
SAFETY
* Option/accessory.79Press down on the center of the booster
cushion to lock it into position.
CAUTION
Make sure that there are no objects (e.g. toys)
on the seat under the integrated booster
cushion before folding it down.
NOTE
The integrated booster cushion must be
stowed (folded down) before folding down
the seat backrest.
WARNING DEATH or SERIOUS INJURY can
occur
•
Follow all instructions on this
child restraint and in the vehicle's
owner's manual.
• Make sure the booster cushion is
securely locked before the child
is seated.
• Only use for children who weigh between
15-36 kg (33-80 lbs) and who are
between 97-137 cm (38-54 tum) in
height. In Canada: 18 kg (40 lbs) is the
minimum weight requirement for a child
using booster cushions according to the
Canadian regulation CMVSS 213.4
• Use only the vehicle's lap and shoulder
belt system when restraining the child in
this booster cushion.
• In the event of a collision while the inte-
grated booster cushion was occupied, the
entire booster cushion and seat belt must
be replaced. The booster cushion should
also be replaced if it is badly worn or
damaged in any way. This work should be
performed by a trained and qualified
Volvo service technician only.Related information
•
Integrated booster cushion* (p. 76)
• Folding up the integrated booster cushion*
(p. 77)

||STARTING AND DRIVING
472
Stowing the ball holder
WARNING
When not in use, the detachable ball holder
should always be properly stowed in the des-
ignated location under the floor of the cargo
compartment.
Related information
•
Driving with a trailer (p. 472)
• Towing capacity and tongue weight (p. 660) Driving with a trailer
There are a number of things to consider when
towing a trailer, such as the towbar, the trailer
and how the load is distributed in the trailer.
Load-carrying capacity is determined by the vehi-
cle's curb weight. The total weight of all passen-
gers and any installed accessories, e.g. towbar,
reduces the vehicle's load-carrying capacity by
the corresponding amount.
• Towbars used on the vehicle must be
approved for the applicable use.
• Distribute the load on the trailer so that the
weight on the towbar complies with the
specified maximum towball weight. The
tongue weight is calculated as part of the
vehicle's payload.
• Increase the tire pressure to the recom-
mended pressure for a full load.
• The engine is subjected to more load than
usual when towing a trailer.
• Towing a trailer affects the vehicle's han-
dling, durability and driving economy.
• Do not drive with a heavy trailer when the
vehicle is very new. Wait until the mileage
has reached at least 1000 km (620 miles).
• On long and steep downgrades, the vehicle's
brakes are subjected to much more load
than usual. When manually shifting, down-
shift and adapt speed accordingly. •
Follow applicable regulations regarding per-
mitted speed and weight.
• Drive slowly when towing a trailer up a long
and steep incline.
• The maximum trailer weights given only apply
to altitudes up to 1000 meters (3280 feet)
above sea level. At higher altitudes, engine
power (and thus the vehicle's climbing ability)
is decreased due to the reduced air density,
and the maximum trailer weight must there-
fore be reduced. The weight of the vehicle
and trailer must be decreased by 10% for
each additional 1000 m (3280 feet) or part
thereof.
• Avoid driving with a trailer on inclines of more
than 12%.
• Avoid overloading and other incorrect use.
• The trailer's brakes must be balanced with
the vehicle's brakes to help ensure safe
stops (follow applicable local regulations).

STARTING AND DRIVING
* Option/accessory.473
CAUTION•
Bumper-attached trailer hitches must not
be used on Volvos, nor should safety
chains be attached to the bumper.
• Trailer hitches attaching to the vehicle
rear axle must not be used.
• Never connect a trailer's hydraulic brake
system directly to the vehicle brake sys-
tem, nor a trailer's lighting system directly
to the vehicle lighting system. Consult
your nearest authorized Volvo retailer for
correct installation.
• When towing a trailer, the trailer's safety
chains or wire must be correctly fastened
to the attachment points provided in the
trailer hitch on the vehicle. The safety
chain or wire must never be fastened to
or 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 are
factors that significantly increase a vehicle's
fuel consumption.
Trailer weights
WARNING Please adhere to the recommendations provi-
ded for trailer weight. If the recommendations
are not followed, the vehicle and trailer may
be difficult to control during evasive maneu-
vers and braking.
NOTE
The specified maximum trailer weights are
those permitted by Volvo. National vehicle
regulations may set additional restrictions on
trailer weight and speed. The trailer hitches
may be certified for higher towing weights
than 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 of
load (up to the maximum permitted weight).
When the vehicle is stationary, the rear end of the
vehicle 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 of
the engine and drive system is detected, a warn-
ing symbol will illuminate in the instrument panel
along with a message.The automatic transmission selects the optimal
gear 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
}}
553
Tread wear indicator
The tread wear indicator shows the status of the
tire's tread. The tread wear indicator is a narrow elevated
strip running across the tire's longitudinal tread
grooves. The letters TWI (Tread Wear Indicator)
are visible on the side of the tire. When approxi-
mately 1.6 mm (1/16 inch) is left on the tread,
the tread will be at the same height as the tread
wear indicator. Replace the tire as soon as possi-
ble. Tires with low tread offer very poor traction in
rain or snow.
Related information
•
Tires (p. 550) Tire terminology
The following is a glossary of tire-related terms.
The tire suppliers may have additional markings,
notes or warnings such as standard load, radial
tubeless, etc.
• Tire information placard: A placard show-
ing the OE (Original Equipment) tire sizes,
recommended inflation pressure, and the
maximum weight the vehicle can carry.
• Tire Identification Number (TIN): A number
on the sidewall of each tire providing infor-
mation about the tire brand and manufactur-
ing plant, tire size and date of manufacture.
• Inflation pressure: A measure of the
amount of air in a tire.
• Standard load: A class of P-metric or Metric
tires designed to carry a maximum load at 35
psi [37 psi (2.5 bar) for Metric tires]. Increas-
ing the inflation pressure beyond this pres-
sure will not increase the tires load carrying
capability.
• Extra load: A class of P-metric or Metric
tires designed to carry a heavier maximum
load at 41 psi [43 psi (2.9 bar) for Metric
tires]. Increasing the inflation pressure
beyond this pressure will not increase the
tire's load carrying capability.
• kPa: Kilopascal, a metric unit of air pressure.
• PSI: Pounds per square inch, a standard unit
of air pressure. •
B-pillar: The structural member at the side
of the vehicle behind the front door.
• Bead area of the tire: Area of the tire next
to the rim.
• Sidewall of the tire: Area between the bead
area and the tread.
• Tread area of the tire: Area of the perime-
ter of the tire that contacts the road when
mounted on the vehicle.
• Rim: The metal support (wheel) for a tire or a
tire and tube assembly upon which the tire
beads are seated.
• Maximum load rating: a figure indicating
the maximum load in pounds and kilograms
that can be carried by the tire. This rating is
established by the tire manufacturer.
• Maximum permissible inflation pressure:
the greatest amount of air pressure that
should ever be put in the tire. This limit is set
by the tire manufacturer.
• Recommended tire inflation pressure:
inflation pressure, established by Volvo,
which is based on the type of tires that are
mounted on a vehicle at the factory. This
information can be found on the tire inflation
placard(s) located on the driver's side B-pillar
and in the tire inflation table in this chapter.
• Cold tires: The tires are considered to be
cold when they have the same temperature
as the surrounding (ambient) air. This tem-

WHEELS AND TIRES
578Determining the vehicle's permitted
weight
Properly loading your vehicle will provide maxi-
mum return of vehicle design performance.
Weight designationsBefore loading your vehicle, familiarize yourself
with the following terms for determining your
vehicle's weight ratings, with or without a trailer,
from the vehicle's Federal/Canadian Motor Vehi-
cle Safety Standards (FMVSS/CMVSS) label, and
the vehicle's tire information placard:
Curb weight
The weight of the vehicle including a full tank of
fuel and all standard equipment. It does not
include passengers, cargo, or optional equipment.
Capacity weight
All weight added to the curb weight, including
cargo and optional equipment. When towing, tow-
bar weight is also part of cargo weight.
Permissible axle weight
The maximum allowable weight that can be car-
ried by a single axle (front or rear). These num-
bers are shown on the Federal/Canadian Motor
Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS/CMVSS) label.
The total load on each axle must never exceed its
maximum permissible weight.
Gross vehicle weight (GVW)
The vehicle's curb weight + cargo + passengers.
Steps for Determining Correct Load
Limit
1. Locate the statement "the combined weight of occupants and cargo should never exceed
XXX kg or XXX lbs." on your vehicle's plac-
ard.
2. Determine the combined weight of the driver and passengers that will be riding in your
vehicle.
3. Subtract the combined weight of the driver and passengers from XXX kg or XXX lbs.
4. The resulting figure equals the available amount of cargo and luggage load capacity.
For example, if the "XXX" amount equals
1400 lbs. and there will be five 150 lb. pas-
sengers in your vehicle, the amount of availa-
ble cargo and luggage load capacity is 650
lbs. (1400 - 750 (5 × 150) = 650 lbs.)
5. Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo being loaded on the vehicle. That
weight may not safely exceed the available
cargo and luggage load capacity calculated
in Step 4.
6. If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your trailer will be transferred to your
vehicle. Consult this manual to determine
how this reduces the available cargo and lug-
gage load capacity of your vehicle.
WARNING •
Exceeding the permissible axle weight,
gross vehicle weight, or any other weight
rating limits can cause tire overheating
resulting in permanent deformation or
catastrophic failure.
• Do not use replacement tires with lower
load carrying capacities than the tires that
were original equipment on the vehicle
because this will lower the vehicle's GVW
rating. Use only tires with the correct load
carrying capacity. Consult your Volvo
retailer for information.
Related information
• Loading recommendations (p. 586)

LOADING, STORAGE AND PASSENGER COMPARTMENT
* Option/accessory.
586 Sun visors
In the ceiling in front of the driver and front pas-
senger, there are sun visors that can be lowered
and angled to the side as necessary.
The illustration is generic – the design may vary.
The mirror lighting* comes on automatically when
the cover is lifted up.
The mirror frame has a holder for e.g. cards or
tickets.
Related information
• Passenger compartment interior (p. 580) Cargo compartment
The vehicle has a flexible cargo compartment
that makes it possible to carry and secure large
objects.
The cargo compartment capacity can be consid-
erably increased by folding down the backrests in
the second and third rows* of seats. To make
loading and unloading easier, the rear section of
the vehicle can be raised and lowered using the
level control function*. Use the load anchoring
eyelets or grocery bag holders to help secure
objects in place, and the retractable cargo com-
partment cover* to help conceal objects in the
cargo compartment.
If the vehicle is equipped with a temporary spare
tire, this is secured to the cargo compartment
floor under the cover. The towing eyelet and tire
sealing system are located under the cargo com-
partment floor.
Related information
• Loading recommendations (p. 586)
• Grocery bag holders (p. 588)
• Load anchoring eyelets (p. 589)
• Installing and removing the cargo compart-
ment cover* (p. 589) Loading recommendations
There are a number of things to consider when
carrying loads in or on the vehicle. Load-carrying capacity is determined by the vehi-
cle's curb weight. The total weight of all passen-
gers and any installed accessories reduces the
vehicle's load-carrying capacity by the corres-
ponding amount.
WARNING The vehicle's driving characteristics change
depending on the weight and position of the
load.
Loading in the trunk and cargo
compartment
•
Position objects so they are pressing against
the rear seat backrests.
• Distribute the load evenly.
• Heavy objects should be positioned as low
as possible. Avoid placing heavy objects on
folded-down seat backrests.
• Cover sharp corners with a soft cloth or simi-
lar to help prevent damage to the upholstery.
• Use the load anchoring eyelets and tension-
ing straps or similar to secure all objects.

LOADING, STORAGE AND PASSENGER COMPARTMENT
* Option/accessory.587
WARNINGIn a head-on collision at a speed of 50 km/h
(30 mph), an unsecured object weighing 20
kg (44 pounds) can reach a projectile weight
equivalent to 1000 kg (2200 pounds).
WARNING
If objects are loaded higher than the upper
edge of the side windows, leave a 10 cm (4
in.) space between the objects and the win-
dow. Objects placed closer to this could
impede the function of the inflatable curtain
concealed inside the headlining.
WARNING
Always secure the load. Otherwise, it may shift
during heavy braking and injure people in the
vehicle.
Cover sharp edges and sharp corners with
something soft.
Turn off the engine and apply the parking
brake when loading/unloading long objects.
Otherwise, it is possible for the load to reach
the gear lever or gear selector and move it to
a drive position – which could cause the vehi-
cle to begin rolling.
Extra cargo space
The rear seat backrests can be folded down to
increase cargo compartment space and simplify
loading. If the rear seat backrests are folded down, make sure that no objects loaded into the
vehicle prevent the WHIPS system for the front
seats from functioning correctly.
Raising/lowering the rear end of the
vehicle*
The rear end of the vehicle can be lowered or
raised for easier loading or to facilitate attaching
a trailer*.
The controls for raising/lowering are located at
the rear edge of the cargo compartment's right
side panel. Controls for raising/lowering the rear end of the vehicle.
The controls consist of two buttons ‒ one button
for lowering and one button for raising the rear
end. Press and hold the relevant button until the
desired height is reached.
The rear end of the vehicle cannot be raised
higher than its normal height. The rear end will return to the normal height
when the vehicle begins driving.
NOTE It is not possible to adjust the height of the
vehicle's rear when one or more of the doors
or the hood is open. This does not apply to
the tailgate.
WARNING
Make sure that no people, animals or objects
are found under the vehicle when it is low-
ered. This could endanger life and cause
damage to the vehicle or objects.
Related information
•
Load anchoring eyelets (p. 589)
• Folding the second row backrests (p. 192)
• Roof loads and load carriers (p. 588)
• Leveling control* and suspension (p. 450)
• Weights (p. 659)

LOADING, STORAGE AND PASSENGER COMPARTMENT
* Option/accessory.
588 Roof loads and load carriers
Volvo-developed load carriers are recommended
for carrying loads on the roof of the vehicle.
Volvo load carriers are specially designed to help
prevent damage to your vehicle and help ensure
maximum safety while driving. Volvo load carriers
are available from authorized Volvo retailers.
Carefully follow the installation instructions provi-
ded with the load carriers.
•
Check periodically to ensure that the load
carriers and load are properly secured.
Secure the load firmly using tie straps or
similar.
• Distribute the load evenly throughout the
load carriers. Place heavier cargo at the bot-
tom of the load.
• The vehicle's wind resistance and fuel con-
sumption increase with the size of the load.
• Drive smoothly. Avoid rapid acceleration, hard
braking and fast cornering.
WARNING The vehicle's center of gravity and driving
characteristics are altered by roof loads.
Follow the vehicle's specifications regarding
weights and maximum permitted load.
Related information
•
Loading recommendations (p. 586)
• Weights (p. 659) Grocery bag holders
Grocery bag holders (hooks) help keep shop-
ping bags in place and prevent them from falling
over and spilling their contents in the cargo
compartment.
On the sides of the cargo compartment
There are two fold-out holders in the side panels,
one on each side of the cargo compartment.
CAUTION
The grocery bag holders are only intended to
hold weights up to 5 kg (11 lbs).
Related information
•
Loading recommendations (p. 586)
• Installing and removing the cargo net*
(p. 593) •
Installing and removing the cargo compart-
ment cover* (p. 589)
• Installing and removing the steel cargo grid*
(p. 592)