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Brake functions
The vehicle's brakes are used to reduce speed or prevent the vehicle from rolling.
In addition to the wheel brakes and parking brakes, the vehicle is also equipped with anumber of automatic brake assist functions.These systems provide assistance by e.g. thedriver not needing to depress the brake pedalat a traffic light or when starting up a hill. Depending on how the vehicle is equipped, the following brake assist functions may beincluded:
Auto-hold brake function at a standstill(Auto Hold)
Hill Start Assist (Hill Start Assist)
Braking assist after a collision
City Safety
Related information
Brakes (p. 397)
Parking brake (p. 400)
Auto-hold brakes (p. 404)
Braking assist after a collision (p. 406)
Hill Start Assist (p. 405)
City Safety
™ (p. 306)
Brakes
The brake pedal is used to apply the vehicle's regular brakes, which are part of the brakesystem.
The vehicle is equipped with two brake cir- cuits. If one brake circuit is damaged, thebrake pedal will go down further whendepressed. More pressure will then berequired from the driver for normal brakingeffect.
WARNING
The power brakes only work when the electric motor or combustion engine is run-ning.
If the brake pedal is used when the engine is switched off, greater pressure must be appliedto brake the vehicle. In very hilly areas or when driving with a heavy load, gear position B can be used to augment
the brakes with engine braking.
Anti-lock brakesThe vehicle is equipped with an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS 2
), which helps prevent
the wheels from locking and helps maintain steering control when braking. Vibrations maybe felt from the brake pedal when ABS isoperating, which is normal. After the vehicle is started, a brief test of theABS system is automatically performed whenthe driver releases the brake pedal. An addi-tional automatic test of the system may beperformed when the vehicle is traveling at alow speed. During the test, the brake pedalmay feel as though it is pulsating.
Light braking charges the hybrid
battery
When the brakes are applied lightly, the elec-tric motor braking function is used. This con-verts the vehicle's kinetic energy into electricalenergy, which is used to charge the hybridbattery. When the battery is being chargedwith the electric motor braking function, thiswill be indicated in the instrument panel.
2 Anti-lock Braking System
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WARNING
If the warning symbols for both brake fault and ABS fault are lit simultaneously, theremay be a fault in the brake system.
If the brake fluid reservoir level is nor- mal when this occurs, drive carefully tothe nearest workshop to have thebrake system checked - an authorizedVolvo workshop is recommended.
If the brake fluid has fallen below theMIN
level in the brake fluid reservoir,
the vehicle should not be driven untilthe brake fluid has been filled. The rea-son for the brake fluid loss must bechecked.
Related information
Brake Assist System (p. 399)
Auto-hold brakes (p. 404)
Hill Start Assist (p. 405)
Braking on wet roads (p. 399)
Braking on salted roads (p. 400)
Maintenance of the brake system(p. 400)
Brake lights (p. 159)
Brake Assist System The brake enhancing system, (BAS 3
), helps
increase braking force and can thereby reduce braking distance.
The system monitors the driver's braking hab- its and increases braking force when neces-sary. Braking force can be increased up to thepoint at which the ABS intervenes. The func-tion is deactivated when pressure on the brakepedal is decreased.
Related information
Brakes (p. 397)
Braking on wet roads
Prolonged driving in heavy rain without brak- ing may cause braking effect to be slightlydelayed the first time the brakes are applied.
This may also occur after washing the vehicle. It will then be necessary to apply greater pres-sure to the brake pedal. You should thereforemaintain a greater distance to the vehicleahead. Firmly apply the brakes after washing the vehicle or driving on wet roads. This helpswarm up the brake discs, enabling them to drymore quickly and protecting them against cor-rosion. Consider the current traffic situationwhen braking.
Related information
Brakes (p. 397)
Braking on salted roads (p. 400)
3
Brake Assist System
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Related information
Activating and deactivating the parking brake (p. 401)
Parking on a hill (p. 403)
Start battery (p. 579)
Volvo's service program (p. 562)
Auto-hold brakes
With the Auto-hold brake function, the driver can release the brake pedal and the brakeswill remain applied, for example, when thevehicle has stopped at a traffic light or inter-section.
When the vehicle stops, the brakes are acti- vated automatically. The function can useeither the normal brakes or the parking brakesto keep the vehicle stationary and works onflat surfaces or hills. If the driver has their seatbelt fastened or if the driver's door is closed,the brakes will disengage automatically whenthe vehicle starts driving.
NOTE
When braking to a stop on an uphill or downhill gradient, depress the brake pedalwith slightly more force than usual beforereleasing to ensure that the vehicle cannotmove at all.
The parking brake is activated if
the vehicle is switched off
the driver's door is opened
the driver's seat belt is removed
the vehicle has been stationary for a pro- longed period of time (5-10 minutes)
Symbols in the instrument panel
Symbol Meaning
This symbol illuminates when the function is using the normalbrakes to keep the vehicle sta-tionary.
A
B This symbol illuminates when the function is using the parkingbrake to keep the vehicle station-ary.
A
Canadian models.
B US models.
Related information
Activating and deactivating Auto-hold at a standstill (p. 405)
Brakes (p. 397)
Parking brake (p. 400)
Hill Start Assist (p. 405)
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Activating and deactivating Auto- hold at a standstill
The Auto-hold brake function at a standstill is activated with the button in the tunnel con-sole.
–Press the button in the tunnel console to activate or deactivate the function.
> The indicator light in the button will illu- minate when the function is activated. The function will remain active the nexttime the vehicle is started.
When shutting offIf the function is active and holdingthe vehicle stationary using the nor-mal brakes (A symbol lit in theinstrument panel), the brake pedal
must be depressed while pressing the buttonin order to deactivate Auto-hold.
The function will remain off until it is reac- tivated.
When Auto-hold is switched off, Hill StartAssist (HSA) will remain active to helpprevent the vehicle from rolling backwardwhen starting up a hill.
Related information
Auto-hold brakes (p. 404)
Hill Start Assist
The function for assisting when starting the vehicle on inclines (HSA 4
) helps prevent the
vehicle from rolling backward when starting on an uphill gradient. When backing up a hill,HSA helps prevent the vehicle from rollingforward.
The function retains pressure from the brake pedal in the brake system for several secondsafter the brake pedal has been released. This temporary braking effect is released after a few seconds or when the driver begins driv-ing. Hill Start Assist is available even when the Auto-hold brake function is switched off.
Related information
Auto-hold brakes (p. 404)
Brakes (p. 397)
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* Option/accessory.425
Preparing for a long trip
It is important to have the vehicle's systems and equipment checked carefully before driv-ing long distances.
Check that
the engine is running properly and that fuel consumption is normal
there are no leaks (fuel, oil or other fluid)
the brake pedal is functioning properly
all lights are working
‒ adjust the head-
light height if the vehicle is carrying aheavy load
tire tread depth and air pressure are atcorrect levels. Change to snow tires whendriving in areas where there is a risk ofsnowy or icy roads
the start battery is sufficiently charged
the wiper blades are in good condition
Related information
Checking tire pressure (p. 525)
Filling washer fluid (p. 621)
Winter driving (p. 425)
Economical driving (p. 421)
Vehicle modem settings (p. 499)
Loading recommendations (p. 557)
Driving with a trailer (p. 436)
Pilot Assist
* (p. 279)
Tire sealing system (p. 541)
Winter driving
It is important to check the vehicle before driving in cold/snowy conditions to makesure it can be driven safely.
Before the cold season arrives: Make sure the engine coolant contains 50% antifreeze. This mixture helps pro-tect the engine from frost erosion down toapprox. –35 °C (–31 °F). Do not mix dif-ferent types of antifreeze as this couldpose a health risk.
Keep the fuel tank well filled to preventcondensation from forming.
Check the viscosity of the engine oil. Oilwith low viscosity (thinner oil) improvescold-weather starting and reduces fuelconsumption when driving with a coldengine.
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 placesgreater demands on the start battery andreduces its capacity.
Use washer fluid containing antifreeze tohelp prevent ice from forming in thewasher fluid reservoir.
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Slippery driving conditionsTo help optimize traction and roadholding, Volvo recommends using snow tires on allwheels whenever there is a risk of snow or iceon 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 controlled conditions to learn how the vehiclereacts.
Related information
Snow tires (p. 539)
Snow chains (p. 540)
Braking on salted roads (p. 400)
Braking on wet roads (p. 399)
Filling washer fluid (p. 621)
Start battery (p. 579)
Replacing windshield wiper blades(p. 619)
Refilling coolant (p. 576)
Driving through standing water
It may be necessary to drive the vehicle through standing water, e.g. deep puddles orflooding on the road. This must be done withgreat caution.
To help prevent damage to the vehicle when driving through water:
Do not drive in water higher than the floorof the vehicle. If possible, check the depthof the water at its deepest point beforedriving through it. Be particularly carefulwhen driving through flowing water.
Do not drive faster than walking speed.
Do not stop the vehicle in the water. Drivecarefully forward or back the vehicle out ofthe water.
Remember that waves created by passingvehicles could cause the water level to riseabove the vehicle's floor level.
Avoid driving through salt water to helpavoid the risk of corrosion.
CAUTION
Parts of the vehicle (e.g. engine, transmis- sion, driveline, electrical components, etc.)can be damaged if the vehicle is driventhrough water higher than its floor level.Damage to any components caused byflooding, vapor lock or insufficient oil is notcovered under warranty. If the engine stalls while the vehicle is in water, do not attempt to restart it. Havethe vehicle towed on the bed of a towtruck to a workshop - an authorized Volvoworkshop is recommended.
CAUTION
Because it can be difficult to determine the water depth, Volvo recommends not driv-ing through standing or running water. Thedriver is always responsible for operatingthe vehicle in a safe manner and adheringto all applicable laws and regulations.
When you have passed the water, press lightly on the brake pedal and check that the brakesare functioning properly. Water, mud, slush,etc. can make the brake linings slippery,resulting in delayed braking effect. If the vehicle is equipped with a trailer cou- pling contact, clean the contact after driving inwater or mud.
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* Option/accessory.437
CAUTION
Bumper-attached trailer hitches must not be used on Volvos, nor shouldsafety chains be attached to thebumper.
Trailer hitches attaching to the vehiclerear axle must not be used.
Never connect a trailer's hydraulicbrake system directly to the vehiclebrake system, nor a trailer's lightingsystem directly to the vehicle lightingsystem. Consult your nearest author-ized Volvo retailer for correct installa-tion.
When towing a trailer, the trailer'ssafety chains or wire must be correctlyfastened to the attachment points pro-vided in the trailer hitch on the vehicle.The safety chain or wire must never befastened to or wound around the tow-ing ball.
NOTE
The optional detachable trailer hitch may not be available in all markets or on allmodels. Consult your Volvo retailer.
NOTE
Extreme weather conditions, towing a trailer, high altitude and lower fuel gradethan recommended are factors that cansignificantly increase the vehicle's fuel con-sumption.
Trailer weights
WARNING
Please adhere to the recommendations provided for trailer weight. If the recom-mendations are not followed, the vehicleand trailer may be difficult to control duringevasive maneuvers and braking.
NOTE
The specified maximum trailer weights are those permitted by Volvo. National vehicleregulations may set additional restrictionson trailer weight and speed. The trailerhitches may be certified for higher towingweights than the vehicle is permitted totow.
Self-leveling suspension
*The vehicle's self-leveling system attempts to keep the vehicle at a constant level, regardlessof load (up to the maximum permitted weight).When the vehicle is stationary, the rear end of the vehicle will be slightly lowered, which isnormal.
Driving in hilly terrain or hot weatherIn certain conditions, there is a risk of over-heating when driving with a trailer. If overheat-ing of the engine and drive system is detected,a warning symbol will illuminate in the instru-ment panel and a message will appear. The automatic transmission selects the opti- mal gear for the current load and enginespeed.
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 highgears 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 vehi- cle 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.
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Related information
Trailer Stability Assist
* (p. 438)
Checking trailer lights (p. 439)
Towing capacity and tongue weight (p. 630)
Overheating of engine and transmission(p. 433)
Trailer Stability Assist
*
Trailer Stability Assist (TSA 11
) is a function
designed to help stabilize a vehicle that is towing a trailer when the vehicle and trailerhave begun to sway. The function is part of the Electronic Stability Control system ESC 12
.
Reasons for swayingA vehicle towing a trailer may begin to sway for various reasons. Normally this only occursat high speeds. However, if the trailer is over-loaded or unevenly distributed, e.g. too farback, there is a risk of swaying even at lowspeeds. Swaying may be caused by factors such as:
The vehicle and trailer are hit by a sudden, strong crosswind.
The vehicle and trailer are traveling on anuneven road or over a bump.
Sudden movements of the steering wheel.
Once swaying has begun, it can be difficult orimpossible to stop it. This makes the vehicleand trailer difficult to control and there is a riskof swerving into oncoming traffic or driving offthe road.
Trailer Stability Assist functionTrailer Stability Assist continuously monitorsthe vehicle's movements, particularly lateral movements. If swaying is detected, the brakesare applied individually on the front wheels,which has a stabilizing effect on the vehicleand trailer. This is often enough to enable thedriver to regain control of the vehicle. If the Trailer Stability Assist function's first attempt is not adequate to stop the swayingmotion, the brakes are applied on all wheelsand engine power is temporarily reduced. Asthe swaying motion begins to decrease andthe vehicle and trailer have once againbecome stable, TSA stops regulating thebrakes/engine power and the driver regainscontrol of the vehicle.
NOTE
Trailer Stability Assist is deactivated if the driver selects the sport mode by deactivat- ing
ESC in the center display's menu sys-
tem.
Trailer Stability Assist may not intervene if the driver tries to compensate for the swayingmotion by moving the steering wheel rapidly,because the system will then not be able todetermine if it is the trailer or the driver caus-ing the swaying.
11 Trailer Stability Assist
12 Electronic Stability Control