Volvo V60 Cross Country (2018 year). Instruction - part 17

•

Anti-lock braking system (ABS)

The ABS system helps to improve vehicle con-
trol (stopping and steering) during severe brak-
ing conditions by limiting brake lockup.

When the system "senses" impending lockup,
braking pressure is automatically modulated in
order to help prevent lockup that could lead to a
skid.

The system performs a brief self-diagnostic test
when the engine has been started and driver
releases the brake pedal. Another automatic test
may be performed when the vehicle first reaches
a speed of approximately 6 mph (10 km/h). The
brake pedal will pulsate several times and a
sound may be audible from the ABS control
module, which is normal.

Related information

•

Emergency Brake Assistance (EBA) (p. 280)

•

•

Brake lights

The brake lights come on automatically when the
brakes are applied.

Adaptive brake lights

The adaptive brake lights activate in the event of
sudden braking or if the ABS system is activated.
This function causes an additional taillight on
each side of the vehicle to illuminate to help alert
vehicles traveling behind.

The adaptive brake lights activate if:

•

The ABS system activates for more than
approximately a half second

•

In the event of sudden braking while the
vehicle is moving at speeds above approxi-
mately 6 mph (10 km/h).

When the vehicle has come to a stop, the brake
lights and additional taillights remain on for as
long as the brake pedal is depressed or until
braking force on the vehicle is reduced.

Related information

•

•

STARTING AND DRIVING

280

Emergency Brake Assistance (EBA)

EBA is designed to provide full brake effect
immediately in the event of sudden, hard brak-
ing.

Emergency Brake Assistance

The EBA system is activated by the speed with
which the brake pedal is depressed.

When the EBA system is activated, the brake
pedal will go down and pressure in the brake sys-
tem immediately increases to the maximum level.
Maintain full pressure on the brake pedal in order
to utilize the system completely. EBA is automati-
cally deactivated when the brake pedal is
released.

•

When the EBA system is activated, the
brake pedal will go down and pressure in
the brake system immediately increases
to the maximum level. You must maintain
full pressure on the brake pedal in order
to utilize the system completely. There
will be no braking effect if the pedal is
released. EBA is automatically deacti-
vated when the brake pedal is released.

•

When the vehicle has been parked for
some time, the brake pedal may sink
more than usual when the engine is
started. This is normal and the pedal will
return to its usual position when it is
released.

Related information

•

•

Anti-lock braking system (ABS) (p. 279)

•

Parking brake – general information

The electric parking brake helps to keep the
vehicle stationary when it is parked.

Electric parking brake

Parking brake control

Parking brake – applying (p. 281)

•

A faint sound from the parking brake's
electric motor can be heard when the
parking brake is being applied. This
sound can also be heard during the auto-
matic function check of the parking
brake.

•

The brake pedal will move slightly when
the electric parking brake is applied or
released.

STARTING AND DRIVING

281

Low battery voltage

If the battery voltage is too low, the parking
brake cannot be applied or released. Connect
an auxiliary battery if the battery voltage is too
low, see Jump starting (p. 262).

Parking on a hill

•

If the vehicle is pointing uphill, turn the front
wheels so that they point away from the curb.

•

If the vehicle is pointing downhill, turn the
front wheels so that they point toward the
curb.

The parking brake should also be applied.

Related information

•

•

Parking brake – releasing (p. 282)

•

Parking brake – symbols and messages
(p. 283)

•

Parking brake – applying

Applying the electric parking brake

Parking brake control

1. Press firmly on the brake pedal.

2. Push the control.

The

symbol in the instrument

panel flashes while the parking brake is
being applied and glows steadily when the
parking brake has been fully applied.

3. Release the brake pedal and ensure that the

vehicle is at a standstill.

4. When the vehicle is parked, the gear selector

must be in position P.

•

In an emergency the parking brake can
be applied when the vehicle is moving by
holding in the control. Braking will be
interrupted when the accelerator pedal is
depressed or the control is released.

•

An audible signal will sound during this
procedure if the vehicle is moving at
speeds above 6 mph (10 km/h).

Related information

•

Parking brake – releasing (p. 282)

•

•

Parking brake – symbols and messages
(p. 283)

•

STARTING AND DRIVING

282

Parking brake – releasing

Releasing the electric parking brake

Parking brake control

Manual release

1. Fasten the seat belt.

2. Insert the remote key in the ignition slot and

press the START/STOP ENGINE button (or
press the START/STOP ENGINE button
with a valid remote key in the passenger
compartment on vehicles with the optional
keyless drive).

3. Press firmly on the brake pedal.

4. Pull the parking brake control.

Automatic release

1. Start the engine.

•

In order to perform an automatic release
when the engine is initially started, the
driver’s seat belt does not need to be fas-
tened.

•

The electric parking brake will be released
immediately when the accelerator pedal is
pressed and the gear selector is in posi-
tion D or R.

2. Fasten the seat belt.

3. Move the gear selector to position D or R

and press the accelerator pedal. The parking
brake will release when the vehicle begins to
move.

Heavy load uphill

A heavy load, such as a trailer, can cause the
vehicle to roll backward when the parking brake
is released automatically on a steep incline. To
help avoid this:

1. Keep the electric parking brake lever pushed

in with the left hand while shifting into Drive
with the right.

2. While pressing the accelerator pedal to pull

away, release the parking brake lever only
after the vehicle begins to move.

Related information

•

Parking brake – applying (p. 281)

•

•

Parking brake – symbols and messages
(p. 283)

•

STARTING AND DRIVING

283

Parking brake – symbols and

messages

A text message can be erased by pressing
briefly on the

OK button on the turn signal lever.

Symbol and messages in the instrument panel

Symbol

Message

Description/action

Message

Read the message in the information display

A flashing symbol indicates that the parking brake is being applied. If the symbol flashes in any other situation then this
means that a fault has arisen. Read the message on the information display.

Park brake not fully
released

A fault is preventing the parking brake from being released. Try to apply the parking brake and release it several times. If
the problem persists, contact an authorized Volvo workshop. If you drive off with this error message showing, a warning
signal sounds.

Parking brake not
applied

A fault is preventing the parking brake from being applied. Try to apply the parking brake and release it several times. If
the problem persists, contact an authorized Volvo workshop. If you drive off with this error message showing, a warning
signal sounds.

Parking brake
Service required

A fault has occurred. Try to apply and release. Contact a Volvo workshop if the fault remains

WARNING

If the vehicle must be parked before the fault
has been corrected, always put the gear
selector in P and turn the wheels so that they
point away from the curb if the vehicle is
pointing uphill or toward the curb if it is point-
ing downhill.

Related information

•

Parking brake – applying (p. 281)

•

•

Parking brake – releasing (p. 282)

•

STARTING AND DRIVING

284

Driving through water

The vehicle should be driven with extreme cau-
tion if it is necessary to drive through standing
water.

The vehicle can be driven through water up to a
depth of approximately 10 in. (25 cm), (V60
Cross Country: approximately 12 in. (30 cm)) at
walking speed to help prevent water from enter-
ing the differential and the transmission. Water
reduces the oil's lubricating capacity and may
shorten the service life of these components.

•

Take particular care when driving through
flowing water.

•

Clean the electrical connections for trailer
wiring after driving in mud or water.

•

When driving through water, maintain low
speed and do not stop in the water.

WARNING

•

Avoid driving through standing or rushing
water. Doing so can be dangerous and it
may also be difficult to determine the
actual depth of the water.

•

If water cannot be avoided, after driving
through the water, press lightly on the
brake pedal to ensure that the brakes are
functioning normally. Water or mud can
make the brake linings slippery, resulting
in delayed braking effect.

Towing the vehicle (p. 295)

•

Engine damage will occur if water is
drawn into the air cleaner.

•

If the vehicle is driven through water
deeper than approximately 10 in.
(25 cm), (V60 Cross Country: approxi-
mately 12 in. (30 cm)), water may enter
the differential and the transmission. This
reduces the oil's lubricating capacity and
may shorten the service life of these
components.

•

Damage to any components, the engine,
transmission, turbo-charger, differential or
its internal components caused by flood-
ing, vapor lock or insufficient oil is not
covered under warranty.

•

Do not allow the vehicle to stand in water
up to the door sills longer than absolutely
necessary. This could result in electrical
malfunctions.

•

If the engine has been stopped while the
vehicle is in water, do not attempt to
restart it. Have the vehicle towed out of
the water.

Related information

•

•

Towing by tow truck (p. 296)

Engine and cooling system

Under special conditions, for example when driv-
ing in hilly terrain, extreme heat or with heavy
loads, there is a risk that the engine and cooling
system will overheat.

Proceed as follows to avoid overheating the
engine.

•

Maintain a low speed when driving with a
trailer up long, steep hills. For information,
see Towing a trailer (p. 292)

•

Do not turn the engine off immediately when
stopping after a hard drive.

WARNING

The cooling fan may start or continue to oper-
ate (for up to 6 minutes) after the engine has
been switched off.

•

Remove any auxiliary lights from in front of
the grille when driving in hot weather condi-
tions.

•

Do not exceed engine speeds of 4500 rpm if
driving with a trailer in hilly terrain. The oil
temperature could become too high.

STARTING AND DRIVING

285

Conserving electrical current

Keep the following in mind to help minimize bat-
tery drain:

•

When the engine is not running, avoid using
ignition mode II. Many electrical systems (the
audio system, the optional navigation system,
power windows, etc) will function in ignition
modes 0 and I. These modes reduce drain
on the battery.

•

Please keep in mind that using systems,
accessories, etc., that consume a great deal
of current when the engine is not running
could result in the battery being completely
drained. Driving or having the engine running
for approximately 15 minutes will help keep
the battery charged.

•

The optional 12-volt socket in the cargo
area (p. 145) area provides electrical current
even with the ignition switched off, which
drains the battery.

Before a long distance trip

It is always worthwhile to have your vehicle
checked by a trained and qualified Volvo service
technician before driving long distances. Your
retailer will also be able to supply you with bulbs,
fuses, spark plugs and wiper blades for your use
in the event that problems occur.

As a minimum, the following items should be
checked before any long trip:

•

Check that engine runs smoothly and that
fuel consumption is normal.

•

Check for fuel, oil, and fluid leakage.

•

Have the transmission oil level checked.

•

Check condition of drive belts.

•

Check state of the battery's charge.

•

Examine tires carefully (the spare tire as
well), and replace those that are
worn (p. 302). Check tire pressure (p. 309).

•

The brakes, front wheel alignment, and steer-
ing gear should be checked by a trained and
qualified Volvo service technician only.

•

Check all lights, including high beams.

•

Reflective warning triangles are legally
required in some states/provinces.

•

Have a word with a trained and qualified
Volvo service technician if you intend to drive
in countries where it may be difficult to
obtain the correct fuel.

•

Consider your destination. If you will be driv-
ing through an area where snow or ice are
likely to occur, consider snow tires (p. 316).

Related information

•

Changing a wheel – removing wheel (p. 303)

•

Bulbs – introduction (p. 344)

STARTING AND DRIVING

286

Driving in cold weather

Check your vehicle before the approach of cold
weather.

The following advice is worth noting:

•

Make sure that the engine coolant (p. 342)
contains 50 percent antifreeze. Any other
mixture will reduce freeze protection. This
gives protection against freezing down to
–31 °F (–35 °C). The use of "recycled" anti-
freeze is not approved by Volvo. Different
types of antifreeze must not be mixed.

•

Volvo recommends using only genuine Volvo
antifreeze in your vehicle's radiator.

•

Try to keep the fuel tank well filled – this
helps prevent the formation of condensation
in the tank. In addition, in extremely cold
weather conditions it is worthwhile to add
fuel line de-icer before refueling.

•

The viscosity of the engine oil is important.
Oil with low viscosity (thinner oil) improves
cold-weather starting as well as decreasing
fuel consumption while the engine is warm-
ing up. Full synthetic 0W-30 oil is recom-
mended for driving in areas with sustained
low temperatures.

•

The load placed on the battery is greater dur-
ing the winter since the windshield wipers,
lighting, etc., are used more often. Moreover,
the capacity of the battery decreases as the
temperature drops. In very cold weather, a
poorly charged battery can freeze and be

damaged. It is therefore advisable to check
the state of charge more frequently and
spray an anti-rust oil on the battery posts.

•

Volvo recommends the use of snow tires on
all four wheels for winter driving, see Snow
tires/studded tires (p. 316).

•

To prevent the washer fluid (p. 354)reservoir
from freezing, add washer solvents contain-
ing antifreeze. This is important since dirt is
often splashed on the windshield during win-
ter driving, requiring the frequent use of the
washers and wipers. Volvo Washer Solvent
should be diluted as follows: Down to 14 °F
(–10 °C): 1 part washer solvent and 4 parts
water Down to 5 °F (–15 °C): 1 part washer
solvent and 3 parts water Down to 0 °F
(–18 °C): 1 part washer solvent and 2 parts
water Down to –18 °F (–28 °C): 1 part
washer solvent and 1 part water.

•

Use Volvo Teflon Lock Spray in the locks.

•

Avoid using de-icing sprays as they can
cause damage to the locks.

Refueling – fuel requirements

Volvo recommends the use of detergent gaso-
line to control engine deposits.

Deposit control gasoline (detergent
additives)

Detergent gasoline is effective in keeping injec-
tors and intake valves clean. Consistent use of
deposit control gasolines will help ensure good
drivability and fuel economy. If you are not sure
whether the gasoline contains deposit control
additives, check with the service station operator.

Volvo does not recommend the use of exter-
nal fuel injector cleaning systems.

Unleaded fuel

Each Volvo has a three-way catalytic converter
and must use only unleaded gasoline. U.S. and
Canadian regulations require that pumps deliver-
ing unleaded gasoline be labeled "UNLEADED".
Only these pumps have nozzles which fit your
vehicle's filler inlet. It is unlawful to dispense lea-
ded fuel into a vehicle labeled "unleaded gaso-
line only". Leaded gasoline damages the three-
way catalytic converter and the heated oxygen
sensor system. Repeated use of leaded gasoline
will lessen the effectiveness of the emission con-
trol system (p. 290) and could result in loss of
emission warranty coverage. State and local vehi-

STARTING AND DRIVING

}}

287

cle inspection programs will make detection of
misfueling easier, possibly resulting in emission
test failure for misfueled vehicles.

Some U.S. and Canadian gasolines contain an
octane enhancing additive called methyl-
cyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl
(MMT). If such fuels are used, your Emission
Control System performance may be affected,
and the Check Engine Light (malfunction
indicator light) located on your instrument
panel may light. If this occurs, please return
your vehicle to a trained and qualified Volvo
service technician for service.

Gasoline containing alcohol and ethers,
"Oxygenated fuels"

Some fuel suppliers sell gasoline containing
"oxygenates" which are usually alcohols or
ethers. In some areas, state or local laws require
that the service pump be marked indicating use
of alcohols or ethers. However, there are areas in
which the pumps are unmarked. If you are not
sure whether there is alcohol or ethers in the
gasoline you buy, check with the service station
operator. To meet seasonal air quality standards,
some areas require the use of "oxygenated" fuel.

Volvo allows the use of the following "oxygen-
ated" fuels; however, the octane ratings (p. 287)
listed must still be met.

Alcohol – Ethanol

Fuels containing up to 10% ethanol by volume
may be used. Ethanol may also be referred to as
Ethyl alcohol, or "Gasohol".

Ethers – MTBE: Fuels containing up to
15% MTBE may be used.

Methanol

Do not use gasolines containing methanol
(methyl alcohol, wood alcohol). This practice can
result in vehicle performance deterioration and
can damage critical parts in the fuel system. Such
damage may not be covered under the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.

Refueling – octane rating

Volvo recommends premium fuel for best per-
formance, but using 87 octane

or above will

not affect engine reliability.

Minimum octane

G028920

Typical pump octane label

Vehicles equipped with high performance 4-
cylinder engines require premium fuel. Con-
sult your Volvo retailer if you are unsure about
the fuel requirements for your vehicle.

TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline

Volvo endorses the use of “TOP TIER Detergent
Gasoline” where available to help maintain engine
performance and reliability. TOP TIER Detergent
Gasoline meets a new standard jointly estab-

STARTING AND DRIVING

288

lished by leading automotive manufactures to
meet the needs of today’s advanced engines.
Qualifying gasoline retailers (stations) will, in
most cases, identify their gasoline as having met
the “TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline” standards.

Information about TOP TIER Detergent Gaso-
line is available at www.toptiergas.com.

Demanding driving

In demanding driving conditions, such as operat-
ing the vehicle in hot weather, towing a trailer, or
driving for extended periods at higher altitudes
than normal, it may be advisable to switch to
higher octane fuel (91 or higher) or to change
gasoline brands to fully utilize your engine's
capacity, and for the smoothest possible opera-
tion.

Refueling – fuel requirements (p. 286)

When switching to higher octane fuel or
changing gasoline brands, it may be neces-
sary to fill the tank more than once before a
difference in engine operation is noticeable.

Fuel Formulations

Do not use gasoline that contains lead as a
knock inhibitor, and do not use lead additives.

Besides damaging the exhaust emission control
systems on your vehicle, lead has been strongly
linked to certain forms of cancer.

Many fuels contain benzene as a solvent.
Unburned benzene has been strongly linked to
certain forms of cancer. If you live in an area
where you must fill your own gas tank, take pre-
cautions. These may include:

•

standing upwind away from the filler nozzle
while refueling

•

refueling only at gas stations with vapor
recovery systems that fully seal the mouth of
the filler neck during refueling

•

wearing neoprene gloves while handling a
fuel filler nozzle.

Use of Additives

With the exception of gas line antifreeze during
winter months, do not add solvents, thickeners, or
other store-bought additives to your vehicle's
fuel, cooling, or lubricating systems. Overuse may
damage your engine, and some of these additives
contain organically volatile chemicals. Do not
needlessly expose yourself to these chemicals.

WARNING

Never carry a cell phone that is switched on
while refueling your vehicle. If the phone rings,
this may cause a spark that could ignite gaso-
line fumes, resulting in fire and injury.

WARNING

Carbon monoxide is a poisonous, colorless,
and odorless gas. It is present in all exhaust
gases. If you ever smell exhaust fumes inside
the vehicle, make sure the passenger com-
partment is ventilated, and immediately return
the vehicle to a trained and qualified Volvo
service technician for correction.

Related information

•

AKI (ANTI KNOCK INDEX) is an average of the Research Octane Number (RON) and the Motor Octane Number (MON), MON+RON/2.

STARTING AND DRIVING

289

Refueling – opening/closing fuel

filler door

The fuel filler door is located on the right rear
fender (indicated by an arrow beside the fuel
tank symbol on the information display

)

With the ignition switched off, press and release
the button on the lighting panel to unlock the fuel
filler door. Please note that the fuel filler door will
remain unlocked until the vehicle begins to move
forward. An audible click will be heard when the
fuel filler door relocks.

•

If you intend to leave your vehicle while it is
being refueled, this feature enables you to
lock the doors/tailgate while leaving the fuel
filler door unlocked.

•

You can also keep the vehicle locked if you
remain inside it during refueling. The central

locking button does not lock the fuel filler
door.

•

Be sure the fuel filler door is not obstructed
and is completely closed after refueling.

•

Open the fuel filler cap slowly during hot
weather.

Close the fuel filler door by pressing it; a click
indicates that it is closed.

Refueling – opening/closing fuel cap
(p. 290)

Avoid spilling gasoline during refueling. In
addition to causing damage to the environ-
ment, gasolines containing alcohol can cause
damage to painted surfaces, which may not
be covered under the New Vehicle Limited
Warranty.

Manually opening the fuel filler door

1. Open the side hatch in the cargo area (on

the same side as the fuel filler door).

2. Open a perforated section of the insulation

and grasp the handle on the green cord.

3. Gently pull the cord straight rearward until

the fuel filler door clicks open.

Related information

•

•

Refueling – fuel requirements (p. 286)

•

Refueling – octane rating (p. 287)

STARTING AND DRIVING

290

Refueling – opening/closing fuel

cap

If necessary, the fuel filler door can be opened
manually.

Opening/closing the fuel cap

Fuel vapor expands in hot weather. Open the filler
cap slowly.

After refueling, close the fuel filler cap by turning
it clockwise until it clicks into place.

Refueling – fuel requirements (p. 286)

•

Do not refuel with the engine running

Turn the ignition off or to position I. If the
ignition is on, an incorrect reading could
occur in the fuel gauge.

•

Avoid overfilling the fuel tank. Do not
press the handle on the filler nozzle more
than one extra time. Too much fuel in the
tank in hot weather conditions can cause
the fuel to overflow. Overfilling could also
cause damage to the emission control
systems.

Related information

•

•

Refueling – octane rating (p. 287)

Emission controls

Three-way catalytic converter

•

Keep your engine properly tuned. Certain
engine malfunctions, particularly involving the
electrical, fuel or distributor ignition systems,
may cause unusually high three-way catalytic
converter temperatures. Do not continue to
operate your vehicle if you detect engine
misfire, noticeable loss of power or other
unusual operating conditions, such as engine
overheating or backfiring. A properly tuned
engine will help avoid malfunctions that
could damage the three-way catalytic con-
verter.

•

Do not park your vehicle over combustible
materials, such as grass or leaves, which can
come into contact with the hot exhaust sys-
tem and cause such materials to ignite under
certain wind and weather conditions.

•

Excessive starter cranking (in excess of one
minute), or an intermittently firing or flooded
engine can cause three-way catalytic con-
verter or exhaust system overheating.

•

Remember that tampering or unauthorized
modifications to the engine, the Engine Con-
trol Module, or the vehicle may be illegal and
can cause three-way catalytic converter or
exhaust system overheating. This includes:
altering fuel injection settings or compo-

If the fuel filler cap is not closed tightly or if the engine is running when the vehicle is refueled, the Check Engine Light (malfunction indicator lamp) may indicate a fault. However, your vehicle's performance will

not be affected. Use only Volvo original or approved fuel filler caps.

STARTING AND DRIVING

}}

* Option/accessory.

291

nents, altering emission system components
or location or removing components, and/or
repeated use of leaded fuel.

Information displays – warning symbols
(p. 77)

Unleaded fuel is required for vehicles with
three-way catalytic converters.

Heated oxygen sensors

The heated oxygen sensors monitor the oxygen
content of the exhaust gases. Readings are fed
into a control module that continuously monitors
engine functions and controls fuel injection. The
ratio of fuel to air into the engine is continuously
adjusted for efficient combustion to help reduce
harmful emissions.

Related information

•

•

Engine and cooling system (p. 284)

Economical driving

Better driving economy may be obtained by
thinking ahead, avoiding rapid starts and stops
and adjusting the speed of your vehicle to imme-
diate traffic conditions.

Economical driving conserves natural
resources

Observe the following rules:

•

Bring the engine to normal operating tem-
perature as soon as possible by driving with
a light foot on the accelerator pedal for the
first few minutes of operation. A cold engine
uses more fuel and is subject to increased
wear.

•

Whenever possible, avoid using the vehicle
for driving short distances. This does not
allow the engine to reach normal operating
temperature.

•

Drive carefully and avoid rapid acceleration
and hard braking.

•

Use the transmission's Drive (D) position as
often as possible and avoid using kick-down.

•

Using the engine's optional Eco function can
help improve fuel economy. For additional
information, see ECO

* (p. 273).

•

Using the transmission's Sport mode may
increase fuel consumption somewhat. Use
the transmission's Drive (D) position as often
as possible. For additional information about

Sport mode, see Transmission – Geartronic
(p. 265).

•

Do not exceed posted speed limits.

•

Avoid carrying unnecessary items (extra load)
in the vehicle.

•

Maintain correct tire pressure. Check tire
pressure regularly (when tires are cold).

•

Remove snow tires when threat of snow or
ice has ended.

•

Note that roof racks, ski racks, etc, increase
air resistance and also fuel consumption.

•

At highway driving speeds, fuel consumption
will be lower with the air conditioning on and
the windows closed than with the air condi-
tioning off and the windows open.

•

Using the onboard trip computer's fuel con-
sumption modes can help you learn how to
drive more economically.

Other factors that decrease gas mileage are:

•

Dirty air cleaner

•

Dirty engine oil and clogged oil filter

•

Dragging brakes

•

Incorrect front end alignment

Some of the above mentioned items and others
are checked at the standard maintenance inter-
vals.

STARTING AND DRIVING

292

WARNING

Driving with the tailgate open: Driving with
the tailgate open could lead to poisonous
exhaust gases entering the passenger com-
partment. If the tailgate must be kept open for
any reason, proceed as follows:

•

Close the windows

•

Set the ventilation system control to air
flow to floor, windshield and side windows
and the blower control to its highest set-
ting.

Handling and roadholding

At the specified curb weight your vehicle has a
tendency to understeer, which means that the
steering wheel has to be turned more than might
seem appropriate for the curvature of a bend.
This ensures good stability and reduces the risk
of rear wheel skid. Remember that these proper-
ties can alter with the vehicle load. The heavier
the load in the cargo area, the less the tendency
to understeer.

•

Vehicle load, tire design and inflation pres-
sure all affect vehicle handling. Therefore,
check that the tires are inflated to the rec-
ommended pressure according to the vehicle
load. Loads should be distributed so that
capacity weight or maximum permissible axle
loads are not exceeded.

•

At the specified curb weight your vehicle has
a tendency to understeer, which means that

the steering wheel has to be turned more
than might seem appropriate for the curva-
ture of a bend. This ensures good stability
and reduces the risk of rear wheel skid.
Remember that these properties can alter
with the vehicle load. The heavier the load in
the cargo compartment, the less the ten-
dency to understeer.

Related information

•

Climate – general information (p. 128)

Towing a trailer

When towing a trailer, always observe the legal
requirements of the state/province.

For the maximum trailer and tongue weights
recommended by Volvo, see Weights (p. 381)

•

All Volvo models are equipped with energy-
absorbing shock-mounted bumpers. Trailer
hitch installation should not interfere with the
proper operation of this bumper system.

Trailer towing does not normally present any par-
ticular problems, but take into consideration:

•

Increase tire pressure to recommended full
pressure, see the tire inflation decal on the
driver's door opening.

•

When your vehicle is new, avoid towing heavy
trailers during the first 620 miles (1,000 km).

•

Maximum speed when towing a trailer:
50 mph (80 km/h).

•

Engine and transmission are subject to
increased loads. Therefore, engine coolant
temperature should be closely watched when
driving in hot climates or hilly terrain. Use a
lower gear and turn off the air conditioner if
the temperature gauge needle enters the red
range.

STARTING AND DRIVING

}}

293

•

If the automatic transmission begins to over-
heat, a message will be displayed in the text
window.

•

Avoid overload and other abusive operation.

•

Hauling a trailer affects handling, durability,
and economy.

•

It is necessary to balance trailer brakes with
the towing vehicle brakes to provide a safe
stop (check and observe state/local regula-
tions).

•

Do not connect the trailer's brake system
directly to the vehicle's brake system.

•

More frequent vehicle maintenance is
required.

•

Remove the ball holder when the hitch is not
being used.

•

When parking the vehicle with a trailer on
a hill, apply the parking brake before put-
ting the gear selector in P. Always follow
the trailer manufacturer's recommenda-
tions for wheel chocking.

•

When starting on a hill, put the gear
selector in D before releasing the parking
brake.

•

If you use the manual (Geartronic) shift
positions while towing a trailer, make sure
the gear you select does not put too
much strain on the engine (using too
high a gear).

•

The drawbar assembly/trailer hitch may
be rated for trailers heavier than the vehi-
cle is designed to tow. Please adhere to
Volvo's recommended trailer weights.

•

Avoid driving with a trailer on inclines of
more than 15%.