2013 Volvo S60 Owner's Manual - Page 258

07 During your trip Driving recommendations 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: • Consider your destination. If you will be driving through an area where snow or ice are likely to occur, consider snow tires. Cold weather precautions If you wish to check your vehicle before the approach of cold weather, the following advice is worth noting: Moreover, the capacity of the battery decreases as the temperature drops. In very cold weather, a poorly charged battery can freeze and be damaged. It is therefore advisable to check the state of charge more frequently and spray an anti-rust oil on the battery posts. • Volvo recommends the use of snow tires on all four wheels for winter driving, see page 286. • Make sure that the engine coolant contains 50 percent antifreeze. Any other mixture will reduce freeze protection. This gives protection against freezing down to -31 °F (-35 °C). The use of "recycled" antifreeze is not approved by Volvo. Different types of antifreeze must not be mixed. • Check that engine runs smoothly and that fuel consumption is normal. • To prevent the washer fluid reservoir from freezing, add washer solvents containing antifreeze. This is important since dirt is often splashed on the windshield during winter driving, requiring the frequent use of the washers and wipers. Volvo Washer Solvent should be diluted as follows: Down to 14 °F (-10 °C): 1 part washer solvent and 4 parts water Down to 5 °F (-15 °C): 1 part washer solvent and 3 parts water Down to 0 °F (-18 °C): 1 part washer solvent and 2 parts water Down to -18 °F (-28 °C): 1 part washer solvent and 1 part water. 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 (the spare tire as well), and replace those that are worn. Check tire pressures. steering gear should be checked by a trained and qualified Volvo service technician only. • Volvo recommends using only genuine Volvo antifreeze in your vehicle's radiator. • Try to keep the fuel tank well filled - this helps prevent the formation of condensation in the tank. In addition, in extremely cold weather conditions it is worthwhile to add fuel line de-icer before refueling. • The brakes, front wheel alignment, and • The viscosity of the engine oil is important. Oil with low viscosity (thinner oil) improves cold-weather starting as well as decreasing fuel consumption while the engine is warming up. 0W-30 oil is recommended for driving in areas with sustained low temperatures. 07 • Check all lights, including high beams. • Reflective warning triangles are legally required in some states/provinces. • Use Volvo Teflon Lock Spray in the locks. • Avoid using de-icing sprays as they can cause damage to the locks. • 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. • The load placed on the battery is greater during the winter since the windshield wipers, lighting, etc., are used more often. 256