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Before a long distance trip
It is always worthwhile to have your vehicle checked by a trained and qualified Volvo servicetechnician before driving long distances. Yourretailer will also be able to supply you with bulbs,fuses, spark plugs and wiper blades for your usein the event that problems occur.
As a minimum, the following items should be checked before any long trip:
• Check that engine runs smoothly and thatfuel consumption and the oil level are normal.
• Before leaving on a trip, fill the fuel tank andmake sure the hybrid battery is fully charged.During the trip, make a habit of refueling reg-ularly.
• Check for fuel, oil, and fluid leakage.
• Check condition of drive belts.
• Check state of the battery's charge.
• Examine tires carefully (including the sparetire where applicable), and replace those thatare worn. Also, check tire inflation pressure.
• The brakes, front wheel alignment, and steer-ing gear should be checked by a trained andqualified Volvo service technician only.
• Check all lights, including high beams.
• Reflective warning triangles are legallyrequired in some states/provinces.
• Have a word with a trained and qualifiedVolvo service technician if you intend to drive in countries where it may be difficult toobtain the correct fuel.
• Consider your destination. If you will be driv-ing through an area where snow or ice arelikely to occur, consider using snow tires.
Driving economically
Better driving economy can be obtained by thinking ahead, avoiding rapid starts and stopsand adjusting the speed of your vehicle to imme-diate traffic conditions.
Driving economically with Twin EnginePlug-in Hybrid vehicles
Plan your driving in order to utilize the electric motor as much as possible. An energy-conserving driving style lowers current consumption from the hybrid battery and helpsincrease electric driving range.
Charging
• Charge the hybrid battery as often as possi- ble from the electricity grid using the charg-ing cable. Whenever possible, begin a drivewith a fully charged battery.
• Check the location of charging points.
• Where possible, choose parking spaces withcharging points.

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Preconditioning
•If possible, precondition the vehicle with the charging cable before driving.
• Avoid parking the vehicle so that the passen-ger compartment becomes too hot or cold.Park, if possible, in a climate controlled park-ing garage.
• For short drives after using the precondition-ing function, turn off the climate systemblower if possible.
• If preconditioning is not possible in coldweather, use the seat and steering wheelheating primarily. Avoid heating the entirepassenger compartment, which reduces thehybrid battery's charge level.
Driving
•
Choose the Pure drive mode to help mini-
mize electric power consumption.
• Maintain a constant speed and an adequate distance to the vehicle ahead to minimizeuse of the brakes.
• Balance energy requirements using theaccelerator pedal and utilize the gauge onthe instrument panel to see the amount ofpower available from the electric motor. Thishelps avoid starting the gasoline engineunnecessarily. The electric motor is moreenergy-efficient than the gasoline engine,especially at lower speeds. See also the arti-cle "Hybrid-related symbols and messages". •
Brake as gently as possible; doing socharges the hybrid battery. There is a regen-erative function in the brake pedal which canbe augmented by the electric motor's brakingcapacity when the gear selector is in mode B
.
• Higher speeds increase energy consumption and the vehicle's wind resistance increasesalong with speed. Do not exceed postedspeed limits.
• In hilly terrain, put the gear selector in mode B
to utilize the electric motor's braking func-
tion when the accelerator pedal is released. This helps charge the hybrid battery.
• Use the
Hold function at highway speeds
when traveling farther than is possible using the hybrid battery's capacity.
• Whenever possible, avoid using the
Chargefunction to charge the hybrid battery. Charg- ing the battery using the gasoline engineincreases fuel consumption and carbon diox-ide emissions.
• Avoid carrying unnecessary items (extra load)in the vehicle.
• Maintain correct tire pressure. Check tirepressure regularly (when the tires are cold).
• Use tires recommended by Volvo for yourvehicle.
• Remove snow tires when threat of snow orice has ended. •
Note that roof racks, ski racks, etc, increaseair resistance and also energy consumption.
• Avoid driving with open windows.
Handling and roadholding
• 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 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 alterwith the vehicle load. The heavier the load inthe cargo compartment, the less the ten-dency to understeer.
Related information
•Hybrid-related information in the instrumentpanel (p. 133)
• Parking climate (preconditioning) (p. 187)
• Tire inflation pressure table (p. 563)
• Volvo and the environment (p. 20)
• Hybrid-related symbols and messages(p. 397)

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Winter driving
Check your vehicle before the approach of cold weather.
The following advice is worth noting:
• Make sure that the engine coolant contains 50 percent antifreeze. Any other mixture willreduce freeze protection. This gives protec-tion against freezing down to –31 °F(–35 °C). The use of "recycled" antifreeze isnot approved by Volvo. Different types ofantifreeze must not be mixed.
• Volvo recommends using only genuine Volvoantifreeze in your vehicle's radiator.
• Try to keep the fuel tank well filled – thishelps prevent the formation of condensationin the tank. In addition, in extremely coldweather conditions it is worthwhile to addfuel line de-icer before refueling.
• The viscosity of the engine oil is important.Oil with low viscosity (thinner oil) improvescold-weather starting as well as decreasingfuel consumption while the engine is warm-ing up. Full synthetic 0W-30 oil is recom-mended for driving in areas with sustainedlow temperatures.
• The load placed on the battery is greater dur-ing the winter since the windshield wipers,lighting, etc., are used more often. Moreover,the capacity of the battery decreases as thetemperature drops. In very cold weather, apoorly charged battery can freeze and be damaged. It is therefore advisable to checkthe state of charge more frequently andspray an anti-rust oil on the battery posts.
• Volvo recommends the use of snow tires onall four wheels for winter driving.
• To prevent the washer fluid reservoir fromfreezing, add washer solvents containingantifreeze. This is important since dirt is oftensplashed on the windshield during winterdriving, requiring the frequent use of thewashers and wipers. Volvo Washer Solventshould be diluted as follows: Down to 14 °F(–10 °C): 1 part washer solvent and 4 partswater Down to 5 °F (–15 °C): 1 part washersolvent and 3 parts water Down to 0 °F(–18 °C): 1 part washer solvent and 2 partswater Down to –18 °F (–28 °C): 1 partwasher solvent and 1 part water.
• Use Volvo Teflon Lock Spray in the locks.
• Avoid using de-icing sprays as they cancause damage to the locks.
Related information
•Snow tires and chains (p. 479)
Towing eyelet
When used, the towing eyelet should always be securely attached in the opening on the rightside of the rear bumper. There is a cover overthe attachment point.
Using the towing eyelet
Take out the towing eyelet, which is stored under the floor in the cargo compartment.

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Remove the cover by pressing the mark with a finger and folding out the opposite side/corner with a coin, small screwdriver, etc.
> The cover turns along its center line andthen be removed.
3. Screw the towing eyelet into place, first by hand and then using the tire iron, etc. until it has been screwed into place as far as pos-
sible .
After use, the eyelet should be removed and returned to its storage location. Reinsert the cover into the bumper.
Related information
• Towing recommendations (p. 377)
Towing recommendations
Always check with state and local authorities before attempting to tow another vehiclebecause this type of towing is subject to regula-tions regarding maximum towing speed, lengthand type of towing device, lighting, etc.
Towing your vehicle behind another vehicle
Twin Engine Plug-in Hybrid vehicles may not be towed behind another vehicle. Doing so woulddamage the electric motor and the three-way cat-alytic converter. If the vehicle cannot be drivenand must be moved, it must be lifted onto a flat-bed tow truck. If a Twin Engine Plug-in Hybrid vehicle is used to tow (pull) another vehicle, select the
AWD drive
mode. This helps charge the hybrid battery and improves the vehicle's road holding characteris-tics.
Tow trucks
CAUTION
In certain conditions, the towing eyelet may be used to pull the vehicle onto aflatbed tow truck.
• The vehicle's position and ground clear-ance determine if it can be pulled up ontoa flatbed tow truck using the towing eye-let.
• If the angle of the tow truck

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* Option/accessory.
378
Vehicle with pneumatic suspension *
If the vehicle is equipped with the optional pneu- matic suspension, this feature must be deacti-vated before the vehicle is lifted onto a tow truck. To do so:1.
Tap
Settings in the center display's Top
view.
2. Tap
My CarSuspension .
3. Select
Disable Leveling Control.
Jump startingDo not attempt to start the engine by towing the vehicle. This could result in damage to the three-way catalytic converter and the electric motor.Use a 12-volt auxiliary battery or one in anothervehicle.
WARNING
PROPOSITION 65 WARNING! Battery posts, terminals, and related accesso- ries contain lead and lead compounds, chemi-cals known to the state of California to causecancer and reproductive harm. Wash handsafter handling.
CAUTION
Connect the jumper cables carefully to avoid short circuits with other components in theengine compartment.
WARNING
• Do not connect the jumper cable to any part of the fuel system or to any movingparts. Avoid touching hot manifolds.
• Batteries generate hydrogen gas, whichis flammable and explosive.
• Battery fluid contains sulfuric acid. Do notallow battery fluid to contact eyes, skin,fabrics or painted surfaces. If contactoccurs, flush the affected area immedi-ately with water. Obtain medical helpimmediately if eyes are affected.
• Never expose the battery to open flameor electric spark.
• Do not smoke near the battery.
• Failure to follow the instructions for jumpstarting can lead to injury.
Related information
• Towing eyelet (p. 376)
• Jump starting (p. 382)
• Parking brake (p. 369)
• Ignition modes (p. 389)
Fuel Volvo recommends the use of detergent gaso- line to control engine deposits.
Deposit control gasoline (detergent
additives)
Detergent gasoline is effective in keeping injec- tors and intake valves clean. Consistent use ofdeposit control gasolines will help ensure gooddrivability and fuel economy. If you are not surewhether the gasoline contains deposit controladditives, check with the service station operator.
NOTE
Volvo does not recommend the use of exter- nal fuel injector cleaning systems.
Unleaded fuelEach Volvo has a three-way catalytic converter and must use only unleaded gasoline. U.S. andCanadian regulations require that pumps deliver-ing unleaded gasoline be labeled "UNLEADED".Only these pumps have nozzles which fit yourvehicle's filler inlet. It is unlawful to dispense lea-ded fuel into a vehicle labeled "unleaded gaso-line only". Leaded gasoline damages the three-way catalytic converter and the heated oxygensensor system. Repeated use of leaded gasolinewill lessen the effectiveness of the emission con-trol system and could result in loss of emissionwarranty coverage. State and local vehicle

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382or location or removing components, and/or repeated use of leaded fuel.
NOTE
Unleaded fuel is required for vehicles with three-way catalytic converters.
Heated oxygen sensorsThe heated oxygen sensors monitor the oxygen content of the exhaust gases. Readings are fedinto a control module that continuously monitorsengine functions and controls fuel injection. Theratio of fuel to air into the engine is continuouslyadjusted for efficient combustion to help reduceharmful emissions.
Related information
•
Octane rating (p. 379)
Jump starting
Follow the instructions provided here to jump start your vehicle or to jump start another vehi-cle.
Jumper cable connecting terminals
NOTE
The vehicle cannot be started if the hybrid battery is discharged.
CAUTION
The vehicle's jumper cable connecting termi- nals may only be used to start your vehicle.
They are not intended to be used to help start another vehicle. If they are used to startanother vehicle, a fuse may blow and the ter-minal will not function.
If a fuse blows, 12 V Battery Fuse failure
Service required will be displayed in the instru-
ment panel. Contact a trained and qualified Volvo service technician. Use the following steps when jump starting your vehicle to help prevent short circuits or otherdamage.

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1.
Switch the ignition off completely (mode 0).
2. Ensure that the auxiliary battery to be used is 12-volt.
3. If the 12-volt auxiliary battery to be used is in another vehicle, switch off that vehicle's igni- tion and be sure that the vehicles are nottouching each other.
4. Connect one of the red jumper cable's clamps to the auxiliary battery's positive (+)terminal (1).
CAUTION
Connect the jumper cables carefully to avoid short circuits with other components in theengine compartment.
5. Open the cover over the positive (+) jumpstart terminal (2).
6. Connect the red jumper cable's other clamp to your vehicle's positive (+) jump start termi- nal (2).
7. Connect one of the black jumper cable's clamps to the auxiliary battery's negative (–)terminal (3).
8. Connect the black jumper cable's other clamp to your vehicle's negative (–) jumpstart terminal (4). 9. Check that the jumper cables are securely
attached to help avoid sparks when the vehi-cle is started.
10. Start the engine in the assisting vehicle and run it for a short time at approx. 1,500 rpm.
11. Start the engine in your vehicle. If the vehicle does not start, allow an additional10 minutes of charging time and then try tostart the engine again.
NOTE
During normal starts, the electric motor is pri- oritized and the gasoline engine will not start.This means that when the start knob has been turned toward START and released, the
electric motor is activated ("started") and the vehicle is ready to be driven. The warning andinformation symbols in the instrument panelwill go out and the chosen theme will be dis-played to indicate that the electric motor hasbeen activated.
CAUTION
Do not touch the jumper cable connections while the vehicle is being started. This couldgenerate sparks.
12. After the vehicle has started, carefully remove the jumper cables in reverse order, beginning with the black one. Ensure that the black jumper cable's clamps do not come in contact with the vehicle's orthe auxiliary battery's positive terminals orthe red jumper cable's clamps while it is con-nected.
WARNING
PROPOSITION 65 WARNING! Battery posts, terminals, and related accesso- ries contain lead and lead compounds, chemi-cals known to the state of California to causecancer and reproductive harm. Wash handsafter handling.
WARNING
• Do not connect the jumper cable to any part of the fuel system or to any movingparts. Avoid touching hot manifolds.
• Batteries generate hydrogen gas, whichis flammable and explosive.
• Battery fluid contains sulfuric acid. Do notallow battery fluid to contact eyes, skin,fabrics or painted surfaces. If contactoccurs, flush the affected area immedi-ately with water. Obtain medical helpimmediately if eyes are affected.

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•Never expose the battery to open flame or electric spark.
• Do not smoke near the battery.
• Failure to follow the instructions for jumpstarting can lead to injury.
Related information
•
Ignition modes (p. 389)
• Starting the engine (p. 390)
• Turning the engine off (p. 393)
• Start battery (p. 506)
• Opening and closing the hood (p. 533)
• Charging the hybrid battery (p. 403)
Driving with a trailer
When towing a trailer, always observe the legal requirements of the state/province.
• 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.
• 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.
• If the automatic transmission begins to over-heat, a message will be displayed in the textwindow.
• Avoid overload and other abusive operation.
• Hauling a trailer affects handling, durability,and economy. •
It is necessary to balance trailer brakes withthe towing vehicle brakes to provide a safestop (check and observe state/local regula-tions).
• 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 is notbeing used.