Volvo C70 (2013 year). Instruction - part 9

06 Starting and driving

Towing

160

Towing the vehicle

The towing eyelet (1) is located in a bag that
is stowed in the ski hatch.

Remove the cover over the opening for the
towing eyelet on the front bumper by pry-
ing open the lower edge with a coin, etc.

Remove the cover over the opening for the
towing eyelet on the rear bumper by press-
ing the lower right corner of the cover.

Screw the towing eyelet in place first by
hand and then using the tire iron until it is
securely in place.

After the vehicle has been towed, the eyelet
should be removed and returned to the tool
bag.

WARNING

Do not use the towing eyelets to pull the
vehicle up onto a flat bed tow truck.

Towing a vehicle with all four wheels on
the ground

WARNING

Volvo does not recommend towing a disa-
bled vehicle behind another vehicle. Signif-
icant difficulty in steering and braking, com-
bined with unfavorable weather, traffic, and
road conditions may make it impossible to
maintain vehicle control.

Apply the parking brake.

06 Starting and driving

Towing

161

Insert the key into the ignition to unlock the
steering wheel. With the engine off and the
vehicle at a standstill, great effort will be
required to turn the steering wheel.

Turn the ignition key to position II.

Place the gear selector in neutral. For vehi-
cles with automatic transmissions, follow
instruction on page 153, "Shiftlock over-
ride" to allow the gear selector to be moved
from the Park position.

Keep firm pressure on the brake pedal
while releasing the parking brake.

When towing has been completed, return
the gear selector to Park and apply the
parking brake.

The following points should also be
observed:

•

Never exceed 50 mph (80 km/h). Never
exceed local towing speed limits and heed
all local towing restrictions.

•

Never tow farther than 50 miles (80 km).

•

Keep the tow rope taut at all times while the
vehicle is in motion.

•

The disabled vehicle should be towed in
the forward direction only.

WARNING

•

Never allow a vehicle to be towed with-
out a driver behind the wheel of the dis-
abled vehicle.

•

When the engine is not running, steering
resistance and the effort needed to
apply the brakes will be great.

•

Never attempt to tow a vehicle with a
dead battery at night.

CAUTION

•

Check with state and local authorities
before attempting this type of towing,
as vehicles being towed are subject to
regulations regarding maximum towing
speed, length and type of towing
device, lighting, marker flags, etc.

•

Never attempt to push- or tow-start a
vehicle with a dead battery. This would
inject unburned fuel into the three-way
catalytic converter(s), causing over-
heating, backfiring, and damage, see
page 163 for instructions on jump star-
ting the vehicle.

Towing vehicles with front wheel drive

Volvo recommends the use of flat bed equip-
ment for towing vehicles with front wheel drive.
If wheel lift equipment must be used, please
use extreme caution to help avoid damage to
the vehicle.

In this case, the vehicle should be towed with
the rear wheels on the ground if at all possible.

If it is absolutely necessary to tow the vehicle
with the front wheels on the ground, please
refer to the towing information on the previous
page.

•

Sling-type equipment applied at the front
will damage radiator and air conditioning
lines.

•

It is equally important not to use sling-type
equipment at the rear or apply lifting equip-
ment inside the rear wheels; serious dam-
age to the rear axle may result.

•

If the vehicle is being towed on a flat bed
truck, the towing eyelets must not be used
to secure the vehicle on the flat bed. Con-
sult the tow truck operator.

06 Starting and driving

Towing

162

WARNING

•

The power brakes and power steering
will not function when the engine is not
running. Approximately 5 times more
pressure will be required on the brake
pedal and the steering wheel will be
considerably harder to turn.

•

The towing eyelets must not be used for
pulling the vehicle out of a ditch or for
any similar purpose involving severe
strain. Do not use the towing eyelets to
pull the vehicle up onto a flat bed tow
truck.

06 Starting and driving

Jump starting

163

Jump starting the vehicle

Follow these instructions to jump start your
vehicle's dead battery or to jump start another
vehicle's dead battery using your vehicle. If the
12-volt auxiliary battery to be used is in another
vehicle, check that the vehicles are not touch-
ing to prevent premature completion of a cir-
cuit. Be sure to follow jump starting instruc-
tions provided for the other vehicle.

To jump start your vehicle:

Switch off the ignition.

First connect the auxiliary battery positive
(+) terminal (1) to the positive (+) terminal in

your vehicle's battery (2), marked with a
"+" sign.

Connect the auxiliary battery's negative (–)
terminal (3) to the ground point in your
vehicle's engine compartment near the
driver's side spring strut (4).

Start the engine in the assisting vehicle,
then start the engine in the vehicle with
dead battery.

After the engine has started, first remove
the negative (–) terminal jumper cable.
Then remove the positive (+) terminal
jumper cable.

WARNING

PROPOSITION 65 WARNING!

Battery posts, terminals, and related acces-
sories contain lead and lead compounds,
chemicals known to the state of California
to cause cancer and reproductive harm.
Wash hands after handling.

WARNING

•

Do not connect the jumper cable to any
part of the fuel system or to any moving
parts. Avoid touching hot manifolds.

•

Batteries generate hydrogen gas, which
is flammable and explosive.

•

Battery fluid contains sulfuric acid. Do
not allow battery fluid to contact eyes,
skin, fabrics or painted surfaces. If con-
tact occurs, flush the affected area
immediately with water. Obtain medical
help immediately if eyes are affected.

•

Never expose the battery to open flame
or electric spark.

•

Do not smoke near the battery.

•

Failure to follow the instructions for
jump starting can lead to personal
injury.

•

Do not touch the jumper cables during
the attempt to start the vehicle. This
could cause sparks.

06 Starting and driving

Towing a trailer

164

General information

•

Volvo recommends the use of Volvo trailer
hitches that are specially designed for the
vehicle.

Maximum trailer weights recommended by
Volvo are:

•

Trailers without brakes: 1,540 lbs
(700 kg).

•

Trailers with brakes: 2,000 lbs (900 kg)
Observe the legal requirements of the
state/province in which the vehicles are
registered.

•

The maximum recommended hitch
tongue load is 165 lbs (75 kg).

•

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

Trailer towing does not normally present any
particular problems, but take into considera-
tion:

•

Increase tire pressure to recommended
full. See the chapter "Wheels and tires."

•

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 con-
ditioner if the temperature gauge needle
enters the red range.

•

If the automatic transmission begins to
overheat, a message will be displayed in
the information display.

•

Avoid overload and other abusive opera-
tion.

•

Hauling a trailer affects handling, durabil-
ity, and economy.

•

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

•

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

•

More frequent vehicle maintenance is
required.

•

Remove the ball and drawbar assembly
when the hitch is not being used.

•

Volvo recommends the use of synthetic
engine oil when towing a trailer over long
distances or in mountainous areas.

WARNING

•

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's
rear axle must not be used.

•

Never connect a trailer's hydraulic
brake system directly to the vehicle
brake system, nor a trailer's lighting
system directly to the vehicle lighting
system. Consult your nearest trained
and qualified Volvo service technician
for correct installation.

•

When towing a trailer, the trailer's safety
wire must be correctly fastened to the
hole or hook provided in the trailer hitch
on the vehicle. The safety wire should
never be fastened to or wound around
the drawbar ball.

06 Starting and driving

Towing a trailer

165

NOTE

•

When parking the vehicle with a trailer
on a hill, apply the parking brake before
putting the gear selector in Park (P).
Always follow the trailer manufacturer's
recommendations for wheel chocking.

•

If you use the manual (Geartronic) shift
positions while towing a trailer, or if the
vehicle is equipped with a manual trans-
mission, 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
vehicle is designed to tow. Please
adhere to Volvo's recommended trailer
weights.

•

Avoid driving with a trailer on inclines
exceeding 15%.

06 Starting and driving

Detachable trailer hitch

166

Installing the ball holder

G030864

Ball holder

Cotter pin

Hitch assembly

Safety wire attachment

Locking bolt

If necessary, remove the cotter pin from
the locking bolt and slide the locking bolt
out of the hitch assembly.

Slide the ball holder into the hitch assem-
bly.

Align the hole in the ball holder with the one
in the hitch assembly.

Slide the locking bolt through the hitch
assembly/ball holder.

Insert the cotter pin in the hole at the end
of the locking bolt.

Removing the ball holder

Remove the cotter pin from the locking bolt
and slide the locking bolt out of the ball
holder/hitch assembly.

Pull the ball holder out of the hitch assem-
bly.

NOTE

A cover for the hitch assembly is also
included in the kit.

06 Starting and driving

Transporting loads

167

Loading the vehicle

Your vehicle's load-carrying capacity is affec-
ted by factors such as:

•

the number of passengers

•

tire inflation

•

the amount of optional or accessory equip-
ment installed

•

the amount of cargo.

See the chapter "Wheels and tires" for more
detailed information.

Before loading the car, turn off the engine, and
apply the parking brake when loading or
unloading long objects. The gear selector can
be inadvertently knocked out of position by
long cargo, causing the car to move.

Keep the following in mind when
loading the vehicle:

•

Load objects in the trunk against the rear
seat backrest.

•

Load heavy cargo as low as possible.

•

Center wide loads.

•

Secure all cargo with restraining straps
anchored to the load securing eyelets.

•

Cover sharp edges on the load.

WARNING

•

Remember that an object weighing
44 lbs (20 kg) produces a force of
2,200 lbs (1,000 kg) in a head-on colli-
sion at 30 mph (50 km/h)!

•

When the rear backrest(s) are folded
down, the vehicle should not be loaded
to a level higher than 2 in. (5 cm) below
the upper edge of the rear side win-
dows. Objects placed higher than this
level could impede the function of the
Inflatable Curtain.

06 Starting and driving

Blind Spot Information System (BLIS)*

168

Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.

Introduction

G020295

BLIS camera

Indicator light

BLIS symbol

The Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) is an
information system that indicates the presence
of another vehicle moving in the same direction
as your vehicle in the side-view mirror's "blind
area".

CAUTION

The BLIS system should only be repaired by
a trained and qualified Volvo service tech-
nician.

WARNING

•

BLIS is an information system, NOT a
warning or safety system.

•

BLIS does not eliminate the need for
you to visually confirm the conditions
around you, and the need for you to turn
your head and shoulders to make sure
that you can safely change lanes.

•

As the driver, you have full responsibility
for changing lanes in a safe manner.

The system is based on digital camera tech-
nology. The cameras (1) are located beneath
the side-view mirrors.

When one (or both) of the cameras have
detected a vehicle in the blind area (up to
approximately 10 ft. (3 meters) from the side of
your vehicle, and up to approximately 31 ft.
(9.5 meters) behind the side-view mirror), the
indicator light in the door panel (2) illuminates.
The light will glow continuously to alert the
driver of the vehicle in the blind area.

NOTE

The door panel indicator light illuminates on
the side of the vehicle where the system has
detected another vehicle. If your vehicle is
passed on both sides at the same time, both
lights will illuminate.

A = approx. 10 ft. (3 meters), B = approx. 31 ft.
(9.5 meters)

BLIS has an integrated function that alerts the
driver if a fault should occur with the system.
For example, if one or both of the system's
cameras are obscured, a message (see the
table on page 170) will appear in the informa-
tion display in the instrument panel. If this
occurs, clean the camera lenses. If necessary,
the system can be temporarily switched off (for
instructions see page 170).

06 Starting and driving

Blind Spot Information System (BLIS)*

Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.

169

When does BLIS function

The system functions when your vehicle is
moving at speeds above 6 mph (10 km/h).

When you pass another vehicle:

The system reacts when you pass another
vehicle at a speed of up to 6 mph (10 km/h)
faster than that vehicle.

When you are passed by another vehicle:

The system reacts if your vehicle is passed by
another vehicle at a speed of up to 43 mph
(70 km/h) faster than your vehicle.

WARNING

•

BLIS does not function in sharp curves.

•

BLIS does not function when your vehi-
cle is backing up.

•

If you are towing a wide trailer, this may
prevent the BLIS cameras from detect-
ing other vehicles in adjacent lanes.

How BLIS functions in daylight and
darkness

Daylight

BLIS reacts to the shape of surrounding vehi-
cles. The system is designed to help detect
motor vehicles such as cars, trucks, buses,
motorcycles, etc.

Darkness

BLIS reacts to the headlights of surrounding
vehicles. In order to be detected by BLIS, a
vehicle in the blind area must have its head-
lights on. This means, for example, that the
system will not detect a trailer without head-
lights that is being towed behind a car or truck.

WARNING

•

BLIS does not react to cyclists or
mopeds.

•

BLIS does not react to vehicles that are
standing still.

•

The BLIS cameras have the same limi-
tation as the human eye. In other words,
their "vision is impaired" by adverse
weather conditions such as heavy
snowfall, intense light directly into the
camera, dense fog, etc.

Limitations

In certain situations, the BLIS indicator light(s)
may illuminate even when there are no other
vehicles in the area monitored by the system.

NOTE

If the BLIS indicator lights illuminate occa-
sionally even when there are no other vehi-
cles in the blind area, this does not indicate
a fault in the system.

In the event of a fault,

Blind spot syst.

Service required

will be displayed.

The following are several examples of situa-
tions in which the BLIS indicator light(s) may
illuminate even when there are no other vehi-
cles in the area monitored by the system.

Light reflected from a wet road surface

06 Starting and driving

Blind Spot Information System (BLIS)*

170

Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.

G018177

The vehicle's own shadow against a large, light,
smooth surface such as barriers between lanes on
a highway

Sunlight directly in the camera when the sun is low
on the horizon

Cleaning the BLIS camera lenses

In order to function optimally, the BLIS camera
lenses must be kept clean. They can be wiped
clean with a soft cloth or wet sponge.

CAUTION

•

Clean the lenses carefully to avoid
scratching.

•

The lenses are electrically heated to
help melt ice or snow. If necessary, gen-
tly brush away snow from the lenses.

Switching BLIS on and off

G018389

BLIS button (forward button in the illustration)

BLIS is automatically activated when the igni-
tion is switched on. The indicator lights will
provide confirmation by flashing 3 times.

•

The system can be switched off by press-
ing the BLIS button in the center console.
The indicator light in the button goes out

when the system is switched off, and a text
message is displayed.

•

BLIS can be switched on again by pressing
the button. The indicator light in the button
will illuminate and a new text message will
be displayed. Press the READ button, see
page 61, to erase the message.

BLIS system messages

Text in the
display

System status

BLIS SERVICE
REQUIRED

BLIS not functioning
properly. Contact an
authorized Volvo serv-
ice technician.

BLIS CAMERA
BLOCKED

BLIS camera obscured.
Clean the lenses.

BLIS ON

BLIS system on

06 Starting and driving

Blind Spot Information System (BLIS)*

Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.

171

Text in the
display

System status

BLIS OFF

BLIS system off

BLIS REDUCED
FUNCTION

The BLIS cameras'
function has been
reduced due to weak or
impaired data transfer
between the BLIS sys-
tem's cameras and the
vehicle's electrical sys-
tem. The cameras will
reset themselves when
this data transfer has
returned to normal.

06 Starting and driving

Rear park assist*

172

Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.

Introduction

Rear park assist

The park assist system is designed to assist
you when driving into parking spaces, garages,
etc. It utilizes four ultrasound sensors located
in the rear bumper to measure the distance to
a vehicle, object or a person who may be close
to the rear of your vehicle.

WARNING

Park Assist is an information system, NOT a
safety system. This system is designed to
be a supplementary aid when parking the
vehicle. It is not, however, intended to
replace the driver's attention and judge-
ment.

Function

The system is activated automatically when the
vehicle is started. The indicator light in the but-
ton in the center console illuminates. Park
assist monitors the area behind the vehicle
when the engine is running and reverse gear
has been selected.

The distance monitored behind the vehicle is
approximately 5 ft (1.5 m). The signal comes
from the rear speakers.

The system must be deactivated when towing
a trailer, carrying bicycles in a rear-mounted
carrier, etc., which could trigger the rear park
assist system's sensors.

NOTE

Rear park assist is deactivated automati-
cally when towing a trailer if Volvo genuine
trailer wiring is used.

Activating/deactivating park assist

G018389

Park Assist button (rear button in the illustration)

The system is activated automatically when the
vehicle is started.

–

Press the Park assist button on the center
console to temporarily deactivate the sys-
tem. The indicator light in the button will go
out when the system has been deacti-
vated.

–

Park assist will be automatically reactiva-
ted the next time the engine is started, or if
the button is pressed (the indicator light in
the button will illuminate).

06 Starting and driving

Rear park assist*

Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.

173

Audible signals from the park assist
system

The Park Assist system uses an intermittent
tone that pulses faster as you come close to an
object, and becomes constant when you are
within approximately 1 ft (30 cm) of an object
behind the vehicle. If the volume of another
source from the audio system is high, this will
be automatically lowered.

Faults in the system

If the information symbol illumi-
nates and

PARK ASSIST

SERVICE REQUIRED

is shown

on the information display, this
indicates that the system is not

functioning properly and has been disengaged.
Consult a Volvo retailer or authorized Volvo
service technician.

CAUTION

In certain circumstances, the park assist
system may give unexpected warning sig-
nals that can be caused by external sound
sources that use the same ultrasound fre-
quencies as the system. This may include
such things as the horns of other vehicles,
wet tires on asphalt, pneumatic brakes,
motorcycle exhaust pipes, etc. This does
not indicate a fault in the system.

Cleaning the sensors

Park assist sensors

The sensors must be cleaned regularly to
ensure that they work properly. Clean them
with water and a suitable car washing deter-
gent.

Ice and snow covering the sensors may cause
incorrect warning signals.

NOTE

If the sensors are obstructed by e.g., dirt,
snow, or ice, this could result in false warn-
ing signals from the park assist system.

07 Wheels and tires

General information

176

Introduction

Your vehicle is equipped with tires according
to the vehicle's tire information placard on the
B-pillar (the structural member at the side of
the vehicle, at the rear of the driver's door
opening).

CAUTION

Some Volvo models are equipped with an
Ultra High Performance tire and wheel com-
bination designed to provide maximum dry
pavement performance with consideration
for hydroplaning resistance. They may be
more susceptible to road hazard damage
and, depending on driving conditions, may
achieve a tread life of less than 20,000 miles
(30,000 km). Even if this vehicle is equipped
with Volvo’s advanced DSTC system, these
tires are not designed for winter driving, and
should be replaced with winter tires when
weather conditions dictate.

The tires have good road holding characteris-
tics and offer good handling on dry and wet
surfaces. It should be noted however that the
tires have been developed to give these fea-
tures on snow/ice-free surfaces.

Most models are equipped with "all-season"
tires, which provide a somewhat higher degree
of road holding on slippery surfaces than tires
without the "all-season" rating. However, for

optimum road holding on icy or snow-covered
roads, we recommend suitable winter tires on
all four wheels.

When replacing tires, be sure that the new tires
are the same size designation, type (radial) and
preferably from the same manufacturer, on all
four wheels. Otherwise there is a risk of altering
the car's roadholding and handling characte-
ristics.

New Tires

Remember that tires are perishable goods. As
of 2000, the manufacturing week and year
(Department of Transportation (DOT) stamp)
will be indicated with 4 digits (e.g., 1510 means
that the tire illustrated was manufactured dur-
ing week 15 of 2010).

Tire rotation

Your vehicle has no required tire rotation. Tire
wear is affected by a number of factors such
as tire inflation, ambient temperature, driving
style, etc.

NOTE

•

If the tires are rotated, they should only
be moved from front to rear or vice
versa. They should never be rotated left
to right/right to left.

•

Ideally, tire rotation should be done the
first time after approximately 3,000
miles (5,000 km) and thereafter at
6,000-mile (10,000-km) intervals. Some
customers find that tire rotation may
help to get extra mileage from tire life.

•

Tire rotation should only be performed
if front/rear tire wear is fairly even and
tread height is above 1/16" (1.6 mm).

Your Volvo retailer can also provide guidance
based on your particular driving circumstan-
ces.

Tire age

Tires degrade over time, even when they are
not being used. It is recommended that tires
generally be replaced after 6 years of normal
service. Heat caused by hot climates, frequent
high loading conditions or Ultra Violet (U.V)

07 Wheels and tires

General information

177

exposure can accelerate the aging process.
The temporary spare

should also be replaced

at 6-year intervals, even if it has never been
used.

A tire's age can be determined by the DOT
stamp on the sidewall (see the illustration).

A tire with e.g., visible cracks or discoloration
should be replaced immediately.

Tread wear indicator

G020323

The tires have wear indicator strips running
across or parallel to the tread. The letters TWI
are printed on the side of the tire. When
approximately 1/16" (1.6 mm) is left on the

tread, these strips become visible and indicate
that the tire should be replaced. Tires with less
than 1/16" (1.6 mm) tread offer very poor trac-
tion.

When replacing worn tires, it is recommended
that the tire be identical in type (radial) and size
as the one being replaced. Using a tire of the
same make (manufacturer) will prevent altera-
tion of the driving characteristics of the vehicle.

Improving tire economy

•

Maintain correct tire pressure. For the tire
pressure tables, see page 181.

•

Drive smoothly: avoid fast starts, hard
braking and tire screeching.

•

Tire wear increases with speed.

•

Correct front wheel alignment is very
important.

•

Unbalanced wheels impair tire economy
and driving comfort.

•

Tires must maintain the same direction of
rotation throughout their lifetime.

•

When replacing tires, the tires with the
most tread should be mounted on the rear
wheels to reduce the chance of oversteer
during hard braking.

•

Hitting curbs or potholes can damage the
tires and/or wheels permanently.

Summer and winter tires

G020325

The arrows shows the direction of rotation of the
tire

•

When switching between summer and
winter tires, mark the tires to indicate
where they were mounted on the car, e.g.,
LF = left front, RR = right rear

•

Tires with tread designed to roll in only one
direction are marked with an arrow on the
sidewall.

•

Incorrectly mounted tires impair the car's
braking properties and ability to force
aside rain, snow and slush.

Option or accessory on some models

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