||
STARTING AND DRIVING
* Option/accessory.
282 nents, altering emission system components or location or removing components, and/orrepeated 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
•
Information displays – warning symbols(p. 69)
• Engine and cooling system (p. 275)
Economical driving
Better driving economy may be obtained by thinking ahead, avoiding rapid starts and stopsand adjusting the speed of your vehicle to imme-diate traffic conditions.
Economical driving conserves natural
resources
Observe the following rules: • Bring the engine to normal operating tem- perature as soon as possible by driving witha light foot on the accelerator pedal for thefirst few minutes of operation. A cold engineuses more fuel and is subject to increasedwear.
• Whenever possible, avoid using the vehiclefor driving short distances. This does notallow the engine to reach normal operatingtemperature.
• Drive carefully and avoid rapid accelerationand hard braking.
• Use the transmission's Drive (
D) position as
often as possible and avoid using kick-down.
• Using the transmission's Sport mode 13
may
increase fuel consumption somewhat. Use the transmission's Drive ( D) position as often
as possible. For additional information about Sport mode, see Transmission – Geartronic(p. 257). •
Using the engine's optional Eco function canhelp improve fuel economy. For additional information, see ECO
* (p. 265).
• Do not exceed posted speed limits.
• Avoid carrying unnecessary items (extra load) in the vehicle.
• Maintain correct tire pressure. Check tirepressure regularly (when tires are cold).
• Remove snow tires when threat of snow orice has ended.
• Note that roof racks, ski racks, etc, increaseair resistance and also fuel consumption.
• At highway driving speeds, fuel consumptionwill be lower with the air conditioning on andthe windows closed than with the air condi-tioning off and the windows open.
• Using the onboard trip computer's fuel con-sumption modes can help you learn how todrive 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
13
Certain models only.
STARTING AND DRIVING
}}
283
Some of the above mentioned items and others are checked at the standard maintenance inter-vals.
WARNING
Driving with the trunk open:
Driving with the
trunk open could lead to poisonous exhaust gases entering the passenger compartment. Ifthe trunk must be kept open for any reason,proceed as follows:
• Close the windows
• Set the ventilation system control to air flow to floor, windshield and side windowsand the blower control to its highest set-ting.
Handling and roadholdingAt the specified curb weight your vehicle has atendency 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 trunk, the less the tendency toundersteer. • 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 that capacity 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 trunk, the less the tendency to under-steer.
Related information
•Climate – general information (p. 120)
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. 371)
•
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
286
Towing the vehicle 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.
1. With the remote key fully pressed into theignition slot 14
, press START/STOP ENGINE
for approximately 2 seconds to activate igni- tion mode II.
2. The remote key must remain in the ignition slot15
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. 254) 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. 259) 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. 286)
• Remote key – functions (p. 147)
Towing eyelet
When used, the towing eyelet should always be securing attached.
Location of the towing eyelet
Removing the front/rear covers
14 Not necessary in vehicles with the optional keyless drive.
15 For vehicles with the optional keyless drive, the remote key must be in the vehicle.
WHEELS AND TIRES
292
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. 300)
• Changing a wheel – direction of rotation(p. 293) •
Tires – storage and age (p. 291)
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.
WHEELS AND TIRES
* Option/accessory.
296
Changing a wheel – spare wheel Wheel changes should always be carried out correctly.
Spare tireA spare tire can be purchased for your vehicle as an accessory. Follow the instructions includedwith the spare tire regarding use and stowing inthe vehicle. See also Changing a wheel – remov-ing wheel (p. 293) for additional information.
Spare wheelThe following instructions only apply if you have purchased a temporary spare wheel * for your
vehicle. If there is no temporary spare wheel in your vehi- cle, please see Tire sealing system * – general
information (p. 314) for instructions on using the tire sealing system. The accessory temporary spare wheel is provided in a bag that must be securely strapped in placein the trunk while the vehicle is being driven. The spare wheel is only intended for temporary use. Replace it with a normal wheel as soon aspossible. The vehicle's handling may be alteredby the use of the spare wheel. The correct tirepressure is stated in the tire pressure table, seethe tire inflation decal on the driver's door open-ing.Turn the handle on the spare wheel bag in toward the rear seat. Secure the stitched straphooks in the loading eyelets. Secure the longstrap in one of the loading eyelets, wrap the straparound the spare wheel and through the lowerhandle. Secure the short strap on the long strap.Secure in the other loading eyelet and tighten.
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.
Related information
• Changing a wheel – installing a wheel (p. 297)
• Changing a wheel – removing wheel (p. 293)
||
WHEELS AND TIRES
2985. Press the plastic covers onto the wheel nuts
and Install the wheel cover (where applica- ble). The opening in the wheel cover for thetire's inflation valve must be positioned overthe valve.
Related information
• Changing a wheel – spare wheel (p. 296)
• Changing a wheel – removing wheel (p. 293)
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 2
, at least once
a month and before long trips. You are strongly urged to buy a reliable tire pressuregauge, as automatic service station gaugesmay be inaccurate.
• Use the recommended cold inflation pres-sure for optimum tire performance and wear.
• Under-inflation or over-inflation may causeuneven treadwear patterns.
2
Available as an accessory
WHEELS AND TIRES
}}}}
299
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, tireinflation 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. 300)
• Tires – storage and age (p. 291)
• Tires – tread wear indicator (p. 292)
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 3
.
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 (available as an acces-sory) require higher inflation pressurethan the other tires. Consult the tire infla-
3
Available as an accessory
||
WHEELS AND TIRES
300
tion pressure table or see the inflation pressure placard.
Related information
•Tire specifications (p. 300)
• Tires – storage and age (p. 291)
• Tires – tread wear indicator (p. 292)
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
M 81 mph (130 km/h)
Q 100 mph (160 km/h)
T 118 mph (190 km/h)
H 130 mph (210 km/h)
V 149 mph (240 km/h)
W 168 mph (270 km/h)
Y 186 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.