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STARTING AND DRIVING
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 the
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 pre-
•
vent condensation.
Engine oil viscosity is important. Oils with
•
lower viscosity (thinner oils) facilitate star-
ting 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.
Use washer fluid with antifreeze to avoid
•
ice forming in the washer fluid reservoir.
See the separate section for engine oil recom-
mendations.
440
Slippery driving conditions
To achieve optimum roadholding Volvo recom-
mends using winter tyres on all wheels if there
is a risk of snow or ice.
NOTE
The use of winter tyres is a legal require-
ment 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.
Related information
Engine oil — specifications (p. 653)
•
Winter tyres (p. 555)
•
Snow chains (p. 556)
•
Braking on gritted roads (p. 411)
•
Braking on wet roads (p. 411)
•
Filling washer fluid (p. 638)
•
Starter battery (p. 597)
•
Replacing windscreen wiper blades
•
(p. 636)
Replacing the wiper blade, rear window
•
(p. 635)
Topping up coolant (p. 596)
•
Adverse driving conditions for engine oil
•
(p. 655)
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 maxi-
mum 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.
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