Winter driving
•
When driving in temperatures below 15T (-10
°
C), we recommend
the use of Volvo's radiator guard to help the engine reach normal
operating temperature as quickly as possible. This guard should not
be used when towing a trailer.
Frost precautions
Here are some points to bear in mind when checking your car before the
onset of winter:
•
Make sure that the engine coolant is of the correct blend to cope
with -35
°
C without freezing, i.e. that the anti-freeze content is at
least 50% or 3.6 litres Volvo original anti-freeze. Use only Volvo
original anti-freeze.
More information on anti-freeze is to be found on 7:10.
•
Try to keep the fuel tank as full as possible so as to prevent the
formation of condensation in the tank.
•
Use the correct engine oil. The viscosity of the engine oil is of
considerable importance.
Oil with lower viscosity (thinner oil) makes cold starting easier and
reduces fuel consumption while the engine is warming up. For
winter use, provided the temperature limits are observed, 5W/30 oil,
particularly the synthetic type, is recommended. Be sure to use good
quality oil but do not use this cold-weather oil for hard driving in
warm climates. See 7:7 or ask your Volvo dealer for more
information.
•
The battery is subjected to a far greater strain in the winter since
the heater, windscreen wipers, lighting etc. are used more often.
Moreover, battery capacity decreases as the temperature drops. In
very cold weather, a poorly charged battery can freeze and be ren-
dered useless. It is therefore advisable to check the state of charge
more frequently and spray an anti-rust oil on to the battery terminals.
•
To prevent the reservoir, hoses and nozzles of the windscreen/
headlight washer system from freezing and to avoid damage to the
washer pump, add washer solvents containing de-icer. This is most
i mportant since dirt is often splashed onto the windscreen and head-
lights during winter driving, thus requiring frequent use of the wash-
ers and wipers.
•
Use Volvo Teflon lock spray or grease in the locks. These items
can be purchased from your Volvo dealer. Note: avoid the use of
de-icing sprays since these can impair the locking function.
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