2022 XC90 Volvo Recommendations for driving Owners Manual

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

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.

Help when starting on a hill

Hill start assist (HSA) prevents the car from rolling backwards when starting on an uphill gradient. When reversing uphill, it prevents the car from rolling forwards.

The function means that the pedal pressure in the brake system remains for several seconds while the driver’s foot is moved from brake pedal to accelerator pedal.

The temporary braking effect releases after several seconds or when the driver starts to drive away.

The Hill Start Assist is activated when stopping on a sleep slope. The function is available even when the automatic braking when stationary (Auto hold) function is deactivated.

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 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.

Drive mode Eco

Drive mode Eco can help you with more eco-friendly driving, with greater fuel economy.

Use this drive mode to save fuel and the environment.

The following properties are adapted for Eco mode:

Gearbox gearshift points.
Engine management and response from the accelerator pedal.
The Eco Coast freewheel function is activated and engine braking is deactivated when the accelerator pedal is released at speeds between 65 and 140 km/h (40 and 87 mph).
Some of the climate control system’s settings work at reduced power or are deactivated.
The level control function provides a low ground clearance in order to reduce wind resistance.
The driver display shows information in an ECO gauge which facilitates environmentally-conscious and fuel-efficient driving.

Free-wheel function Eco Coast

The freewheel function Eco Coast means in practice that engine braking ceases, meaning in turn that the car’s kinetic energy is used to freewheel for longer distances. When the driver releases the accelerator pedal the gearbox is automatically disengaged from the engine whose speed is reduced to idling speed with reduced consumption.

The function is best used where it is possible to freewheel a long way e.g. roads with a slight downhill gradient or when there is a predictable speed reduction to freewheel into a zone with a lower speed limit.

Activating the freewheel function

The function is activated when the accelerator pedal is fully released, in combination with the following parameters:

Drive mode Eco is activated.
The gear selector is in D position.
Speed within the range of approx. 65-140 km/h (40-87 mph).
The road’s downhill gradient is not steeper than approx. 6%.

The driver display shows COASTING when the freewheel function is being used.

Limitations

The freewheel function is not available if

engine and/or gearbox are not at normal operating temperature
the gear selector is moved from the D position to manual position
the speed is outside the range of approx. 65-140 km/h (40-87 mph)
the road’s downhill gradient is steeper than approx. 6%

Deactivating and switching off the freewheel function

In certain situations it may be desirable to deactivate or switch off the function in order to use engine braking. Examples of such situations may be on steep downhill gradients or before an imminent overtaking manoeuvre – in order to be able to do it in the safest way possible.

Deactivate the freewheel function as follows

actuate the accelerator or brake pedal
move the gear selector to manual position

Switch off the freewheel function as follows

change drive mode
switch off drive mode Eco in the function view.

Even without the freewheel function, it is possible to freewheel for short distances. This, in turn, reduces consumption. However, for the best fuel economy it is better to have the freewheel function activated and be able to freewheel for longer distances.

Cruise control Eco Cruise

When using the cruise control in the Eco drive mode, the car’s acceleration and deceleration will be lower compared to other drive modes, which enables further fuel savings. This means that the car’s speed can be slightly above or below the set speed.

On a smooth road, the car’s speed can deviate from the set speed when the cruise control is active and the car free-rolls.
On a steep uphill slope, the car’s speed drops until a downshift is made, then reduced acceleration starts in order to achieve the set speed.
On a downhill slope where the car free-rolls, the car’s speed can be slightly above or below the set speed. The function uses normal engine braking to maintain the set speed. The foot brake is also used if necessary.

Eco gauge in the driver display

Eco gauge in the 12-inch driver display.

Eco gauge in the 8-inch driver display.

The ECO gauge indicates how fuel-efficient the driving is:

With fuel-efficient driving, the gauge shows a low value with the pointer in the green zone.
With non-fuel-efficient driving, e.g. during heavy braking or heavy acceleration, the gauge shows a high value.

The ECO gauge also has an indicator to show how a reference driver would drive the car under the same driving conditions. This is indicated with the short pointer on the gauge.

ECO climate control

In the Eco drive mode, eco climate control is activated automatically in the passenger compartment in order to reduce energy consumption.

Note

When the Eco drive mode is activated, several parameters in the climate control system’s settings are changed, and several electricity consumer functions are reduced. Certain settings can be reset manually, but full functionality is only regained by switching off Eco drive mode or adapting Individual drive mode with full climate functionality.

In the event of difficulties due to misting, press the button for max. defroster which has normal functionality.

Economical driving

A more economical driving style can contribute to lower fuel consumption.

Before driving

If possible, precondition the car before driving.
If preconditioning is not possible when it is cold outside, use seat heating and steering wheel heating first of all. Avoid warming up the whole of the interior which takes energy from the starter battery.
Avoid warming up the car using idling.
Choice of tyres and tyre pressure can affect energy consumption – seek advice on suitable tyres from an authorised Volvo dealer.
Remove unnecessary items from the car – the greater the load the higher the consumption.

While driving

Activate drive mode Eco.
Use gear position D as often as possible.
When driving with manual gear changing, drive in the highest gear possible. Use the gear shift indicator.
Drive at a steady speed and keep a good distance to other vehicles and objects in order to avoid braking, use engine braking if possible.
High speed results in increased energy consumption since the wind resistance increases with speed.
In a cold climate, reduce electrical heating of windows, mirrors, seats and steering wheel, if possible.
Avoid driving with open windows.
Do not hold the car stationary on a hill with the accelerator pedal. Instead, activate the function for automatic braking when stationary.
Use the trip computer to see instantaneous fuel consumption.

Warning
Never switch off the engine while moving, such as downhill, this deactivates important systems such as the power steering and brake servo.

After driving

If possible, park in an acclimated garage.

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

It may also be advisable to make sure that the maps in the navigation system are updated, and to check the regulations for loading and for travelling on a car ferry or train, if appropriate.

Note that additional data roaming costs may be charged when the car is online abroad.

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 not 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.

The car can be driven through water to a maximum depth of 45 cm (17 inches) at no more than walking speed. Extra caution should be exercised when passing through flowing water.

During driving in water, maintain a low speed and do not stop the car. 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.
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.

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 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 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 hard driving.

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.

Driving with a trailer

When driving with a trailer, there are a number 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 equipment 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. Towball load is calculated as part of the car’s payload.
Increase the tyre pressure to the recommended 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.
Follow the regulations in force for the permitted 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 elevations, 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%.

Important
When driving with a trailer in a car with air suspension, use the Dynamic drive mode or the Suspension ControlDynamic setting in Individual drive mode.

Note
Extreme weather conditions, driving with a trailer or driving at high altitudes, in combination with poorer fuel quality than recommended, are factors that considerably increase the car’s fuel consumption.

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

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

Depress the brake pedal.
Activate the parking brake.
Select gear position P.
Release the brake pedal.

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

Starting on a hill

Depress the brake pedal.
Select gear position D.
Releasing the parking brake.
Release the brake pedal and start driving off.

2022 XC90 Volvo Recommendations for driving Owners Manual