STARTING AND DRIVING
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WARNING
Driving with the tailgate open: Driving with
the tailgate open could lead to poisonous exhaust gases entering the passenger com-partment. If the tailgate must be kept open forany reason, proceed as follows:
• Close the windows
• Set the ventilation system control to airflow to floor, windshield and side windowsand the blower control to its highest set-ting.
Handling and roadholdingAt the specified curb weight your vehicle has a tendency to understeer, which means that thesteering wheel has to be turned more than mightseem appropriate for the curvature of a bend.This ensures good stability and reduces the riskof rear wheel skid. Remember that these proper-ties can alter with the vehicle load. The heavierthe load in the cargo area, the less the tendencyto understeer.
• Vehicle load, tire design and inflation pres-sure all affect vehicle handling. Therefore,check that the tires are inflated to the rec-ommended pressure according to the vehicleload. Loads should be distributed so thatcapacity weight or maximum permissible axleloads are not exceeded.
• At the specified curb weight your vehicle hasa tendency to understeer, which means thatthe steering wheel has to be turned more than 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 alterwith the vehicle load. The heavier the load inthe cargo compartment, the less the ten-dency to understeer.
Related information
•
Climate – general information (p. 126)
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, see Weights (p. 372)
• All Volvo models are equipped with energy- absorbing shock-mounted bumpers. Trailerhitch installation should not interfere with theproper operation of this bumper system.
Trailer towing does not normally present any par-ticular problems, but take into consideration:
• Increase tire pressure to recommended fullpressure, see the tire inflation decal on thedriver's door opening.
• When your vehicle is new, avoid towing heavytrailers 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 coolanttemperature should be closely watched whendriving in hot climates or hilly terrain. Use alower gear and turn off the air conditioner ifthe temperature gauge needle enters the redrange.
STARTING AND DRIVING
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283
1. With the remote key fully pressed into the
ignition slot 12
, press START/STOP ENGINE
for approximately 2 seconds to activate igni- tion mode II.
2. The remote key must remain in the ignition slot13
for the entire time that the vehicle is
being towed.
3. Keep the tow rope taut when the towing vehicle slows down by applying light pressure on the brake pedal. This will help prevent jar-ring movements of the vehicle being towed.
4. Be prepared to apply the brakes to stop the vehicle being towed.
CAUTION
General towing precautions:
• Please check with state and local author- ities before attempting this type of tow-ing, as vehicles being towed are subjectto regulations regarding maximum towingspeed, length and type of towing device,lighting, etc.
• If the vehicle's battery is dead, see Jumpstarting (p. 251) to provide current forreleasing the electric parking brake and to move the gear selector from the
P
position to N. If this is not possible, see
Transmission – shiftlock override (p. 257) for information about manually overridingthe shiftlock system to move the gear selector from P to N.
• Maximum speed: 50 mph (80 km/h). Do not exceed the maximum allowable tow-ing speed.
• Maximum distance with front wheels onground: 50 miles (80 km).
• The vehicle should only be towed in theforward direction.
Related information
• Towing eyelet (p. 283)
• Remote key – functions (p. 153)
Towing eyelet
When used, the towing eyelet should always be securing attached.
Location of the towing eyelet
Attaching the towing eyelet
12 Not necessary in vehicles with the optional keyless drive.
13 For vehicles with the optional keyless drive, the remote key must be in the vehicle.
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290
Tires – tread wear indicator The tires have wear indicator strips running across or parallel to the tread.
G021829
The letters TWI are printed on the side of the tire.
When approximately 1/16" (1.6 mm) is left on the tread, these strips become visible and indi-cate that the tire should be replaced. Tires withless than 1/16" (1.6 mm) tread offer very poortraction. When replacing worn tires, it is recommended that the tire be identical in type (radial) and sizeas the one being replaced. Using a tire of thesame make (manufacturer) will prevent alterationof the driving characteristics of the vehicle.
Related information
• Tire specifications (p. 298)
• Changing a wheel – direction of rotation(p. 291) •
Tires – storage and age (p. 289)
Tires – tire economy
A smooth driving style and correct inflation pres- sure can help prolong the tires' service life.
• Maintain correct tire pressure. The tire infla- tion table, see the tire inflation decal on thedriver's door opening.
• Avoid fast starts, hard braking and tirescreeching.
• Tire wear increases with speed.
• Correct front wheel alignment is very impor-tant.
• Unbalanced wheels impair tire economy anddriving comfort.
• Tires must maintain the same direction ofrotation throughout their lifetime.
• When replacing tires, the tires with the mosttread should be mounted on the rear wheelsto reduce the chance of oversteer duringhard braking.
• Hitting curbs or potholes can damage thetires and/or wheels permanently.
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294
Changing a wheel – spare wheel Wheel changes should always be carried out correctly.
Spare tire
The spare tire in your vehicle2
is called a "Tem-
porary Spare". Recommended tire pressure (see the placard on the B-pillar or on the fuel filler door) should bemaintained irrespective of which position on thevehicle the temporary spare tire is used on. In the event of damage to this tire, a new one can be purchased from your Volvo retailer.
WARNING
Current legislation prohibits the use of the "Temporary Spare" tire other than as a tem-porary replacement for a punctured tire. Itmust be replaced as soon as possible by astandard tire. Road holding and handling maybe affected with the "Temporary Spare" inuse. Do not exceed 50 mph (80 km/h).
CAUTION
The vehicle must not be driven with wheels of different dimensions or with a spare tire otherthan the one that came with the vehicle. Theuse of different size wheels can seriouslydamage your car's transmission.
Spare wheelThe spare wheel is only intended for temporary use. Replace it with a normal wheel as soon aspossible. The car's handling may be altered bythe use of the spare wheel. The correct tire pres-sure for the spare wheel is stated in the tire pres-sure table, see the tire inflation decal on the driv-er's door opening.
WARNING
Current legislation prohibits the use of the “Temporary Spare” tire other than as a tempo-rary replacement for a punctured tire. It mustbe replaced as soon as possible by a stand-ard tire. Road holding and handling may beaffected with the “Temporary Spare” in use.
CAUTION
The vehicle must never be driven with more than one temporary spare wheel.
The spare wheel is located in the spare wheel well with the rim side down. There are two foamblocks, one under the spare wheel and one over/inside. The upper one contains all tools. The same bolt runs through to secure the spare wheel and the foam blocks.
Related information
• Changing a wheel – installing a wheel(p. 295)
• Changing a wheel – removing wheel (p. 291)
2
Not on models equipped with the Tire sealing system.
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296
Tire inflation – general information
Check tire inflation pressure regularly.
Inflation placard
G032521
Tire inflation placard
Tire inflationSee the tire inflation decal on the driver's door opening. This decal indicates the designation ofthe factory-mounted tires on your vehicle, as wellas load limits and inflation pressure.
NOTE
• The placards shown indicate inflation pressure for the tires installed on thevehicle at the factory only.
• A certain amount of air seepage from thetires occurs naturally and tire pressurefluctuates with seasonal changes in tem-perature. Always check tire pressure reg-ularly.
•Use a tire gauge to check the tire inflation pressure, including the spare, at least once amonth and before long trips. You are stronglyurged to buy a reliable tire pressure gauge,as automatic service station gauges may beinaccurate.
• Use the recommended cold inflation pres-sure for optimum tire performance and wear.
• Under-inflation or over-inflation may causeuneven 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 of vehi-cle control and increased risk of injury.
• Under-inflated tires reduce the load car-rying capacity of your vehicle. When weather temperature changes occur, tire inflation pressures also change. A 10-degreetemperature drop causes a corresponding dropof 1 psi (7 kPa) in inflation pressure. Check yourtire pressures frequently and adjust them to theproper pressure, which can be found on the vehi-cle's tire information placard or certification label.
Related information
•
Tire specifications (p. 298)
• Tires – storage and age (p. 289)
• Tires – tread wear indicator (p. 290)
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297
Tire inflation – checking pressure
Inflation pressure should be checked when the tires are cold.
Cold tires
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. If checking tire pressure when the tire is hot, never "bleed" or reduce air pressure. The tiresare hot from driving and it is normal for pressuresto increase above recommended cold pressures.A hot tire at or below recommended cold inflationpressure could be significantly 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 pres- sure. 3. Replace the valve cap.
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.
4. Visually inspect the tires to make sure there
are no nails or other objects embedded that could puncture the tire and cause an air leak.
5. Check the sidewalls to make sure there are no gouges, cuts, bulges or other irregulari-ties.
6. Repeat this procedure for each tire, including the spare.
NOTE
• If you overfill the tire, release air by push- ing on the metal stem in the center of thevalve. Then recheck the pressure withyour tire gauge.
• Some spare tires require higher inflationpressure than the other tires. Consult thetire inflation pressure table or see theinflation pressure placard.
Related information
•Tire specifications (p. 298)
• Tires – storage and age (p. 289)
• Tires – tread wear indicator (p. 290)
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298
Tire specifications
The following information can be found on a tire's sidewall.
Tire ratings
Speed ratings
The speed ratings in the table translate as follow:
Speed ratings
M81 mph (130 km/h)
Q100 mph (160 km/h)
T118 mph (190 km/h)
H130 mph (210 km/h)
V149 mph (240 km/h)
W168 mph (270 km/h)
Y186 mph (300 km/h)
Information on the sidewall
Federal law mandates that tire manufacturers place standardized information on the sidewall ofall tires (see the illustration). The following information is listed on the tire sidewall: The tire designation:
NOTE
Please be aware that the following tire desig- nation is an example only and that this par-
ticular tire may not be available on your vehi- cle.
1. 215 : the width of the tire (in millimeters)
from sidewall edge to sidewall edge. The larger the number, the wider the tire.
2. 65: The ratio of the tire's height to its width
in percent.
3. R: Radial tire (the designation RF and the
symbol indicate that the vehicle is
equipped with optional self-supporting run flat tires 3
.
4. 15: The diameter of the wheel rim (in
inches).
5. 95: The tire's load index. In this example, a
load index of 95 equals a maximum load of 1521 lbs (690 kg).
6. H: The tire's speed rating, or the maximum
speed at which the tire is designed to bedriven for extended periods of time, carryinga permissible load for the vehicle, and withcorrect inflation pressure. For example, Hindicates a speed rating of 130 mph(210 km/h).
NOTE
The tire's load index and speed rating may not appear on the sidewall because they arenot required by law.
3 Self-supporting run flat tires may not be available on all models
WHEELS AND TIRES
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299
7.
M+S or M/S = Mud and Snow, AT = All Ter-
rain, AS = All Season
8. U.S. DOT Tire Identification Number (TIN) : This begins with the letters "DOT" and
indicates that the tire meets all federalstandards. The next two numbers or lettersare the plant code where it was manufac-tured, the next two are the tire size code andthe last four numbers represent the weekand year the tire was built. For example,1510 means that the tire was manufacturedduring week 15 of 2010. The numbers inbetween are marketing codes used at themanufacturer's discretion. This informationhelps a tire manufacturer identify a tire forsafety recall purposes.
9. Tire Ply Composition and MaterialUsed : Indicates the number of plies indi-
cates or the number of layers of rubber-coated fabric in the tire tread and sidewall.Tire manufacturers also must indicate the plymaterials in the tire and the sidewall, whichinclude steel, nylon, polyester, and others.
10. Maximum Load : Indicates the maximum
load in pounds and kilograms that can becarried by the tire. Refer to the vehicle's tireinformation placard located on the B-Pillarfor the correct tire pressure for your vehicle.
11. Treadwear, Traction, and Temperaturegrades : see Tire specifications – Uniform
Tire Quality Grading (p. 302) for more infor-mation. 12.
Maximum permissible inflationpressure: the greatest amount of air pres-
sure that should ever be put in the tire. Thislimit is set by the tire manufacturer.
Loading specifications Properly loading your vehicle will provide maxi- mum return of vehicle design performance.
Before loading your vehicle, familiarize yourself with the following terms for determining yourvehicle's weight ratings, with or without a trailer,from the vehicle's Federal/Canadian Motor Vehi-cle Safety Standards (FMVSS/CMVSS) label, andthe vehicle's tire information placard:
Curb weightThe weight of the vehicle including a full tank offuel and all standard equipment. It does notinclude passengers, cargo, or optional equipment.
Capacity weightAll weight added to the curb weight, includingcargo and optional equipment. When towing,trailer hitch tongue load is also part of cargoweight.
Permissible axle weightThe maximum allowable weight that can be car-ried by a single axle (front or rear). These num-bers are shown on the Federal/Canadian MotorVehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS/CMVSS) label.The total load on each axle must never exceed itsmaximum permissible weight.
Gross vehicle weight (GVW)The vehicle's curb weight + cargo + passengers.