STARTING AND DRIVING
432
Winter driving
It is important to check the vehicle before driving in cold/snowy conditions to make sure it can bedriven safely.
Before the cold season arrives:
• Make sure the engine coolant contains 50% antifreeze. This mixture helps protect theengine from frost erosion down toapprox. -35 °C (-31 °F). Do not mix differenttypes of antifreeze as this could pose ahealth risk.
• Keep the fuel tank well filled to prevent con-densation from forming.
• Check the viscosity of the engine oil. Oil withlow viscosity (thinner oil) improves cold-weather starting and reduces fuel consump-tion when driving with a cold engine.
CAUTION
Low-viscosity oil should not be used with hard driving or in hot weather.
•
Check the condition and charge level of the start battery. Cold weather places greaterdemands on the start battery and reduces itscapacity.
• Use washer fluid containing antifreeze tohelp prevent ice from forming in the washerfluid reservoir.
Slippery driving conditionsFor optimal traction and roadholding, Volvo rec-ommends using snow tires on all wheels when-ever there is a risk of snow or ice on the road.
NOTE
Certain countries require use of winter tires by law. Not all countries permit the use ofstudded tires.
Practice driving on slippery surfaces under con- trolled conditions to learn how the vehicle reacts.
Related information
•Snow tires (p. 539)
• Snow chains (p. 539)
• Braking on salted roads (p. 407)
• Braking on wet roads (p. 406)
• Filling washer fluid (p. 623)
• Start battery (p. 589)
• Replacing windshield wiper blades (p. 621)
• Changing rear window wipers (p. 620)
• Refilling coolant (p. 580)
Driving through standing water
Driving the vehicle through a deep pool of stand- ing water on a water-covered roadway is calledfording. This must be done with great caution.
The vehicle can be driven through water up to a depth of 25 cm (9.8 in) at no more than walkingspeed. Be particularly careful when drivingthrough flowing water. When driving through standing water, drive slowly and do not stop the vehicle. When you havepassed the water, press lightly on the brake pedaland check that the brakes are functioning prop-erly. Water, mud, slush, etc. can make the brakelinings slippery, resulting in delayed brakingeffect.
• If the vehicle is equipped with contacts for anelectric heater or trailer coupling, clean theseafter driving in water or mud.
• Do not allow the vehicle to stand in water upto the sills any longer than absolutely neces-sary. This could result in electrical malfunc-tions.
MAINTENANCE AND SERVICE
}}
577
Engine compartment overview
This overview shows some service-related com- ponents.
The layout of the engine compartment may vary depend- ing on model and engine variant.
Coolant expansion tank
Brake fluid reservoir (located on the driver's side)
Washer fluid filler pipe 11
Fusebox
Air filter
Engine oil filler pipe
WARNING
Bear in mind that the cooling fan (located at the front of the engine compartment behindthe radiator) may start or continue runningautomatically up to about 6 minutes after theengine is turned off. Always entrust engine washing to a workshop – an authorized Volvo workshop is recom-mended. If the engine is hot, there is a risk offire.
WARNING
The ignition system works with extremely high and dangerous voltages. The vehicle electrical system should always be in ignition mode
0
when work in being performed in the engine compartment. Do not touch any spark plugs or ignition coils when the vehicle electrical system is in igni- tion mode II or when the engine is warm.
Related information
• Opening and closing the hood (p. 575)
• Filling washer fluid (p. 623)
• Refilling coolant (p. 580)
• Fuses in the engine compartment (p. 596)
• Checking and filling engine oil (p. 578)
• Ignition modes (p. 403)
Engine oil
For the recommended service intervals and war- ranties to be applied, an approved engine oilmust be used.
Volvo recommends:
11 Fill the washer fluid at regular intervals, e.g. when refueling.
