06 Starting And Driving; Engine, Gearbox And Cooling System; General - Volvo XC90 Owner's Manual

06 Starting and driving

General

Economical driving
Driving economically means driving smoothly
while thinking ahead and adjusting your driv-
ing style and speed to the prevailing condi-
tions.
•
Avoid driving with open windows.
•
Do not use winter tyres when the winter
season is over.
•
Avoid sudden unnecessary acceleration
and heavy braking.
•
Remove unnecessary items from the car -
the greater the load the higher the fuel
consumption.
•
Use engine braking to slow down, when it
can take place without risk to other road
users.
•
Drive in the highest gear possible, adap-
ted to the current traffic situation and
06
road - lower engine speeds result in lower
fuel consumption.
•
A roof load and ski box increase air resis-
tance, leading to higher fuel consumption
- remove the load carriers when not in
use.
•
Do not run the engine to operating tem-
perature at idling speed, but rather drive
with a light load as soon as possible - a
cold engine consumes more fuel than a
warm one.
140
For more information and further advice, see
the pages 13 and 296.
WARNING
Never switch off the engine while moving,
such as downhill, this deactivates impor-
tant systems such as the power steering
and brake servo.
Driving in water
The car can be driven through water at a
maximum depth of 40 cm at a maximum
speed of 10 km/h. Extra caution should be
exercised when passing through flowing
water.
IMPORTANT
Engine damage can occur if water enters
the air filter.
In greater depths, water can enter the
transmission. This reduces the lubricating
ability of the oils and shortens the service
life of the systems.
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.
NOTE
Clean the electric contacts of the electric
engine block heater and trailer coupling
after driving in water and mud.
IMPORTANT
Do not let the car stand with water over
the sills for any long period of time. This
could cause electrical malfunctions.
In the event of engine stop in water do not
try restart. Tow the car from the water.

Engine, gearbox and cooling system

Under special conditions, for example hard
driving in hilly terrain and hot climate, there is
a risk that the engine and drive system may
overheat - in particular with a heavy load.
•
Remove any auxiliary lamps from in front
of the grille when driving in hot climates.
•
In the event of a risk of overheating a
built-in protection function in the gearbox
is activated which, amongst other things,
illuminates the instrument panel's yellow
information lamp and there is a text mes-
sage displayed there regarding appropri-