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Before a long distance trip
It is always worthwhile to have your vehiclechecked 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 bechecked 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 and replace thosethat are worn. Also, check tire inflation pres-sure.
•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 bythinking ahead, avoiding rapid starts and stopsand adjusting the speed of your vehicle to imme-diate traffic conditions.
Driving economically with the XC90 T8
Twin Engine Plug-in Hybrid
Plan your driving in order to utilize the electricmotor as much as possible.
An energy-conserving driving style lowers currentconsumption from the hybrid battery and helpsincrease electric driving range.
Charging
•Charge the hybrid battery regularly using thecharging cable. Whenever possible, begin adrive with 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 thecharging 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 adequatedistance to the vehicle ahead to minimizeuse of the brakes.
•Brake as gently as possible; doing socharges the hybrid battery using the inte-grated regenerative braking function.
•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 more
energy-efficient than the gasoline engine,especially at lower speeds.
•In hilly terrain, put the gear selector in modeB to utilize the electric motor's braking func-tion when the accelerator pedal is released.This helps charge the hybrid battery.
•Higher speeds increase energy consumptionand the vehicle's wind resistance increasesalong with speed. Do not exceed postedspeed limits.
•Avoid carrying unnecessary items (extra load)in the vehicle.
•Maintain correct tire pressure. Check tirepressure regularly (when the tires are cold).
•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 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
•Hybrid-related information in the instrumentpanel (p. 134)
•Parking climate (preconditioning) (p. 189)
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Driving through standing water
The vehicle should be driven with extreme cau-tion if it is necessary to drive through standingwater.
The vehicle can be driven through water up to adepth approximately level with the floor at walk-ing speed to help prevent water from enteringthe differential and/or the transmission or dam-aging electrical components.
•If possible, check the depth of the waterbefore driving through it. Take particular carewhen driving through flowing water.
•Before driving through water, always selectthe Off Road drive mode to ensure that thegasoline engine is running and to maximizeground clearance.
•After driving through water, apply the brakesand check that they are functioning correctly.
•Clean the electrical connections for trailerwiring after driving in mud or water.
•When driving through water, maintain lowspeed and do not stop in the water.
CAUTION
•Damage may occur to the engine, trans-mission, electrical components, etc. if thevehicle is driven through water higherthan its floor level. Be aware that wavescreated by other vehicles could cause thelevel to temporarily be above the vehicle'sfloor level.
•Damage to any components due to waterabove the floor level, vapor lock or insuffi-cient oil is not covered under warranty.
•If the engine has been stopped while thevehicle is in water, do not attempt torestart it. Have the vehicle towed out ofthe water and inspected by a trained andqualified Volvo service technician.
WARNING
•Avoid driving through standing or rushingwater. Doing so can be dangerous and itmay also be difficult to determine theactual depth of the water.
•If water cannot be avoided, after drivingthrough the water, press lightly on thebrake pedal to ensure that the brakes arefunctioning normally. Water or mud canmake the brake linings slippery, resultingin delayed braking effect.
Related information
•Towing recommendations (p. 389)
Overheating the engine andtransmission
In demanding driving conditions, such as whentransporting heavy loads, driving in mountainousareas or in very hot weather there is a risk ofoverheating the engine or transmission.
•The engine's output may be slightly limited ifthere is a risk of overheating.
•Remove e.g., auxiliary lights mounted in frontof the grille in hot weather.
•If the temperature of the engine coolantbecomes too high, the warning symbol willilluminate and the message Enginetemperature/Stop safely will be displayed.Stop the vehicle as soon as possible in asafe place and let the engine idle for severalminutes.
•If the message Engine temperature/Hightemperature Turn off engine or Enginecoolant/Stop safely is displayed, stopsafely and turn off the engine.
•If the transmission begins to overheat, analternative gear shifting program will beselected. An integrated protective functionwill also by activated, the warning symbol willilluminate and the message TransmissionwarmHigh temperature Reduce speedor Transmission warmStop safely, waitfor cooling will be displayed in the instru-ment panel.
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•The air conditioning may be switched offtemporarily.
•After a prolonged period of driving, do notturn off the engine immediately after stop-ping.
•The engine cooling fan commonly continuesto run for several minutes after the enginehas been turned off.
WARNING
The cooling fan (located at the front of theengine compartment, behind the radiator) maystart or continue to operate (for up to6 minutes) after the engine has beenswitched off.
Related information
•Driving with a trailer (p. 397)
•Before a long distance trip (p. 385)
Winter driving
Check your vehicle before the approach of coldweather.
The following advice is worth noting:
•Make sure that the engine coolant contains50 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. 485)
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Towing eyelet
When used, the towing eyelet should always besecurely attached in the openings on the rightside of the front and rear bumpers. There arecovers over these attachment points.
Using the towing eyelet
Take out the towing eyelet, which is storedunder the floor in the cargo compartment.
Remove the cover by pressing the mark witha 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 byhand and then using the tire iron, etc. until ithas been screwed in as far as possible.
After use, the eyelet should be removed andreturned to its storage location.
Reinsert the cover into the bumper.
Related information
•Towing recommendations (p. 389)
Towing recommendations
Always check with state and local authoritiesbefore 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
The XC90 T8 Twin Engine Plug-in Hybrid maynot be towed behind another vehicle. Doing sowould damage the electric motor and the three-way catalytic converter. If the vehicle cannot bedriven and must be moved, it must be lifted ontoa flat-bed tow truck.
If the XC90 T8 Twin Engine Plug-in Hybrid is totow (pull) another vehicle, select the AWD drivemode. This helps charge the hybrid battery andimproves the vehicle's road holding characteris-tics.
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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 fuel
Each Volvo has a three-way catalytic converterand 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
inspection programs will make detection of mis-fueling easier, possibly resulting in emission testfailure for misfueled vehicles.
NOTE
Some U.S. and Canadian gasolines contain anoctane enhancing additive called methyl-cyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl(MMT). If such fuels are used, your EmissionControl System performance may be affected,and the Check Engine Light (malfunctionindicator light) located on your instrumentpanel may light. If this occurs, please returnyour vehicle to a trained and qualified Volvoservice technician for service.
Gasoline containing alcohol and ethers,
"Oxygenated fuels"
Some fuel suppliers sell gasoline containing"oxygenates" which are usually alcohols orethers. In some areas, state or local laws requirethat the service pump be marked indicating useof alcohols or ethers. However, there are areas inwhich the pumps are unmarked. If you are notsure whether there is alcohol or ethers in thegasoline you buy, check with the service stationoperator. To meet seasonal air quality standards,some areas require the use of "oxygenated" fuel.
Volvo allows the use of the following "oxygen-ated" fuels; however, the octane ratings listedmust still be met.
Alcohol – Ethanol
Fuels containing up to 10% ethanol by volumemay be used. Ethanol may also be referred to asEthyl alcohol, or "Gasohol".
Ethers – MTBE: Fuels containing up to15% MTBE may be used.
Methanol
Do not use gasolines containing methanol(methyl alcohol, wood alcohol). This practice canresult in vehicle performance deterioration andcan damage critical parts in the fuel system. Suchdamage may not be covered under the NewVehicle Limited Warranty.
Related information
•Octane rating (p. 392)
•Opening/closing the fuel filler door (p. 393)
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Octane rating
Volvo requires premium fuel (91 octane orabove) for best performance.
Minimum octane
Sample fuel pump octane label
TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline
Volvo endorses the use of “TOP TIER DetergentGasoline” where available to help maintain engineperformance and reliability. TOP TIER DetergentGasoline meets a new standard jointly estab-lished by leading automotive manufactures tomeet the needs of today
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Opening/closing the fuel filler door
The fuel tank has a filling system that does nothave a cover.
Opening/closing the fuel filler door
An arrow next to the fuel pumpsymbol in the instrument panelindicates the side of the vehiclewhere the fuel filler door islocated.
1. Press the button on the lighting panel.
>Pressure equalization in the fuel tank cau-ses a slight delay before the fuel fillerdoor opens. Fuel tank Fuel lid isopening will be displayed in the instru-ment panel, followed by Fuel tank Readyfor refueling.
2.After refueling, close the fuel filler door bypressing lightly.
Refueling from a service station pump
To refuel:
1.Open the fuel filler door. Do not refuel with
the engine running1
2. Insert the pump's nozzle into the fuel fillerpipe's opening as far as possible (see theillustration).
3. Avoid overfilling the fuel tank. Do not pressthe handle on the filler nozzle after it hasstopped pumping. Too much fuel in the tankin hot weather conditions can cause the fuelto overflow. Overfilling could also cause dam-age to the emission control systems.
1If the engine is running when the vehicle is refueled, the Check Engine Light (malfunction indicator lamp) may indicate a fault. However, your vehicle's performance will not be affected.