Winter Driving; Driving In Water - Volvo S90 2019 Owner's Manual

Winter driving

For winter driving it is important to perform cer-
tain 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 prevent
•
condensation.
Engine oil viscosity is important. Oils with
•
lower viscosity (thinner oils) facilitate starting
in cold weather and also reduce fuel con-
sumption while the engine is cold.
IMPORTANT
Low viscosity oil must not be used for hard
driving or in hot weather.
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.
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 requirement
in certain countries. Studded tyres are not
permitted in all countries.
Practise driving on slippery surfaces under con-
trolled conditions to learn how the car reacts.
Related information
Winter wheels (p. 571)
•
Snow chains (p. 572)
•
Braking on gritted roads (p. 431)
•
Braking on wet roads (p. 431)
•
Filling washer fluid (p. 650)
•
Starter battery (p. 618)
•
Replacing windscreen wiper blades (p. 648)
•
Topping up coolant (p. 606)
•
Adverse driving conditions for engine oil
•
(p. 663)
STARTING AND DRIVING

Driving in water

Driving in water means that the car is driven in a
deeper amount of water on a road that is under
water. Driving in water must be performed with
great caution.
The car can be driven through water to a maxi-
mum depth of 25 cm (9 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 elec-
•
tric heater and trailer coupling after driving in
water and mud.
Do not let the car stand with water over the
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sills for any long period of time - this could
cause electrical malfunctions.
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