2025-2026 Volvo EX40 SUV Visibility, mirrors and exterior lights User Manual
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Visibility, mirrors and exterior lights for Your Volvo EX40 SUV First Generation (2025-2026)

9. Visibility, mirrors and exterior lights  
Learn how to control your car’s lights, mirrors and wipers for better visibility when the conditions call for it.  
Front view of the car showing exterior lights, mirrors and windscreen wipers  
Your car is equipped with multiple features to assist you in your driving. Some are designed to improve safety, while others im-  
prove visibility. Some features are designed with both purposes in mind. Reading this section of the manual can assist in mak-  
ing your driving experience safer and more comfortable.  
9.1. Exterior lights  
Your car has a range of lighting capabilities. You can select and control the different lighting options.  
Warning  
Car lights systems which are dependent on ambient light detection do not absolve the driver of responsibility for  
ensuring that proper lighting is used for all situations according to local laws and traffic regulations.  
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Exterior lights refers to all of the exterior illumination functions and features that affect visibility.  
1
2
3
Exterior lights controls locations  
1
You control certain driving lights, such as the lighting modes, fog lights and the direction indicators with the left-hand  
steering wheel stalk.  
You select exterior convenience lights in the centre display.  
2
3
The hazard warning lights button is located below the centre display.  
Some lighting features rely on the car's ability to sense that there are poor light conditions outside. Make sure that the car cam-  
eras are kept clean and are well-maintained. If the cameras’ views are affected by dirt, they can't do their job properly. They need  
to be able to obtain enough information so that they can properly direct the car’s responses.  
Note  
Condensation in the lights  
Exterior lighting may temporarily contain water from condensation. This is normal and all exterior lights are designed to  
withstand this. Condensation is normally vented out of the light housing after a period of time.  
9.1.1. Driving lights  
Driving lights mix automatic behaviours and direct controls which allow you to adapt to any situation or  
visibility conditions.  
Important  
The driver is always responsible for ensuring that the car is driven while using a lights mode that is suitable for the  
current driving conditions and local traffic regulations.  
Exterior lighting  
You can choose between several different exterior lighting modes by rotating the ring on the left-hand steering wheel stalk.  
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Auto  
The automatic lights mode[1] allows your car to automatically detect and calculate which lighting mode is most suitable depending on the  
lighting conditions.  
Passing beam  
Position lights  
Off  
You can manually select the passing beam to keep the front lights dipped.  
The position lights are points of illumination around the car that make your car more visible to other road users.  
0 deactivates all lighting modes.[2]  
Automatic high  
beam  
Automatic high beam allows the high beam to automatically react to traffic ahead.[3]  
Additional lights  
You can control the high beam and the direction indicators with the left-hand steering wheel stalk.  
The hazard warning lights help you to warn others of potential risks. You can turn them on or off by pressing the button below  
the centre display.  
There are additional lights that can be enabled or adjusted, such as:  
The rear fog light warns traffic behind you of your presence in poor light conditions. You activate it via the button on the left-hand steering wheel stalk.  
The front fog lights warn traffic of your presence in poor light conditions. You activate them via the button on the left-hand steering wheel stalk.  
Rear fog light  
Front fog lights  
[1]  
AUTO  
[2]  
Some exterior lights may remain on when driving based on regulations in various market regions.  
The rotating ring springs back to AUTO when selecting the automatic high beam.  
[3]  
9.1.1.1. Operating the driving lights  
Familiarise yourself with operating the lights controls that are available via the left-hand steering wheel stalk.  
The horizontal stalk positions  
You can move the left-hand stalk forwards or backwards to switch between different lighting selections.  
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The selections available are:  
High beam on  
High beam off  
High beam flash  
Manual high beam  
When the automatic lights mode[1] or the manual passing beam is selected on the left-hand steering wheel stalks rotating  
•
ring, push or pull the stalk to turn the manual high beam on or off.  
Automatic high beam  
When the automatic high beam is activated on the left-hand steering wheel stalks rotating ring, pull the stalk fully to  
deactivate the automatic high beam.[2]  
•
High beam flash  
Pull the left-hand steering wheel stalk slightly to activate the high beam flash.  
•
[1]  
AUTO  
[2]  
The rotating ring always springs back to AUTO when selecting the automatic high beam.  
9.1.1.2. High beam  
The high beam is important for your driving visibility. There are different states you can use to suit your  
needs.  
Important  
Remember that your ability to see the road properly in low lighting conditions is important not just for your own safety,  
but for other road users and pedestrians too.  
The high beam is more powerful and has a longer reach of illumination than the passing beam. To use the high beam, you must  
first activate the automatic lights mode[1] or the passing beam.  
You can choose between either the automatic high beam or the manual high beam.  
You activate the automatic high beam by rotating the ring on the left-hand steering wheel stalk to the automatic high beam  
symbol  
. The ring always springs back to the automatic lights mode  
.
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When the automatic high beam is enabled, your car automatically adapts the beam pattern to avoid dazzling other road users.  
The automatic high beam's adaptive capabilities  
Note  
When enabled, the automatic high beam only activates at speeds over approximately 20 km/h (12 mph) in low light.  
There are symbols in the driver display that show which high beam setting is currently active. These include:  
The manual high beam is active.  
The automatic high beam is enabled.  
The automatic high beam is active.  
Important  
Make sure that the car cameras are well-maintained and kept clean. If the cameras’ views are obscured by dirt, they will  
not be able to obtain enough information to properly direct the car’s lighting responses.  
[1]  
AUTO  
9.1.1.3. Passing beam  
The passing beam reduces the risk of dazzling other road users.  
The passing beam is part of the automatic lights mode. However, you can manually select the passing beam to keep the front  
lights dipped.  
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Tip  
Poor lighting and dark conditions  
If you have the automatic lights mode selected on the left-hand stalk's rotating ring and your car detects poor lighting or  
dark conditions, the car automatically switches the passing beam on. When the car detects better lighting conditions  
again, such as when you exit a tunnel, it automatically switches the passing beam off.  
9.1.1.3.1. Activating the passing beam  
The passing beam can be manually selected on the rotating ring on the left-hand steering wheel stalk.  
Manually selecting the passing beam keeps the front lights dipped.  
The passing beam symbol on the rotating ring on the left-hand stalk  
1. Rotate the ring on the left-hand steering wheel stalk to the passing beam  
position.  
Deactivate the passing beam by selecting a different lighting mode.  
9.1.1.3.2. Cornering lights  
The cornering lights improve visibility in the immediate vicinity of the car.  
When the passing beam or the automatic lights mode[1] is active, cornering lights trigger when driving at low speeds in poor  
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lighting or dark conditions.  
The cornering lights  
The cornering lights illuminate the area close to the car to give you better visibility when turning.  
Note  
When turning without using the indicators, only the light on the side you are turning towards will illuminate.  
[1]  
AUTO  
9.1.1.4. Activating the front fog lights  
The front fog lights are designed to warn traffic of your presence in bad weather with poor light conditions.  
You need to manually activate the front fog lights via the button on the left-hand steering wheel stalk.  
Note  
The front fog lights can not be activated if the rotating ring on the left-hand stalk is in the 0 position.  
1. Press the button marked with the front fog lights symbol  
on the left-hand steering wheel stalk to turn it on or off.  
>
The fog lights symbol appears in the driver display showing the light is active.  
9.1.1.5. Activating the rear fog light  
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The rear fog light is designed to warn traffic behind you of your presence in bad weather with poor light  
conditions.  
You need to manually activate the rear fog light via the button on the left-hand steering wheel stalk.  
Note  
The rear fog light can not be activated if the rotating ring on the left-hand stalk is in the 0 position.  
When the position lights are selected, the rear fog light only activates if the front fog lights are on.  
1. Press the button marked with the rear fog light symbol  
on the left-hand steering wheel stalk to turn it on or off.  
>
The rear fog light symbol appears in the driver display showing the light is active.  
The rear fog light is switched off automatically if you move the rotating ring on the left-hand stalk to the 0 symbol.  
Note  
When you connect a trailer the rear fog light may not illuminate as the rear fog light functionality is instead transferred to  
the trailer. Check if the trailer is equipped with a rear fog light before activating the rear fog light to ensure safe operation.  
9.1.1.6. Activating the position lights  
The position lights help to alert other road users to the presence of your car.  
The position lights are useful when you need to make other road users aware of your position, such as when you intend to  
leave the car stationary for a short period of time.  
The position lights symbol on the rotating ring on the left-hand stalk  
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1. Rotate the ring on the left-hand steering wheel stalk to the position lights  
position.  
The position lights will remain on for a long time when your car is parked. Deactivate the position lights by selecting a different  
primary lighting mode.  
Note  
Opening the boot  
If you open the boot in low lighting conditions, the rear position lights automatically activate.  
9.1.1.7. Re-orientating lights to local traffic  
If you visit a region with a different driver's side to your own, you can change the orientation of the lights in  
settings.  
When you re-orientate the lights to local traffic, the lights adjust to reduce glare and avoid dazzling other road users.  
Selecting the orientation of the lights  
1. Press the car symbol  
in the bottom bar and go to Settings.  
2. Go to Controls → Lights and displays → Exterior lights → Adapt lights for right-hand traffic.  
3. Re-orientate the lights by pressing on or off.  
>
A notification appears in the driver display.  
Important  
Until deselected, the lights remain re-orientated each time you start a new drive. Remember to deactivate it when you no  
longer need to change the orientation of the lights.  
9.1.1.8. Hazard warning lights  
If there is a potential risk to surrounding traffic, you should turn the hazard lights on. This helps to alert other  
road users of the need for greater awareness.  
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Important  
It is the driver's responsibility to use hazard lights according to local laws and traffic regulations.  
The hazard warning lights button is located below the centre display.  
The location of the hazard warning lights button below the centre display  
The status and interaction point to control the hazard lights is signified by the associated symbol.  
Automatic activation  
The hazard warning lights turn on automatically when the emergency brake lights are triggered due to sudden braking. You can  
either turn them off again with the button, or let them turn off automatically when you begin driving again.  
In the event of a collision  
Your hazard lights will automatically turn on in the event of a collision.[1]  
[1]  
This is dependent on local regulations and regional standards.  
9.1.1.8.1. Activating the hazard warning lights  
The hazard warning lights are essential for driving safety. Be sure that you know how to work them.  
Hazard warning lights symbol  
When you get into the car, the hazard warning lights button lights up, showing that you can use it.  
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1. Press the hazard warning lights button below the centre display.  
>
Both of the direction indicator symbols in the driver display and the hazard warning lights button flash simultaneously in  
the same rhythm as the lights. You will also hear a ticking sound.  
9.1.2. Operating the direction indicators  
Use the direction indicators to communicate how you intend to manoeuvre your car. The controls are located  
on the left-hand steering wheel stalk.  
The indicators have two types of activation – quick and standard. While the indicators are blinking, you will hear a ticking sound  
and see a direction indicator symbol in the driver display.  
The indicators on the left-hand stalk  
Quick indication  
1. Move the left-hand steering wheel stalk slightly up or down and allow it to spring back to the middle.  
>
The indicators blink three times before turning off.  
Standard indication  
2. Move the left-hand steering wheel stalk up to turn the right indicator on and down to turn the left indicator on.  
>
The indicators blink continuously until you straighten the steering wheel out after turning.  
Note  
You can cancel the direction indicators by moving the left-hand steering wheel stalk back to its original position.  
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Note  
Indicator malfunction  
In the event of any malfunction or damage to the direction indicators, the sound and the flashing indicator symbol will be  
twice as fast as normal and the malfunction symbol appears in the driver display.  
9.1.3. Exterior convenience lights  
There are lighting functions available that make it easier to see when you are outside and approaching your  
car.  
Greeting lights  
Certain lights automatically activate for a short period of time when you approach and unlock your car.  
Guidance light  
When you lock and leave your car, it can provide extra lighting around the exterior for a short period of time.  
9.1.3.1. Greeting lights  
Your car can indicate that it recognises you coming with greeting lights.  
You activate the feature in the centre display.  
Greeting lights  
A brief light sequence triggers when you approach and unlock your car.  
9.1.3.1.1. Enabling the greeting lights  
You can turn on the greeting lights sequence for when you unlock your car.  
The greeting lights display a short lights sequence and give better visibility as you approach and unlock your car.  
1. Press the car symbol  
in the bottom bar and go to Settings.  
2. Go to Controls → Locking → Greeting lights.  
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3. Turn the greeting lights on or off.  
The greeting lights setting stays active until you disable it.  
9.1.3.2. Guidance light  
The guidance light helps you to see when you're outside of the car and to be seen by others. This is useful  
when you are parked in a dark location.  
The guidance light provides extra lighting around the exterior of your car for a short period of time when you lock and leave it.  
You can activate the guidance light by using the left-hand steering wheel stalk.  
9.1.3.2.1. Activating the guidance light  
Find the activation controls for the guidance light.  
Note  
Make sure that your car is stationary and turned off before you activate the guidance light.  
1. Move the left-hand steering wheel stalk forward and release.  
>
A notification appears in the driver display to indicate that the guidance light is active. The outer lighting, such as the  
position lights, headlight beams and number plate lighting, turns on.  
2. Get out of the car and lock the door.  
The guidance light is active for about one minute.  
9.2. Mirrors  
The rear-view mirror and the two wing mirrors are important for your driving awareness. Make sure that you  
adjust the mirrors to your needs before driving.  
Rear-view mirror  
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You can adjust the interior rear-view mirror by moving it manually.  
Tip  
Use the automatic dimming feature  
Automatic dimming can reduce the glare from strong lights in the mirror. Auto dimming is triggered only when poor light  
conditions are detected outside the car. Be sure to have the automatic dimming feature on to avoid being dazzled.  
Wing mirrors  
You can adjust and reset the wing mirrors' positions as well as fold the mirrors by using the controls in the driver door button  
panel.  
Controls for adjusting the wing mirrors  
If you want the wing mirrors to automatically fold when you lock the car, you can enable a setting for this in the locking set-  
tings via the centre display.  
The wing mirrors are heated to prevent ice and frost from impeding visibility. The wing mirror heaters start automatically when  
you activate the rear defroster.  
Warning  
The wing mirrors are curved to improve visibility. Objects may appear to be further away than they actually are.  
9.2.1. Enabling automatic dimming  
Bright lights can reflect in the rear-view mirror, such as from other cars' headlights. This can cause a glare  
effect but your car's automatic dimming counteracts this.  
Enable automatic dimming to avoid being distracted by light from behind. For your comfort, make sure that you activate it be-  
fore you start driving. You turn it off in the same way that you turn it on.  
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Note  
If the light sensors for the rear-view mirror are obstructed in a way that prevents light from reaching them, the automatic  
dimming effect will be reduced. For example, parking permits or sunshades could stop light from reaching the sensors.  
1. Press the car symbol  
in the bottom bar and go to Settings.  
2. Go to Controls → Mirrors and wipers → Auto dim rearview mirror.  
3. Turn it on or off.  
9.2.2. Adjusting wing mirrors  
Before you start driving, make sure that the wing mirrors are in positions that give you good visibility.  
You need to turn the car on to be able to adjust the wing mirrors.  
1. Select the wing mirror you want to adjust by pressing its corresponding button on the driver door button panel.  
Press the L button to adjust the left-hand mirror.  
Press the R button to adjust the right-hand mirror.  
>
The button lights up to indicate that you can adjust the selected wing mirror.  
2. Use the control stick in the button panel to adjust the mirror's position.  
3. Press the L or R button again to finish adjusting the mirror.  
>
The button's light turns off to indicate that the mirror has been adjusted.  
Tip  
Manually tilting wing mirrors when in reverse gear  
You can also tilt the wing mirrors when your car is in reverse gear. This can be helpful when parking so that you can see  
the kerb more clearly. Just press the button twice for the wing mirror you want to tilt and it will tilt downwards. The mir-  
rors return to their original positions when you change gear.  
Automatically tilting wing mirrors when in reverse gear  
Enable Exterior mirrors tilt when reversing in the controls settings so that the wing mirrors automatically tilt down-  
wards when you put the car into the reverse gear. The mirrors return to their original positions when you change gear.  
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9.2.3. Folding wing mirrors  
You can fold and unfold the wing mirrors using the buttons on the driver door button panel.  
Folding the wing mirrors can be useful when you are parking or driving in narrow spaces.  
1. Press and hold the L and R buttons on the driver door button panel simultaneously for a short period of time.  
>
The wing mirrors start to fold when you release the buttons.  
Tip  
Unfolding the wing mirrors  
Unfold the wing mirrors in the same way that you folded them. The mirrors unfold to the positions that they were in be-  
fore they folded.  
Automatic folding when you lock or unlock the car  
You can enable or disable automatic wing mirror folding when you lock or unlock the car. Just go to locking in the con-  
trols settings via the centre display and turn Auto fold mirrors on or off.  
If you enable automatic folding but then fold the wing mirrors yourself and lock the car, the mirrors won't unfold auto-  
matically when you unlock the car. You need to use the driver door button panel again to unfold the mirrors.  
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9.2.4. Resetting wing mirrors' positions  
If you fold or unfold the wing mirrors by hand, you need to reset the mirrors' positions so that the car can  
fold them again.  
You might need to fold or unfold the wing mirrors by hand due to external factors, such as when folded mirrors are frozen in  
place. Moving the mirrors by hand stops the car from being able to automatically fold or unfold them. You need to reset the  
wing mirrors' positions by using the driver door button panel so that the car can move the mirrors again.  
1. Fold the wing mirrors by pressing and holding the L and R buttons on the driver door button panel simultaneously for a  
short period of time.  
2. Unfold the wing mirrors by pressing and holding the L and R buttons on the driver door button panel simultaneously for a  
short period of time again.  
>
The mirrors' positions are reset and the automatic folding works again.  
If the car still can't fold the wing mirrors, try resetting their positions again.  
9.3. Wipers and washers  
The wipers and washers work together to keep the windscreens clean and clear.  
Important  
Before activating the wipers, ensure that the wiper blades are not frozen in place and that any snow or ice on the  
windscreen is removed.  
Wiper and washer controls  
You control the wipers and washers using the right-hand steering wheel stalk.  
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Rain sensor  
If your car detects water on the front windscreen when the rain sensor is active, the wipers will start automatically.  
You can press the rain sensor button on the stalk to activate the sensor and turn the scroll wheel to adjust its sensitivity. The  
rain sensor will stay active until you press the button again or select another wiper mode. When the rain sensor is active, you  
can see a symbol in the driver display.  
Active rain sensor symbol  
Washers  
The washer nozzles are integrated into the wiper arms for efficient washer fluid distribution. The nozzles are automatically  
heated in cold conditions to prevent the washer fluid from freezing.  
Your car tells you when it's time to refill the washer fluid. When washer fluid is running low, a message appears in the centre  
display.  
Important  
Maintenance, refilling and replacing  
Clean the wiper blades regularly.  
Replace the wiper blades if they show signs of wear.  
Refill washer fluid when your car tells you to.  
Avoid using the wipers without lubrication from either rain or washer fluid. It can cause wear or damage.  
Car wash safety  
Turn the rain sensor off when you enter a car wash. Otherwise, the rain sensor will cause the wipers to activate, which  
could lead to damage.  
9.3.1. Controlling front wipers  
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You can manually activate the windscreen wipers or change the way they work.  
Front wiper controls are on the right-hand steering wheel stalk.  
There are different front wiper modes that you can activate by using the right-hand stalk. The modes are:  
High speed  
Normal speed  
Interval wipe  
Wipers are turned off  
Single sweep  
Single sweep  
Press the stalk downwards and release.  
•
Selecting wiper mode  
Press the stalk upwards or downwards.  
•
Activating rain sensor  
Select mode 0 and press the rain sensor button  
.
•
Adjusting rain sensor sensitivity or interval wipe frequency  
Rotate the scroll wheel at the end of the stalk.  
•
9.3.2. Controlling rear wiper  
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The rear wiper can be manually turned on and off.  
Rear wiper controls are on the right-hand steering wheel stalk.  
The rear wiper modes are:  
Intermittent sweep  
Continuous sweep  
Activating the rear wiper and washer  
Push the stalk forwards.  
•
>
The rear wiper and washer activate.  
Selecting the rear wiper mode  
Press either the intermittent sweep or continuous sweep button on the end of the stalk to select the rear wiper mode.  
•
Note  
Automatic rear wiper while reversing  
The rear wiper automatically activates if the front windscreen wipers are active while you are reversing. If you change  
gear, the rear wiper will stop wiping the rear windscreen.  
In low temperatures, the rear wiper won't automatically activate while you are reversing to prevent damage to the wiper  
arm.  
9.3.3. Activating washers  
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Activate the windscreen washers with the right-hand steering wheel stalk.  
Right-hand steering wheel stalk  
Front washers  
Pull the stalk towards you and hold it there for a few seconds.  
•
>
The front windscreen washers activate. If the headlights' high beam or passing beam is active, the headlights are also  
washed.  
Rear washer  
Push the stalk away from you and hold it there for a few seconds.  
•
>
The rear windscreen washer activates.  
When you let go of the right-hand stalk, the wipers make a few passes to wipe away excess fluid.  
Note  
Low washer fluid and washing headlights  
If the washer fluid level is low, the headlights won't be washed. This is to prioritise the windscreen washers to keep the  
windscreen clean and clear.  
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Exterior lights Mirrors Wipers and washers

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