Volvo XC40 Recharge Plug-in Hybrid (2021 year). Manual in english - page 27

STARTING AND DRIVING

}}

* Option/accessory.

463

Fuelling instruction:

1. Switch off the car and open the fuel filler

flap.

NOTE

After the fuel filler flap has been opened,
refuelling must take place within about 15
minutes. After this, the valve that was
opened by pressing the button to open the
fuel filler cap is closed, and it is no longer
possible to refuel because the pump nozzle
cuts out.

If the valve is closed before refuelling is
complete - press the button again and wait
until the driver display shows the message

Fuel tank

 

Ready for refuelling

.

2.

Choose fuel that is approved for use in the
car in accordance with the identifier

8

 on

the inside of the fuel filler flap. See infor-
mation on approved fuels and identifier in
the section on "Petrol".

3. Insert the pump nozzle in the fuel filler

opening. The filler pipe has two opening
caps. The pump nozzle must be pushed
past both caps before refuelling is started.

4. Do not overfill the tank but fill until the

pump nozzle cuts out the first time.
> The tank is full.

NOTE

Overfilled fuel in the tank can overflow in
hot weather.

Topping up fuel from a fuel can

When filling with a fuel can, use the funnel
located in the foam block under the floor hatch
in the cargo area.

1. Open the fuel filler flap.

2. Insert the funnel in the fuel filler opening.

The filler pipe has two opening caps. The
funnel's pipe must be pushed past both
caps before filling can be started.

Applicable to cars with fuel-driven
auxiliary heater

*

Never use the fuel-driven heater when the car
is in a filling station area.

8

The identifier in accordance with the CEN standard EN16942 is located on the inside of the fuel filler flap, and will be on corresponding fuel pumps and their nozzles at filling stations throughout

Europe by 12 October 2018 at the latest.

||

STARTING AND DRIVING

464

Decal on the inside of the fuel filler flap.

Related information

•

Opening and closing the fuel filler flap
(p. 461)

•

Petrol (p. 465)

Handling of fuel

Do not use fuel with a lower quality than that
recommended by Volvo, as this will nega-
tively affect engine power and fuel consump-
tion.

WARNING

Always avoid inhaling fuel vapour and get-

ting fuel splashes in the eyes.
In the event of fuel in the eyes, remove any

contact lenses and rinse the eyes in plenty

of water for at least 15 minutes and seek

medical attention.
Never swallow fuel. Fuels such as petrol,

bioethanol and mixtures of them and diesel

are highly toxic and could cause permanent

injury or be fatal if swallowed. Seek medi-

cal attention immediately if fuel has been

swallowed.

WARNING

Fuel which spills onto the ground can be

ignited.
Switch off the fuel-driven heater before

starting to refuel.
Never carry an activated mobile phone

when refuelling. The ring signal could

cause spark build-up and ignite petrol

fumes, leading to fire and injury.

IMPORTANT

Mixtures of various fuel types or use of
fuels which are not recommended will
invalidate Volvo's guarantees and any sup-
plementary service agreements; this is
applicable to all engines.

Related information

•

Petrol (p. 465)

STARTING AND DRIVING

465

Petrol

It is important to use the correct fuel during
refuelling. Petrol is available with different
octane ratings that are adapted for different
types of driving.

Only use petrol from well-known producers.
Never use fuel of dubious quality. The petrol
must fulfil the EN 228 standard.

Identifier for petrol

Decal on the inside of the fuel filler flap.

The identifier in accordance with the CEN
standard EN16942 is located on the inside of
the fuel filler flap, and will be on corresponding
fuel pumps and their nozzles at filling stations
throughout Europe by 12 October 2018 at the
latest.

These are the identifiers that apply for current
standard fuels in Europe. Petrol with the fol-
lowing identifiers may be used in cars with
petrol engine:

E5 is a petrol with maximum
2.7% oxygen and maximum
5 volume % ethanol.

E10 is a petrol with maximum
3.7% oxygen and maximum
10 volume % ethanol.

IMPORTANT

•

Fuel that contains up to 10 percent by
volume ethanol is permitted.

•

EN 228 E10 petrol (max 10 percent by
volume ethanol) is approved for use.

•

Ethanol higher than E10
(max. 10 percent by volume ethanol) is
not permitted, e.g. E85 is not permit-
ted.

Octane rating

•

RON 95 can be used for normal driving.

•

RON 98 is recommended for good power
and low fuel consumption.

•

An octane rating lower than RON 95 must
not be used.

When driving in temperatures above +38 °C
(100 °F), fuel with the highest octane rating is
recommended for adapted performance and
fuel economy.

IMPORTANT

•

Use only unleaded petrol to avoid dam-
aging the catalytic converter.

•

Fuel containing metallic additives must
not be used.

•

Do not use any additives which have
not been recommended by Volvo.

Related information

•

Handling of fuel (p. 464)

•

Filling fuel (p. 462)

•

Petrol particle filter (p. 466)

•

Fuel consumption and CO

2

 emissions

(p. 662)

STARTING AND DRIVING

466

Petrol particle filter

9

Petrol cars are fitted with particle filters for
more efficient emission control.

Particles in the exhaust gases are collected in
the petrol particle filter during normal driving.
In normal driving conditions, passive regenera-
tion takes place, which leads to the particles
being oxidised and burned away. The filter is
emptied in this way.

If the car is driven at low speed or with repea-
ted cold starts in low outside temperature,
active regeneration may be necessary. Regen-
eration of the particulate filter is automatic and
normally takes 10-20 minutes. Fuel consump-
tion may temporarily increase during regenera-
tion.

When driving short distances at low
speeds in a petrol car

The capacity of the emissions system is affec-
ted by how the car is driven. Driving varying
distances and at different speeds is important
in order to achieve performance that is as
energy-efficient as possible.

Driving short distances at low speeds (or in
cold climates) frequently, where the engine
does not reach normal operating temperature,
can lead to problems that can eventually
cause a malfunction and trigger a warning
message. If the vehicle is mostly driven in city

traffic, it is important to regularly drive at
higher speeds to allow the emissions system
to regenerate.

•

The car should be driven on A-roads at
speeds in excess of 70 km/h (44 mph) for
at least 20 minutes between each refuel-
ling.

Related information

•

Petrol (p. 465)

Overheating in the engine and

drive system

Under certain conditions, e.g. hard driving in
hilly terrain and hot climate, there is a risk
that the engine and drive system may over-
heat – in particular with a heavy load.

•

In the event of overheating, the engine's
power may be limited temporarily.

•

Remove any auxiliary lamps from in front
of the grille when driving in hot climates.

•

If the temperature in the engine's cooling
system becomes too high then a warning
symbol is illuminated and the driver dis-
play shows the message 

Engine

temperature

 

High temperature Stop

safely

. Stop the car in a safe way and

allow the engine to run at idling speed for
several minutes and cool down.

•

If the message 

Engine temperature

High temperature Turn off engine

 or

Engine coolant

 

Level low, turn off

engine

 is shown, stop the car and switch

off the engine.

•

In the event of overheating in the gearbox,
an alternative gear shift program will be
selected. In addition, a built-in protection
function is activated that, amongst other
things, illuminates a warning symbol and
the driver display shows the message

Transmission warm

 

Reduce speed to

9

Applicable to certain variants.

STARTING AND DRIVING

467

lower temperature

 or 

Transmission hot

Stop safely, wait for cooling

. Follow the

recommendation given, reduce speed or
stop the car in a safe way and allow the
engine to run at idling speed for several
minutes to enable the gearbox to cool
down.

•

If the car overheats, the air conditioning
may be switched off temporarily.

•

Do not turn the engine off immediately
you stop after a hard drive.

NOTE

It is normal for the engine's cooling fan to
operate for a time after the engine has
been switched off.

Symbols in the driver display

Symbol Specification

High engine temperature. Follow
the recommendation given.

Low level, coolant. Follow the
recommendation given.

Gearbox hot/overheated/cooled.
Follow the recommendation
given.

Related information

•

Topping up coolant (p. 604)

•

Driving with a trailer (p. 473)

•

Preparations for a long trip (p. 459)

•

Gear shift indicator (p. 449)

Overloading the starter battery

The electrical functions in the car load the
starter battery to varying degrees. Avoid
using the ignition position 

II

 when the car is

switched off. Instead, use ignition position 

I

 -

which uses less power.

Also, be aware of different accessories that
load the electrical system. Do not use func-
tions which use a lot of power when the car is
switched off. Examples of such functions are:

•

ventilation fan

•

headlamps

•

windscreen wiper

•

audio system (high volume).

If the starter battery voltage is low, a message
is shown in the driver display. The energy-sav-
ing function then shuts down certain functions
or reduces certain functions such as the venti-
lation fan and/or audio system.

–

In which case, charge the starter battery
by starting the car and then running it for
at least 15 minutes - starter battery charg-
ing is more effective during driving than
running the engine at idling speed while
stationary.

Related information

•

Starter battery (p. 606)

•

Ignition positions (p. 432)

STARTING AND DRIVING

468

Using jump starting with another

battery

If the starter battery is discharged then the
car can be started with current from another
battery.

Charging point for jump-starting own car. There are

two connection points under the cover. Only use the

one closest to the passenger compartment.

IMPORTANT

The car’s charging point is only intended
for jump-starting the car itself. The charg-
ing point is not intended for jump-starting
another car. Using the charging point to
jump start another car may cause a fuse to
blow, which means the charging point will
stop working.

When a fuse has blown the message 

12 V

Battery

 

Fuse failure Service required

 is

shown in the driver display. Volvo recom-
mends that an authorised Volvo workshop is
contacted.

When jump-starting the car, the following
steps are recommended to avoid short circuits
or other damage:

1. Set the car's electrical system in ignition

position 

0

.

2. Check that the donor battery has a voltage

of 12 V.

3. If the donor battery is installed in another

car - switch off the donor car's engine and
make sure that the two cars do not touch
each other.

4. Connect one of the red jump lead's

clamps to the donor battery's positive ter-
minal (1).

IMPORTANT

Connect the start cable carefully to avoid
short circuits with other components in the
engine compartment.

5. Open the positive jump-starting point's

cover (2).

There are two connection points under the
cover. Only use the connection point clos-
est to the passenger compartment.

6. Connect the red jump lead's other clamp

onto the car's positive jump-starting point
(2).

7. Connect one of the black jump lead's

clamps to the donor battery's negative ter-
minal (3).

8. Connect the black jump lead's other

clamp onto the car's negative jump-star-
ting point (4).

9. Check that the jump lead clamps are

affixed securely so that there are no sparks
during the starting attempt.

10. Start the engine of the "donor car" and

allow it to run a few minutes at a speed
slightly higher than idle approx. 1500 rpm.

STARTING AND DRIVING

469

11. Hold down the start button for at least 5

seconds without your foot on the brake to
activate the car's electrical system.

NOTE

When starting the engine in normal condi-
tions, the car's electric drive motor is priori-
tised – the internal combustion engine
remains switched off. This means that after
the start button has been depressed, the
electric motor has "started" and the car is
ready to move. A started motor is indicated
by the driver display's indicator lamps
extinguishing and its preset theme illumi-
nating.

IMPORTANT

Do not touch the connections between
cable and car during the starting attempt.
There is a risk of sparks forming.

12. Wait at least 2 minutes in order to charge

the starter battery and then make a start
attempt.

13. If the attempt at starting fails, repeat

points 11 and 12.

14. Remove the jump leads in reverse order -

first the black and then the red.

Make sure that none of the black jump
lead's clamps comes into contact with the
car's positive jump-starting point/donor
battery's positive terminal or the clamp
connected to the red jump lead.

WARNING

•

The battery can generate oxyhydrogen
gas, which is highly explosive. A spark
can be formed if a jump lead is con-
nected incorrectly, and this can be
enough for the battery to explode.

•

Do not connect the jump leads to any
fuel system component or any moving
part. Be careful of hot engine parts.

•

The battery contains sulphuric acid,
which can cause serious burns.

•

If sulphuric acid comes into contact
with eyes, skin or clothing, flush with
large quantities of water. If acid
splashes into the eyes - seek medical
attention immediately.

•

Never smoke near the battery.

NOTE

The car cannot be started if the hybrid bat-
tery is discharged.

Related information

•

Starting the car (p. 430)

•

Ignition positions (p. 432)

•

Adjusting the steering wheel (p. 183)

•

Selecting ignition mode (p. 433)

STARTING AND DRIVING

* Option/accessory.

470

Towbar

*

The car can be equipped with a towbar that
makes it possible to tow e.g. a trailer behind
the car.

There may be different towbar variants availa-
ble for the car. Contact a Volvo dealer for more
information.

IMPORTANT

When the engine is switched off, the con-
stant battery voltage to the trailer connec-
tor can be switched off automatically so as
not to drain the starter battery.

IMPORTANT

The towball needs regular cleaning and
lubrication with grease in order to prevent
wear.

NOTE

When a hitch with a vibration damper is
used, the towball must not be lubricated.

This also applies when fitting a bicycle rack
that is clamped in around the towball.

Related information

•

Extendable and retractable towbar

*

(p. 471)

•

Driving with a trailer (p. 473)

•

Towbar-mounted bicycle rack

*

 (p. 477)

•

Specifications for towbar

*

 (p. 470)

Specifications for towbar

*

Dimensions and mounting points for towbar.

STARTING AND DRIVING

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* Option/accessory.

471

Dimensions, mounting points in mm
(inches)

A

939 (37)

B

72 (2.8)

C

6 (0.24)

D

145 (5.7)

E

88 (3.5)

F

Side beam tilts 8 degrees

G

353 (13.9)

H

1048 (41.3)

I

524 (20.6)

Related information

•

Towbar

*

 (p. 470)

•

Towing capacity and towball load (p. 654)

Extendable and retractable

towbar

*

The retractable tow hook is easy to retract or
extend as required. In the retracted position,
the towbar is completely concealed.

WARNING

Follow the instructions for retracting and

extending the towbar carefully.

WARNING

Do not press the extend/retract button if a

trailer or accessory is attached to the tow

bar.

Extending the towbar

WARNING

Avoid standing close to the bumper in the

centre behind the car when extending the

towing hitch.

1.

Open the tailgate. A button for extending/
retracting the towbar is located on the
right-hand side at the rear of the cargo
area. An indicator lamp in the button must
illuminate with a constant orange glow for
the extension function to be active.

||

STARTING AND DRIVING

472

2. Press and release the button – extension

might not start if the button is pressed for
too long.

> The towbar extends out and down in an

unlocked position - the indicator lamp
flashes orange. The tow hook is ready
to continue moving to the locked posi-
tion.

3.

Move the towbar to its end position,
where it is secured and locked in place -
the indicator lamp illuminates with a con-
stant orange glow.
> The towbar is ready for use.

IMPORTANT

When the tow bar is activated by pressing
a key and has been placed in the unlocked
position:

Wait at least 2 seconds before the tow bar
is moved to the locked position. If the tow
bar does not remain in the locked position,
wait another few seconds and try again.

Do not kick the tow bar.

WARNING

Take care to secure the trailer's safety

cable in the intended bracket.

NOTE

Power save mode activates after a while
and the indicator lamp goes out. The sys-
tem is reactivated by closing and opening
the tailgate. This applies when retracting or
extending the towbar.

If the car detects a connected trailer elec-
trically, the indicator lamp stops illuminat-
ing with a constant glow.

Retracting the towbar

IMPORTANT

Make sure that there is no plug or adapter
in the electrical socket when retracting the
towbar.

1. Open the tailgate. Press and release the

button on the right-hand side at the rear of
the cargo area - retraction might not start
if the button is pressed for too long.
> The towbar automatically lowers in an

unlocked position - the indicator lamp
in the button flashes orange.

STARTING AND DRIVING

}}

* Option/accessory.

473

2.

Lock the towbar by moving it back to its
retracted position, where it is locked.
> The indicator lamp will now illuminate

with a constant glow if the towbar is
correctly retracted.

IMPORTANT

When the tow bar is activated by pressing
a key and has been placed in the unlocked
position:

Wait at least 2 seconds before the tow bar
is moved to the locked position. If the tow
bar does not remain in the locked position,
wait another few seconds and try again.

Do not kick the tow bar.

Related information

•

Driving with a trailer (p. 473)

•

Towbar

*

 (p. 470)

Driving with a trailer

When driving with a trailer, there are a num-
ber of points that are important to think about
regarding the towbar, the trailer and how the
load is positioned in the trailer.

Payload depends on the car's kerb weight. The
total of the weight of the passengers and all
accessories, e.g. towbar, reduces the car's
payload by a corresponding weight.

The car is supplied with the necessary equip-
ment for towing a trailer.

•

The car's towbar must be of an approved
type.

•

Distribute the load on the trailer so that
the weight on the towbar complies with
the specified maximum towball load. Tow-
ball load is calculated as part of the car's
payload.

•

Increase the tyre pressure to the recom-
mended pressure for a full load.

•

The engine is loaded more heavily than
usual when driving with a trailer.

•

Do not tow a heavy trailer when the car is
brand new. Wait until it has been driven at
least 1000 km (620 miles).

•

The brakes are loaded much more than
usual on long and steep downhill slopes.
Downshift to a lower gear when shifting
manually and adjust your speed.

||

STARTING AND DRIVING

* Option/accessory.

474

•

Follow the regulations in force for the per-
mitted speeds and weights.

•

Maintain a low speed when driving with a
trailer up long, steep ascents.

•

The maximum indicated trailer weight only
applies to heights up to 1000 metres
above sea level (3280 ft). At higher eleva-
tions, the engine output and the vehicle's
climbing ability are reduced due to the
reduced air density, and the maximum
trailer load must therefore be reduced. The
weight of the car and trailer must be
decreased by 10% for each additional
1000 m (3280 ft) or part thereof.

•

Avoid driving with a trailer on inclines of
more than 12%.

NOTE

Extreme weather conditions, driving with a
trailer or driving at high altitudes, in combi-
nation with poorer fuel quality than recom-
mended, are factors that considerably
increase the car's fuel consumption.

Trailer connector

An adapter is required if the car's towbar has a
13 pin connector and the trailer has a 7 pin
connector. Use an adapter approved by Volvo.
Make sure the cable does not drag on the
ground.

IMPORTANT

When the engine is switched off, the con-
stant battery voltage to the trailer connec-
tor can be switched off automatically so as
not to drain the starter battery.

Trailer weights

WARNING

Follow the stated recommendations for

trailer weights. Otherwise, the car and

trailer may be difficult to control in the

event of sudden movement and braking.

NOTE

The stated maximum permitted trailer
weights are those permitted by Volvo.
National vehicle regulations can further
limit trailer weights and speeds. Towbars
can be certified for higher towing weights
than the car can actually tow.

Level control

*

The car's system for level control endeavours
to maintain a constant height regardless of
load (up to the maximum permissible weight).
When the car is stationary the rear of the car
lowers slightly, which is normal.

When driving in hilly terrain and hot
climates

Under certain circumstances, there may be a
risk of overheating when towing a trailer. If the
engine and drive system overheats, a warning
symbol comes on in the driver display and a
message is displayed.

The automatic gearbox adapts the gears
depending on load and engine speed.

Steep inclines

Do not lock the automatic gearbox in a higher
gear than the engine "can cope with" - it is not
always a good idea to drive at a high gear with
low engine speed.

Parking on a hill

1. Depress the brake pedal fully.

2. Activate the parking brake.

3. Select gear position 

P

.

4. Release the brake pedal.

Block the wheels with chocks when parking a
car with hitched trailer on a hill.

Starting on a hill

1. Depress the brake pedal fully.

2. Select gear position 

D

.

3. Releasing the parking brake.

4. Release the brake pedal and start driving

off.

STARTING AND DRIVING

}}

* Option/accessory.

475

Related information

•

Trailer stability assist

*

 (p. 475)

•

Checking trailer lamps (p. 476)

•

Towing capacity and towball load (p. 654)

•

Overheating in the engine and drive sys-
tem (p. 466)

•

Adverse driving conditions for engine oil
(p. 658)

•

Extendable and retractable towbar

*

(p. 471)

Trailer stability assist

*

The function of trailer stability assist (TSA

10

),

which is included in the stability system
ESC

11

, is to stabilise cars towing trailers in

situations where they begin snaking. The
function is available with towbar installation,
contact a Volvo dealer for more information.

Reasons for snaking

The snaking phenomenon can occur with any
car/trailer combination. Snaking normally
occurs at high speeds. However, there is a risk
of it occurring at lower speeds if the trailer is
overloaded or the load is improperly distrib-
uted, e.g. too far back.

In order for snaking to occur, there must be a
triggering factor, e.g.:

•

Car with trailer subjected to a sudden and
powerful side wind.

•

Car with trailer drives on an uneven road
surface or in a pothole.

•

Sweeping steering wheel movements.

If snaking has started, it could be difficult or
even impossible to suppress. This makes the
car/trailer combination difficult to control and
there is a risk that you could, for example, end
up in the wrong lane or leave the carriageway.

Trailer stability assist function

The trailer stability assist function continually
monitors the car's movements, particularly lat-
eral movements. If snaking is detected, the
front wheels are individually braked. This
serves to stabilise the car/trailer combination.
This is often enough to help the driver regain
control of the car.

If snaking is not eliminated the first time that
trailer stability assist intervenes, the car/trailer
combination is braked with all wheels and
engine power is reduced. Once snaking has
been gradually suppressed and the car/trailer
combination is stable once again, the system
stops regulating and the driver once again has
full control of the car.

NOTE

The stability function is deactivated if the
driver chooses to activate 

ESC Sport

Mode

 via the menu system in the centre

display.

Trailer stability assist may fail to intervene if
the driver uses severe steering wheel move-
ments to try to rectify the snaking because in
such a situation the system cannot determine
whether it is the trailer or the driver causing
the snaking.

10

Trailer Stability Assist

11

Electronic Stability Control

||

STARTING AND DRIVING

* Option/accessory.

476

When Trailer Stability Assist
(TSA) is operating, the ESC
symbol flashes in the driver
display.

NOTE

Retrofitting a towbar requires an update of
the car's software, contact a Volvo dealer.

Related information

•

Driving with a trailer (p. 473)

•

Electronic stability control (p. 275)

Checking trailer lamps

When connecting a trailer - check that all the
trailer lamps work before departure.

Direction indicators and brake lights
on the trailer

If one or more of the trailer's direction indica-
tors or brake light bulbs is broken, the driver
display shows a symbol and a message. Other
lights on the trailer must be checked manually
by the driver before setting off.

Symbol Message

•

Trailer turn indicator

 

Right

turn indicator malfunction

•

Trailer turn indicator

 

Left

turn indicator malfunction

•

Trailer brake light

 

Malfunc-

tion

If any lamp for the trailer's direction indicators
is broken, the driver display symbol for direc-
tion indicators will also flash more quickly than
normal.

Rear fog lamp on trailer

When connecting the trailer, the rear fog lamp
may not light up on the car. In such cases, the
rear fog lamp function switches to the trailer.
Upon activation of the rear fog lamp, check

therefore that the trailer is equipped with a
rear fog lamp to travel safely.

Checking trailer lamps

*

Automatic checking

After a trailer is connected electrically, it is
possible to check that the trailer lamps are
working via an automatic lamp activation. The
function helps the driver check that the trailer
lamps are working before starting off.

The car must be switched off to perform the
check.

1. When a trailer is connected to the towbar,

the 

Automatic Trailer Lamp Check

 mes-

sage is shown in the driver display.

2. Confirm the message by pressing the

right-hand steering wheel keypad's 

O

 but-

ton.
> The lamp check starts.

3. Exit the car to check lamp functionality.

> All trailer lamps start to flash - then the

lamps are switched on one at a time.

4. Visually check that all lamps available on

the trailer are operational.

5. After a moment, all lamps on the trailer

flash again.
> The check is complete.

STARTING AND DRIVING

}}

* Option/accessory.

477

Switching off automatic checking

The automatic checking function can be
switched off in the centre display.

1. Press 

Settings

 in the top view.

2. Press 

My Car

Lights and Lighting

.

3. Deselect 

Automatic Trailer Lamp

Check

.

Manual checking

If the automatic checking is switched off then
it is possible to start the check manually.

1. Press 

Settings

 in the top view.

2. Press 

My Car

Lights and Lighting

.

3. Select 

Manual Trailer Lamp Check

.

> The lamp check starts. Exit the car to

check lamp functionality.

Related information

•

Driving with a trailer (p. 473)

Towbar-mounted bicycle rack

*

When using a bicycle rack, the bicycle racks
that Volvo has developed are recommended.

This is in order to avoid damage to the car and
in order to achieve the maximum possible
safety during a journey. Volvo's bicycle racks
are available for purchase at authorised Volvo
dealers.

Carefully follow the instructions enclosed with
the bicycle rack.

•

Bicycle rack including load must weigh a
maximum of 75 kg (165 pounds).

•

The bicycle rack may be designed for a
maximum of three bicycles.

WARNING

Incorrect use of the bicycle rack may cause

damage to the towbar and car.
The bicycle rack can loosen from the tow-

bar if it

•

is incorrectly fitted on the towball

•

is overloaded, see the bicycle rack's
instructions for maximum load weight

•

is used for carrying something other
than bicycles.

The car's driving characteristics are affected
when a bicycle rack is fitted on the towbar.
For example due to:

•

increased weight

•

reduced acceleration capacity

•

reduced ground clearance

•

changed braking capacity.

Recommendations for loading
bicycles on the bicycle rack

The larger the distance between the load's
centre of gravity and the towball, the greater
the load on the towbar.

Load according to the following recommenda-
tions:

•

Fit the heaviest bicycle furthest in, closest
to the car.

•

Keep the load symmetrical and as close to
the centre of the car as possible e.g. by
loading the bicycles facing alternately if
several bicycles are loaded.

•

Remove loose objects from the bicycle for
transportation, e.g. bicycle basket, battery,
child seat. Partly to reduce the load on the
towbar and bicycle rack, and partly to
reduce the wind resistance, which affects
fuel consumption.

•

Do not use protective covers on the bicy-
cles. This may affect manoeuvrability,
impair visibility and increase fuel con-

||

STARTING AND DRIVING

* Option/accessory.

478

sumption. It may also lead to an increased
load on the towbar.

Related information

•

Towbar

*

 (p. 470)

Towing

During towing, the car is towed by another
vehicle by means of a towline.

Towing the car is not permitted as this will
damage the electric motor. Instead, the car
must be transported raised with all the wheels
on a recovery vehicle's platform, neither of the
wheel pairs may have road contact.

When towing another car

Find out the statutory maximum speed limit
for towing before the towing begins.

Jump starting

Tow-starting the motor is not permitted as
this will damage the electric motor. Use a
donor battery if the starter battery is dis-
charged and the engine does not start.

IMPORTANT

The electric drive motor and the catalytic
converter may be damaged during
attempts to tow-start the car.

Related information

•

Fitting and removing the towing eye
(p. 479)

•

Hazard warning flashers (p. 149)

•

Recovery (p. 480)

•

Using jump starting with another battery
(p. 468)

•

Selecting ignition mode (p. 433)

•

Gearbox (p. 444)