottle with sealing compound
Air pressure gauge
||
09 Wheels and tires
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318
WARNING
The bottle is equipped with a catch to keep it securely in place and help preventsealing compound leakage. Once in place,the bottle cannot be unscrewed. This mustbe done by a trained and qualified Volvoservice technician.
5. Remove the valve cap from the tire’sinflation valve and screw the tire sealing system’s hose connector onto the valveas tightly as possible by hand.
6. Connect the electrical wire to the nearest 12-volt socket in the vehicle.
NOTE
Be sure that none of the other 12-volt sockets is being used while the compres-sor is in operation.
7. Start the vehicle’s engine.
WARNING
The vehicle´s engine should be running when the tire sealing system is used toavoid battery drain. Therefore, be sure thevehicle is parked in a well ventilated place,or outdoors, before using the system.
8. Start the tire sealing system’s compres-sor by pressing the on/off switch to posi- tion I.
WARNING
• Never stand next to the tire being infla- ted when the compressor is in opera-tion.
• If cracks, bubbles, etc. form on the tire,switch off the compressor immediately.
• If there is visible damage to the sidewallor the rim, the tire cannot be repaired.The vehicle should not be driven if thisoccurs. Contact a towing service orVolvo On Call Roadside Assistance ifapplicable.
NOTE
The air pressure gauge will temporarily show an increase in pressure to approxi-mately 88 psi (6 bar) while the sealingcompound is being pumped into the tire.The pressure should return to a normallevel after approximately 30 seconds.
9. Within seven minutes, inflate the tire to
between 22—44 psi (1.8—3.0 bar). Switch off the compressor briefly to get aclear reading from the pressure gauge.
09 Wheels and tires
09
320* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.
Tire sealing system* – inflating tires
The tire sealing system can be used to inflate the tires. To do so:
1. Park the car in a safe place.
2. The compressor should be switched off.
Ensure that the on/off switch is in position0 (the 0 side of the switch should be
pressed down).
3. Take out the electrical wire and hose.
4. Remove the valve cap from the tire’s inflation valve and screw the hose con- nector onto the valve as tightly as possi-ble by hand.
5. Connect the electrical wire to the nearest 12-volt socket in the vehicle.
6. Start the vehicle’s engine.WARNING
• The vehicle’s engine should be running when the tire sealing system is used toavoid battery drain. Therefore, be surethe vehicle is parked in a well ventilatedplace, or outdoors, before using thesystem. The parking brake should besecurely applied and the gear selectorshould be in the
P (park) position.
• Children should never be left unatten-ded in the vehicle when the engine isrunning.
7. Check the tire’s inflation pressure on the
gauge. Switch off the compressor briefly to get a clear reading from the pressuregauge.
8. Refer to the tire inflation table in this chapter for the correct inflation pressure.If the tire needs to be inflated, start thetire sealing system’s compressor (pressthe on/off switch to position I). If neces-sary, release air from the tire by turningthe air release knob counterclockwise.
CAUTION
The compressor should not be used for more than 10 minutes at a time to avoidoverheating.
9. Turn off the compressor (press the on/off switch to position 0) when the correct
inflation pressure has been reached.
10. Unscrew the hose from the tire’s inflation valve and reinstall 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.
11. Disconnect the electrical wire from the
12-volt socket.