Volvo 2005 C70 - Manual (Page 83)

77
Cold weather precautions
If you wish to check your car before the approach of cold weather, the
following advice is worth noting:
• Make sure that the engine coolant contains at least 50 percent
antifreeze: that is, 3.7 qts. (3.5 liters) Volvo Genuine Coolant/
Antifreeze. This gives protection against freezing down to -31°F
(-35°C). See section ”Coolant”. The use of ”recycled” antifreeze is
not approved by Volvo. Different types of antifreeze may not be
mixed.
• Try to keep the fuel tank well filled - this prevents 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 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. For winter use,
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 or in warm weather. See section ”Engine oil” for more
information.
• The load placed on the battery is greater during the winter since the
windshield wipers, lighting, etc. are used more often. 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 section ”Wheels and tires”.
• To prevent the washer fluid reservoir from freezing, add washer
solvents containing antifreeze (see page 125 for the location of the
washer fluid reservoir). This is important since dirt is often splashed
on the windshield during winter driving, requiring the frequent use of
the washers and wipers. The 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
•
Use Volvo Teflon Lock Spray in the locks.
NOTE: Avoid the use of de-icing sprays as they can cause damage to the
locks.
W Winter/Wet mode
W Winter/Wet driving mode - Enhanced vehicle traction
• Mode W will only function if the gear selector is in the (D)rive
position.
• Press the button at the base of the gear selector to engage/disengage
this driving mode (see illustration).
• An LED in the button will light up to indicate that W is engaged and
this will also be displayed in the instrument panel .
• This mode may be selected for starting/moving off on slippery roads.
Winter driving
* Synthetic oil is not used when the oil is changed at the normal
maintenance service intervals.