06 Starting and driving
Transporting loads
Never exceed the rack manufacturer's
weigh limits and never exceed the maxi-
mum rated roof load of 165 lbs (75 kg).
Loading the vehicle
Your vehicle's load-carrying capacity is affec-
ted by factors such as:
•
WARNING
Remember that an object weighing
44 lbs (20 kg) produces a force of
2,200 lbs (1,000 kg) in a head-on colli-
sion at 30 mph (50 km/h)!
•
•
Avoid single-point loads. Distribute loads
evenly.
•
•
•
•
•
the number of passengers
•
•
tire inflation
Place heavier cargo at the bottom of the
load.
When the rear backrest(s) are folded
down, the vehicle should not be loaded
to a level higher than 2 in. (5 cm) below
the upper edge of the rear side win-
dows. Objects placed higher than this
level could impede the function of the
Inflatable Curtain.
the amount of optional or accessory equip-
ment installed
•
Secure the cargo correctly with appropri-
ate tie-down equipment.
the amount of cargo.
•
See the chapter "Wheels and tires" for more
detailed information.
Check periodically that the load carriers
and load are properly secured.
Remember that the car's center of gravity
and handling change when you carry a
load on the roof.
Before loading the car, turn off the engine, and
apply the parking brake when loading or
unloading long objects. The gear selector can
be inadvertently knocked out of position by
long cargo, causing the car to move.
Load carriers (accessory)
The car's wind resistance and fuel con-
sumption will increase with the size of the
load.
•
•
Load carriers are available as Volvo accesso-
ries. Follow the installation instructions sup-
plied with the load carriers.
Drive smoothly. Avoid rapid starts, fast
cornering and hard braking.
Keep the following in mind when
loading the vehicle:
Observe the following points when using load
carriers:
06
Load objects in the cargo area against the
rear seat backrest.
•
To avoid damaging your car and to achieve
•
maximum safety when driving, we recom-
mend using the load carriers that Volvo has
developed especially for your car.
Load heavy cargo as low as possible.
•
•
•
Center wide loads.
Secure all cargo with restraining straps
anchored to the load securing eyelets.
Volvo-approved removable roof racks are
•
designed to carry the maximum allowable
roof load for this vehicle: 165 lbs (75 kg).
For Non-Volvo roof racks, check the man-
ufacturer's weight limits for the rack.
Cover sharp edges on the load.
•
•
The rear seats can be folded down to
extend the cargo compartment, see
page 117.
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