Volvo S80 Owner's Manual page 11

Introduction
Volvo and the environment
ing air is cleaner than the air in the traffic
outside.
The system consists of an electronic sensor
and a carbon filter. The incoming air is moni-
tored continuously and if there is an increase
in the level of certain unhealthy gases such as
carbon monoxide then the air intake is closed.
Such a situation may arise in heavy traffic,
queues and tunnels for example.
The entry of nitrous oxides, ground-level ozone
and hydrocarbons is prevented by the carbon
filter.
Textile standard
The interior of a Volvo is designed to be plea-
sant and comfortable, even for people with
contact allergies and for asthma sufferers.
Extreme attention has been given to choosing
environmentally-compatible materials. This
means that they also fulfil the requirements in
the Oeko-Tex 100 standard
towards a healthier passenger compartment
environment.
Oeko-Tex certification covers seatbelts, car-
pets and fabrics for example. The leather in the
upholstery undergoes chromium-free tanning
with plant substances and fulfils the certifica-
tion requirements.
1 More information on www.oekotex.com
10
Volvo workshops and the environment
Regular maintenance creates the conditions
for a long service life and low fuel consumption
for your car. In this way you contribute to a
cleaner environment. When Volvo's workshops
are entrusted with the service and mainte-
nance of your car it becomes part of our sys-
tem. We make clear demands regarding the
way in which our workshops are designed in
order to prevent spills and discharges into the
environment. Our workshop staff have the
knowledge and the tools required to guarantee
good environmental care.
Reducing environmental impact
You can easily help reduce environmental
impact, for example, by driving economically
and by servicing and maintaining the car
according to the instructions in the owner's
manual.
The following advice will help you to do your bit
1
, a major advance
for the environment: (for further advice on how
you can reduce environmental impact and
drive economically, see pages 257, 198).
•
Decrease fuel consumption by choosing
ECO tyre pressure, see page 257.
•
A roof load and ski box increase air resis-
tance, leading to higher fuel consumption.
Remove them directly after use.
•
Remove unnecessary items from the car.
The greater the load the higher the fuel
consumption.
•
If the car is equipped with an engine block
heater, always use it before starting from
cold. This reduces fuel consumption and
exhaust emissions.
•
Drive gently and avoid braking too hard.
•
Drive in the highest gear possible. Low
engine speeds result in lower fuel con-
sumption.
•
Use engine braking to slow down.
•
Avoid letting the engine idle. Pay attention
to local regulations. Switch off the engine
when stationary for longer periods.
•
Always dispose of environmentally hazar-
dous waste, such as batteries and oils, in
an environmentally safe manner. If uncer-
tain about disposal, consult an authorised
Volvo workshop for advice.
•
Service your car regularly.
•
High speed increases consumption con-
siderably due to increased wind resis-
tance. A doubling of speed increases wind
resistance 4 times.
These hints will help reduce fuel consumption
without increasing travel time or lessening the
enjoyment of driving. Apart from being kind to