Preparations For A Long Journey - Volvo XC90 Owner's Manual

Overloading the starter battery
The electrical functions in the car load the starter
battery to varying degrees. Avoid using the igni-
tion position II when the engine is switched off.
Instead, use ignition position I - which uses less
power.
Also, be aware of different accessories that load
the electrical system. Do not use functions which
use a lot of power when the engine is switched
off. Examples of such functions are:
•
ventilation fan
•
headlamps
•
windscreen wiper
•
audio system (high volume).
If the starter battery voltage is low, the text
battery charge Will soon enter power save
mode is shown in the driver display. The energy-
saving function then shuts down certain func-
tions or reduces certain functions such as the
ventilation fan and/or audio system.
– In which case, charge the starter battery by
starting the engine 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.
Related information
•
Ignition positions (p. 350)

Preparations for a long journey

Before a long journey, it makes good sense to
go through the following points:
Check that:
•
the engine is working normally and that fuel
consumption is normal
•
there are no leaks (fuel, oil or other fluid)
•
all bulbs are working
•
the tyres have sufficient tread depth and
pressure
•
a warning triangle and high-visibility vest are
located in the car - legally required in certain
countries
•
the wiper blades are operable.
Low
Related information
•
Fuel consumption and CO2 emissions
(p. 520)
•
Checking the tyre pressures. (p. 440)
•
Warning triangle (p. 458)
STARTING AND DRIVING
Preparations for winter road
conditions
For winter driving it is important to perform cer-
tain checks in order to ensure that the car 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 erosion down to approximately –35 °C.
To achieve optimum antifreeze protection,
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. Read
more about suitable oils in the section
"Adverse driving conditions for engine oil".
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
379