STARTING AND DRIVING
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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. The driver's pressure on the brake pedal is enhanced by a power braking function.
WARNING
Power braking only functions if the engine is running.
If the brake pedal is used when the engine is turned off, the pedal will feel stiffer than usualand greater pressure must be applied to brakethe vehicle. In very hilly areas or when driving with a heavy load, manual gear shifting can be used to aug-ment the brakes with engine braking. Enginebraking is most effective if the same gear isused both uphill and downhill.
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 the ABS 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.Symbols in the instrument panel
Symbol Meaning
A
B Check the brake fluid level. If the level is low, fill brake fluid andcheck to determine the reasonfor the loss of brake fluid.
A
BSteady glow for 2 seconds after the engine is started: Automaticfunction check. Steady glow for more than 2 seconds: Fault in the ABS sys-tem. The vehicle's regular brakesystem is still working, but with-out the ABS function.
A
In Canada.
B In the US.
2Anti-lock Braking System
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STARTING AND DRIVING
* Option/accessory.
412
WARNING
Never turn off the engine while the vehicle is moving, e.g. when driving downhill. Thisdeactivates certain important systemssuch as power steering and brakes.
Other factors that decrease fuel consumption
Dirty air cleaner.
Dirty engine oil and clogged oil filter.
Incorrect front-end alignment.
Incorrect wheel alignment.
Some of the above items and others are checked as part of Volvo's standard mainte-nance schedule.
Related information
Drive-E
‒ purer driving pleasure (p. 28)
Eco drive mode (p. 401)
Checking tire pressure (p. 507)
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. 507)
Filling washer fluid (p. 607)
Winter driving (p. 412)
Economical driving (p. 411)
Vehicle modem settings (p. 483)
Loading recommendations (p. 538)
Pilot Assist
* (p. 285)
Tire sealing system (p. 523)
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.
