Get Scenarios and car modes -> Cold conditions Guide for Volvo EX30 4 Door First Generation (2025-2026)

11.2. Cold conditions

Driving in cold conditions can be tricky. It requires different preparations and a different way of driving than a

warmer climate does.

When driving in cold conditions, there are many things to take into consideration. From energy consumption and battery health

to a comfortable climate and different safety aspects. Be sure to familiarise yourself with what this way of driving entails, as

well as which laws and regulations may apply.

Visibility

In cold conditions, ice and condensation can obstruct visibility. Your car is equipped with defrosters, a heated rear windscreen

and heated wing mirrors to prevent that from happening.

Range

Your car's battery can be negatively affected by cold temperatures. When the car has a cold battery, a snowflake

appears

next to the battery percentage. This indicates that the battery’s charge capacity and range are reduced compared to normal con-

ditions. You can avoid this by always charging your car while it's parked, which can prove especially useful if you are parking in

a cold climate.

Maintenance

Note

As the temperature drops, the tyre pressure drops. Remember to check the tyre pressure regularly and adjust it as

needed.

Important

Cleaning in front of radars

If you find dirt, snow or ice, or if the car indicates that a radar is blocked, you should address it as soon as possible.

Always clean and clear a large area around the radars to make their full field of view available.

Parking in cold weather

When the battery is cold, the car temporarily reduces battery performance until it's warmed up. Driving the car in a state of re-

duced performance doesn't harm the battery.

To avoid temporarily reduced performance from a cold battery, connect the car for charging and activate the car's precondition-

ing ahead of your trip. The car can then heat the battery without affecting performance and available range.

In temperatures below -30 °C (-22 °F), avoid leaving the car parked without charging for longer than 24 hours.

11.2.1. Winter driving recommendations

The content of this manual represents the status of the user manual at the time of printing and may not be completely valid in future

instances. For more information, refer to the first page for the complete disclaimer note.

285 / 396

There are some things to keep in mind when driving in snow and on ice. Here are some tips and

recommendations for safer driving and improved car system effectiveness.

Preparations for driving in winter conditions

Cold weather is more demanding for the battery and can lead to temporarily reduced performance. For better battery

performance, precondition your car before driving.

Use washer fluid with antifreeze to avoid ice forming in the washer fluid reservoir.

Volvo recommends that winter tyres are used when there's a risk of snow or ice.

Note

In some regions, winter tyres are required by law. However, keep in mind that not all countries allow studded tyres.

Recommendations for driving in winter conditions

Snowy and icy roads require careful driving different to that of driving on dry roads. There are a number of precautions to take

that will help you drive more safely. For example:

Remove all snow from your car before you start driving, both for your own sake and for your fellow road users. Pay special

attention to the sensor areas, lights, roof and bonnet.

Avoid any sudden steering wheel movements, strong acceleration or hard braking as it can cause the car to lose grip.

Turn off One pedal drive or use the lowest One pedal drive setting.

Keep a safe distance from the car in front of you, as you are likely to require a longer braking distance.

Keep in mind that even if the sun melts the snow and ice, it can still be slippery.

Even when other roads aren't icy, bridges can still be dangerous.

Snow and ice can accumulate inside the mudguards, which can affect the steering. Check regularly and remove any snow,

ice or debris.

Braking capabilities can be negatively affected if snow and ice gather in the brake system. Check that the brakes work

properly on a regular basis. However, only do so in a safe and careful manner.

Sometimes, using snow chains can be a good idea. However, be sure to read the instructions on how to use them safely

and effectively.

Warning

Avoid parking on inclines during winter conditions. The tyres might lose traction, even if the parking brake is engaged.

You are always responsible for safe parking.

Tip

It's a good idea to practise driving on slippery surfaces under controlled conditions to learn how the car reacts. Visit a

skidpan if you have access to one.

The content of this manual represents the status of the user manual at the time of printing and may not be completely valid in future

instances. For more information, refer to the first page for the complete disclaimer note.

286 / 396

11.3. Wading recommendations

When driving through water, there are important limitations to consider regarding the water's depth and the

driving speed.

Important

Volvo recommends that wading is done with great caution and avoided when possible. It can be difficult to accurately

assess the water's depth and the strength of the current. The driver is always responsible for driving in a safe manner and

in compliance with all applicable rules of the road.

If possible, determine how deep the water is before you start driving. Only attempt to drive through if you are confident it's

shallow enough to safely wade through.

The recommended highest water level when wading is up to the bottom of the undercarriage.

Limit your speed to walking pace.

Avoid wading in strong currents, especially if the water is deep enough to risk flowing over the car.

Oncoming traffic can cause waves that increase how high the water reaches.

If possible, avoid stopping when you're in the water. Carefully keep driving forward or reverse out of it.

Avoid driving through saltwater as it can cause corrosion.

Warning

Wet brakes

The car's stopping distance is longer if the brake discs are wet. Driving through water exposes the brake discs to water,

and possibly mud or other sediment. After wading, safely perform a hard braking manoeuvre to remove dirt and water

from the brakes. By engaging the brake discs while driving, they heat up and dry.

11.4. Preparations for a long trip

Before you head out for a long road trip, there are a few things that are good to check.

Make sure that the brakes work as intended.

Check the tyres' tread depth and pressure. If there is a risk of snowy or icy roads, change to winter tyres.

Ensure that the wipers are in good shape and change them if needed.

Top up the washer fluid.

Charge the car to the battery level you need for the first leg of your trip. It's a good idea to look up available charging

stations along your planned route.

Make sure that useful equipment is in place, such as charging cables, a puncture repair kit, a first aid kit, a warning triangle

and a reflective vest.

The content of this manual represents the status of the user manual at the time of printing and may not be completely valid in future

instances. For more information, refer to the first page for the complete disclaimer note.

287 / 396

Scenarios and car modes -> Cold conditions for Your Volvo EX30 4 Door First Generation (2025-2026)

Related Topics

Popular Owner Manuals

Latest Owner Manuals