STARTING AND DRIVING
engine speeds result in lower fuel consump-
tion. Use the gear shift indicator (p. 274)20
Remove unnecessary items from the car -
the greater the load the higher the fuel con-
sumption.
Driving with a trailer
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.
When driving with a trailer there are a number of
important points to remember regarding e.g. the
towbar, the trailer and how the load is positioned
in the trailer.
Drive at a steady speed and keep a good dis-
tance to other vehicles and objects to mini-
mise braking.
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Use engine braking to slow down, when it
can take place without risk to other road
users.
High speed results in increased fuel con-
sumption - the wind resistance increases
with speed.
Payload depends on the car's kerb weight. The
total of the weight of the passengers and all
accessories, e.g. towbar, reduces the car's pay-
load by a corresponding weight. For more
detailed information, see Weights (p. 390).
A roof load and space box increase air resis-
tance, leading to higher fuel consumption -
remove the load carriers when not in use.
The trip computer's instantaneous fuel con-
sumption indication may help you to drive
more economically.
Avoid driving with open windows.
For more information, see Environmental philoso-
phy (p. 22) and Fuel consumption and CO2 emis-
sions (p. 404).
If the towbar is mounted by Volvo, then the car is
delivered with the necessary equipment for driv-
ing with a trailer.
Do not run the engine to operating tempera-
ture at idling speed, but rather drive with a
normal load right after starting - a cold
engine consumes more fuel than a warm
one.
The car's towbar must be of an approved
type.
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WARNING
Never switch off the engine while moving,
such as downhill, this deactivates important
systems such as the power steering and
brake servo.
If the towbar is retrofitted, check with your
Volvo dealer that the car is fully equipped for
driving with a trailer.
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If possible, avoid using the car for driving
short distances. The engine does not have
time to reach normal operating temperature,
which contributes to increased fuel con-
sumption.
•
Distribute the load on the trailer so that the
weight on the towbar complies with the
specified maximum towball load.
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Related information
Drive mode ECO* (p. 287)
Drive with the correct air pressure in the
tyres and check this regularly - select ECO
tyre pressure for best results, see Tyres -
approved tyre pressures (p. 409).
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Increase the tyre pressure to the recom-
mended pressure for a full load. For informa-
tion on the tyre pressure, see Tyres -
approved tyre pressures (p. 409).
Choice of tyres can affect fuel consumption -
seek advice on suitable tyres from a dealer.
The engine is loaded more heavily than usual
when driving with a trailer.
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20
Applies to manual gearbox.
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* Option/accessory. 307
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