STARTING AND DRIVING
Winter driving
Slippery driving conditions
Driving in water
To achieve optimum roadholding Volvo recom-
mends using winter tyres on all wheels if there
is a risk of snow or ice.
For winter driving it is important to perform
certain checks of the car in order to ensure
that it can be driven safely.
Check the following in particular before the
cold season:
Wading means the car being driven through
water e.g. on a flooded road. Driving in water
must be performed with great caution.
The car can be driven through water to a maxi-
mum depth of 45 cm (17 inches) at no more
than walking speed. Extra caution should be
exercised when passing through flowing
water.
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.
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The use of winter tyres is a legal require-
ment in certain countries. Studded tyres
are not permitted in all countries.
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.
Practise driving on slippery surfaces under
controlled conditions to learn how the car
reacts.
The fuel tank must be kept filled to pre-
vent condensation.
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Engine oil viscosity is important. Oils with
lower viscosity (thinner oils) facilitate star-
ting in cold weather and also reduce fuel
consumption while the engine is cold.
Related information
Engine oil – specifications (p. 637)
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If necessary, clean the contacts for the
electric heater and trailer coupling after
driving in water and mud.
Winter tyres (p. 543)
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Snow chains (p. 543)
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.
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Braking on gritted roads (p. 403)
Braking on wet roads (p. 403)
Filling washer fluid (p. 624)
Starter battery (p. 585)
Do not let the car stand with water over
the sills for any long period of time - this
could cause electrical malfunctions.
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Use washer fluid with antifreeze to avoid
ice forming in the washer fluid reservoir.
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Replacing windscreen wiper blades
(p. 622)
See the separate section for engine oil recom-
mendations.
Replacing the wiper blade, rear window
(p. 621)
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Topping up coolant (p. 583)
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Adverse driving conditions for engine oil
(p. 639)
432
