STARTING AND DRIVING
* Option/accessory.473
CAUTION
•Bumper-attached trailer hitches must not be used on Volvos, nor should safetychains be attached to the bumper.
• Trailer hitches attaching to the vehiclerear axle must not be used.
• Never connect a trailer's hydraulic brakesystem directly to the vehicle brake sys-tem, nor a trailer's lighting system directlyto the vehicle lighting system. Consultyour nearest authorized Volvo retailer forcorrect installation.
• When towing a trailer, the trailer's safetychains or wire must be correctly fastenedto the attachment points provided in thetrailer hitch on the vehicle. The safetychain or wire must never be fastened toor wound around the towing ball.
NOTE
The optional detachable trailer hitch may not be available in all markets or on all models.Consult your Volvo retailer.
NOTE
Extreme weather conditions, towing a trailer, driving at high altitudes and fuel quality arefactors that significantly increase a vehicle'sfuel consumption.
Trailer weights
WARNING
Please adhere to the recommendations provi- ded for trailer weight. If the recommendationsare not followed, the vehicle and trailer maybe difficult to control during evasive maneu-vers and braking.
NOTE
The specified maximum trailer weights are those permitted by Volvo. National vehicleregulations may set additional restrictions ontrailer weight and speed. The trailer hitchesmay be certified for higher towing weightsthan the vehicle is permitted to tow.
Self-leveling suspension
*The vehicle's self-leveling system attempts to keep the vehicle at a constant level, regardless ofload (up to the maximum permitted weight).When the vehicle is stationary, the rear end of thevehicle will be slightly lowered, which is normal.
Driving in hilly terrain or hot weatherIn certain conditions, there is a risk of overheat-ing when driving with a trailer. If overheating ofthe engine and drive system is detected, a warn-ing symbol will illuminate in the instrument panelalong with a message. The automatic transmission selects the optimalgear for the current load and engine speed.
Steep inclines
Do not lock the automatic transmission into a higher gear than what the engine can handle
‒ it
is not always preferable to drive in high gears at low rpm.
Parking on a hill
1. Depress the brake pedal.
2. Apply the parking brake.3. Put the gear selector in P.
4. Release the brake pedal.Put chocks behind the wheels when the vehicle is parked on a hill with a trailer attached.
Starting on a hill
1. Depress the brake pedal. 2. Put the gear selector in D.
3. Release the parking brake.
4. Release the brake pedal and start driving.
Related information
• Trailer Stability Assist
* (p. 474)
• Checking trailer lights (p. 475)
• Towing capacity and tongue weight (p. 660)
• Overheating of engine and transmission (p. 468)
WHEELS AND TIRES
* Option/accessory.557
Checking tire pressure
Correct inflation pressure helps improve driving stability, save fuel and increase the service life ofthe tires.
Tire pressure decreases over time, which is nor- mal. Tire pressure also varies depending on theambient temperature. Driving on under-inflatedtires could cause the vehicle to overheat and leadto damage. Tire pressure affects traveling com-fort, road noise and driving characteristics. Check the pressure in the tires every month. Use the recommended inflation pressure for cold tiresfor optimal tire performance and wear. Under-inflated or over-inflated tires could cause uneventread wear. Use an air pressure gauge and check the infla- tion pressure on all the tires, including the spare tire 4
, at least once a month and before long trips.
Volvo strongly recommends buying a reliable air pressure gauge, as the automatic gauges provi-ded at service stations may be inaccurate.
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.
Cold tiresInflation pressure should be checked when thetires are cold. The tires are considered to be cold when they have the same temperature as the surrounding(ambient) air. This temperature is normally reached after the vehicle has been parked for at least 3 hours. After driving for approximately 1.6 km (1 mile), the tires are considered to be warm. If you needto drive longer than that to inflate the tires, checkand record the inflation pressure of the tires firstand inflate accordingly when you arrive at thepump. When the ambient temperature changes, so does the inflation pressure. A 10-degree temperaturedrop causes a corresponding drop in inflationpressure of 1 psi (7 kPa). Check the inflationpressure of the tires regularly and adjust to the correct pressure, which can be found on the vehi-cle's tire information placard or certification label. If you check inflation pressure when the tires are warm, you should never release air. The tiresbecome warm after driving and it is normal forwarm tires to have an inflation pressure abovethe recommended pressure for cold tires. A warmtire with an inflation pressure equal to or underthe recommended pressure for cold tires couldbe significantly under-inflated.Related information
•
Adjusting tire pressure (p. 558)
• Recommended tire pressure (p. 559)
• Tire pressure monitoring system
* (p. 559)
• Tires (p. 550)
4
Not available in all models.
