Find out the statutory maximum speed limit for towing before the towing begins.
Important
Towing a car with a seven-speed gearbox is not permitted. Instead, the car must be transported raised with all the wheels on a recovery vehicle’s platform. Contact a Volvo dealer to determine what applies for your car.
Preparations and towing
Important
Some gearbox variants prevent shifting out of the P position unless the engine is running. Contact an authorised Volvo workshop for assistance when towing, or summon professional help for recovery.
Important
Note that the car must always be towed with the wheels rolling forward.
- Do not tow cars with automatic transmission at speeds higher than 80 km/h (50 mph) or for distances in excess of 80 km (50 miles).
Warning
- Check that the steering lock is unlocked before towing.
- Ignition position II must be active – in ignition position I all airbags are deactivated.
- Always keep the key in the car when it is being towed.
Warning
The brake servo and power steering do not work when the engine is switched off – the brake pedal needs to be depressed about 5 times more heavily and the steering is considerably heavier than normal.
- Activate the car’s hazard warning flashers.
- Secure the towline in the towing eye.
- Deactivate the steering lock by unlocking the car.
Set the car in ignition position II – turn the start knob clockwise without depressing the brake pedal, and hold the knob in place for approx. 4 seconds. Then release the knob, which automatically returns to its starting position.
Move the gear selector to neutral position and release the parking brake.
If the battery voltage is too low, the parking brake cannot be disengaged. Connect a donor battery if the battery voltage is too low.
The towing vehicle can now start towing.
Keep the towline taut when the towing vehicle reduces speed by holding your foot gently pressed on the brake pedal – thereby avoiding unnecessary jerking.
Be prepared to brake to stop.
Jump starting
Do not tow the car to jump start the engine. Use a donor battery if the starter battery is discharged and the engine does not start.
Important
The catalytic converter may be damaged during attempts to tow-start the engine.
Braking on gritted roads
When driving on salted roads, a layer of salt may form on the brake discs and brake linings.
This may extend braking distance. You should therefore maintain a greater safety distance to vehicles in front. In addition, make sure you do the following:
- Brake now and again to remove any layer of salt. Make sure that other road users are not put at risk by the braking.
- Gently depress the brake pedal after finishing driving and before starting your next trip.
Braking on wet roads
When driving for a prolonged period of time in heavy rain without braking, the braking effect may be delayed slightly when next using the brakes.
This may also be the case after a car wash. It is then necessary to depress the brake pedal more forcefully. You should therefore maintain a greater distance to the vehicles in front.
Brake the car firmly after driving on wet roads or using a car wash. This warms up the brake discs, enabling them to dry faster and protecting them against corrosion. Bear in mind the current traffic situation when braking.
Parking on a hill
Always make sure that the parking brake has been activated when parking on a hill.
Warning
Always use the parking brake when parking on an inclined surface. Engaging a gear or the automatic transmission’s P position is not sufficient to hold the car stationary in all situations.
If the car is parked facing uphill:
- Turn the wheels away from the kerb.
If the car is parked facing downhill:
- Turn the wheels towards the kerb.
Heavy load uphill
A heavy load, such as a trailer, can cause the car to roll backward when the parking brake is released automatically on a steep incline. Avoid this by pulling the control upwards while driving the car away. Release the control when the engine achieves traction.
Petrol particle filter
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 regeneration 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 repeated cold starts in low outside temperature, active regeneration may be necessary. Regeneration of the particulate filter is automatic and normally takes 10-20 minutes. Fuel consumption may temporarily increase during regeneration.
When driving short distances at low speeds in a petrol car
The capacity of the emissions system is affected 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) between each refuelling.
Petrol station
Use the car’s navigation system in order to find the route to the closest petrol station.
When stopping to refuel it is a good idea to make a general inspection of the car as well, such as checking tyre pressure, bulbs, wiper blades, topping up washer fluid, etc.
Empty tank and diesel engine
Once the engine has stopped due to fuel starvation, the fuel system needs a few moments to carry out a check.
Before starting the car after the fuel tank has been filled with diesel – proceed as follows:
- The key must be inside the car.
- Set the car in ignition position II by turning the start knob clockwise without depressing the brake pedal, and hold the knob in place for approx. 4 seconds. Then release the knob, which automatically returns to its starting position.
- Wait approx. one minute.
- Start the engine.
Note
Before filling with fuel in the event of fuel shortage:
- Stop the car on as flat/level ground as possible – if the car is tilting there is a risk of air pockets in the fuel supply.
Points to remember when filling with a fuel can
When filling diesel with a fuel can, use the funnel located under the floor hatch in the cargo area. Make sure you insert the funnel’s pipe firmly into the filler pipe. The filler pipe has two opening caps. The funnel’s pipe must be pushed past both caps before filling can be started.
Diesel particulate filter
Diesel cars are fitted with particle filters for more efficient emission control.
Particles in the exhaust gases are collected in the diesel particle filter during normal driving. When these conditions have been met, regeneration starts to burn off the particles and empty the filter. To start regeneration, the engine must have reached normal operating temperature. Regeneration of the particulate filter is automatic and normally takes 10-20 minutes.
Note
The following may arise during regeneration:
- a smaller reduction of engine power may be noticed temporarily
- fuel consumption may increase temporarily
- a smell of burning may arise.
Use the parking heater in cold weather – the engine then reaches normal operating temperature more quickly.
Important
If the filter is completely filled with particles, it may be difficult to start the engine and the filter is non-functional. Then there is a risk that the filter will need to be replaced.
When driving short distances at low speeds in a diesel car
The capacity of the emissions system is affected 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 60 km/h (38 mph) for at least 20 minutes between each refuelling.
Preparations for a long trip
Before a driving holiday or some other type of long journey, it is important to check the car’s functions and equipment particularly carefully.
Check that
- the engine is working normally and that fuel consumption is normal
- there are no leaks (fuel, oil or other fluid)
- braking effect on braking works as intended
- all lamps are working – adjust headlamp level if the car is heavily laden
- the tyres have sufficient tread depth and pressure. Change to winter tyres when driving to areas where there is a risk of snowy or icy road surfaces
- starter battery charging is good
- the wiper blades are in good condition
- a warning triangle and high-visibility vest are located in the car – legally required in certain countries
Overloading the starter battery
High power consumption without the car being able to charge the starter battery leads to low battery level and some electric functions being reduced or switched off. If the battery level decreases to below a certain limit, it is no longer possible to start the car without jump starting or charging with an external charger.
There are several measures that reduce power consumption. Avoid using the ignition position II when the car is switched off. Instead, use ignition position I – which consumes less power. Do not use functions which use a lot of power when the car is not being driven. Examples of such functions are:
- ventilation fan
- headlamps
- windscreen wiper
- audio system
- accessories that are activated in the car.
If the battery level is low, a message is shown in the driver display. The energy-saving function then shuts down certain functions or reduces certain functions such as the ventilation fan and audio system.
In which case, charge the starter battery by starting the car and then running it for at least 15 minutes – starter battery charging is more effective during driving than running the engine at idling speed while stationary.
If the battery level continues to be low after the measures have been taken, the car should be checked at a workshop – an authorised Volvo workshop is recommended.
Note
High current take-off may lead to low battery level, which temporarily limits the start/stop function. The engine then starts automatically without the driver lifting his/her foot from the brake pedal.
Driving in water
Wading means the car being driven through water e.g. on a flooded road. Driving in water must be performed with great caution.
While driving in water
Observe the following to prevent damage to the car when driving through water:
- The car can be driven through water to a maximum depth of 40 cm (15 inches).
- Do not drive faster than walking pace.
- Do not stop the car in the water. Drive forward carefully or reverse the car back out of the water.
- Extra caution should be exercised when passing through flowing water.
- Do not let the car stand with water over the sills for any long period of time – this could cause electrical malfunctions.
Important
- Engine damage can occur if water enters the air filter.
- If water enters the transmission, it reduces the lubricating ability of the oil, which shortens the service life of related systems.
- Damage to any component, engine, transmission, turbocharger, differential or its internal components caused by flooding, hydrostatic locking or oil shortage, is not covered by the warranty.
- In the event of the engine stalling in water, do not try restart – tow the car from the water to a workshop – an authorised Volvo workshop is recommended. Risk of engine breakdown.
After driving in water
When the water has been passed, depress the brake pedal lightly and check that full brake function is achieved. Water and mud for example can make the brake linings wet resulting in delayed brake function.
If necessary, clean the contacts for the electric heater and trailer coupling after driving in water and mud.
Winter driving
For winter driving it is important to perform certain checks of the car in order to ensure that it can be driven safely.
Check the following in particular before a cold season:
- The engine coolant must contain 50% glycol. This mixture protects the engine against frost down to approx. -35°C (-31°F). To avoid health risks, different types of glycol must not be mixed.
- The fuel tank must be kept filled to prevent condensation.
- Engine oil viscosity is important. Oils with lower viscosity (thinner oils) facilitate starting in cold weather and also reduce fuel consumption while the engine is cold.
- The condition of the starter battery and charge level must be inspected. Cold weather places great demands on the starter battery and its capacity is reduced by the cold.
- The condition of the battery and its charge level must be inspected. Cold weather places higher demands on the battery and its capacity is reduced by the cold.
- Use washer fluid with antifreeze to avoid ice forming in the washer fluid reservoir.
See the separate section for engine oil recommendations.
Slippery driving conditions
To achieve optimum road-holding Volvo recommends using winter tyres on all wheels if there is a risk of snow or ice.
Note
The use of winter tyres is a legal requirement in certain countries. Studded tyres are not permitted in all countries.
Practise driving on slippery surfaces under controlled conditions to learn how the car reacts.
Overheating in the engine and drive system
Under certain conditions, e.g. hard driving in hilly terrain and hot climate, there is an increased risk of overheating the engine and drive system – 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 display shows the message Stop safely High engine temperature. 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 Turn off engine High engine temperature or Turn off engine Coolant level low 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 Reduce speed to lower temperature Transmission warm or Stop safely Transmission hot 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. |