Before A Long Distance Trip - Volvo XC90 Owner's Manual

Before a long distance trip

It is always worthwhile to have your vehicle
checked by a trained and qualified Volvo service
technician before driving long distances. Your
retailer will also be able to supply you with bulbs,
fuses, spark plugs and wiper blades for your use
in the event that problems occur.
As a minimum, the following items should be
checked before any long trip:
•
Check that engine runs smoothly and that
fuel consumption and the oil level are normal.
•
Check for fuel, oil, and fluid leakage.
•
Have the transmission oil level checked.
•
Check condition of drive belts.
•
Check state of the battery's charge.
•
Examine tires carefully (including the spare
tire where applicable), and replace those that
are worn. Also, check tire inflation pressure.
•
The brakes, front wheel alignment, and steer-
ing gear should be checked by a trained and
qualified Volvo service technician only.
•
Check all lights, including high beams.
•
Reflective warning triangles are legally
required in some states/provinces.
•
Have a word with a trained and qualified
Volvo service technician if you intend to drive
in countries where it may be difficult to
obtain the correct fuel.
•
Consider your destination. If you will be driv-
ing through an area where snow or ice are
likely to occur, consider using snow tires.
STARTING AND DRIVING
Driving economically
Better driving economy can be obtained by
thinking ahead, avoiding rapid starts and stops
and adjusting the speed of your vehicle to imme-
diate traffic conditions.
Economical driving conserves natural
resources
Observe the following rules:
•
Bring the engine to normal operating tem-
perature as soon as possible by driving with
a light foot on the accelerator pedal for the
first few minutes of operation. A cold engine
uses more fuel and is subject to increased
wear.
•
Whenever possible, avoid using the vehicle
for driving short distances. This does not
allow the engine to reach normal operating
temperature.
•
Drive carefully and avoid rapid acceleration
and hard braking.
•
Use the transmission's Drive (D) position as
often as possible and avoid using kick-down.
•
Using the engine's Eco function can help
improve fuel economy.
•
Do not exceed posted speed limits.
•
Avoid carrying unnecessary items (extra load)
in the vehicle.
•
Maintain correct tire pressure. Check tire
pressure regularly (when the tires are cold).
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