Volvo XC90 Recharge Plug-in Hybrid (2021 year). Manual in english — page 39

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Cleaning exterior plastic, rubber and trim
components (p. 663)

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MAINTENANCE AND SERVICE

* Option/accessory.

660

Hand washing

The vehicle should be washed as soon as it
becomes dirty. This makes the vehicle easier
to clean because dirt does not attach as
strongly. It also reduces the risk of scratches
and keeps the vehicle looking new. Wash the
vehicle in a car wash or garage with an oil
separator and use car washing detergent.
Use cleaning agents and car care products
recommended by Volvo.

Important to keep in mind when
handwashing your vehicle

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Avoid washing the vehicle in direct sun-
light. This could cause the detergent or
wax to dry out and become abrasive.

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Remove bird droppings from paintwork as
soon as possible. It contains chemicals
that affect and discolor paintwork very
quickly. Use e.g. soft paper or a sponge
soaked in lots of water. Consult an author-
ized Volvo workshop for assistance
removing discoloration.

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Hose down the underbody, including the
wheel housings and bumper.

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Hose down the entire vehicle and remove
any loose dirt, droppings etc. to reduce
the risk of scratches from washing. Do not
spray directly onto locks.

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If necessary, use cold degreaser on heavily
soiled surfaces. Note that in such cases
the surfaces must not be hot from the sun.

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Wash using a sponge, car washing deter-
gent and plenty of lukewarm water. Make
sure that the sponge is clean. A dirty
sponge can scratch the paint.

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Clean the wiper blades with lukewarm
soap solution or car washing detergent.

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Dry the vehicle using a clean, soft chamois
or a squeegee. Try not to let drops of
water dry in strong sunlight. This could
cause water drying stains that may need
to be polished out.

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In areas with heavy industrial emissions,
more frequent washing of the vehicle's
exterior is recommended.

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Tar spots from asphalt may remain even
after washing. Use a Volvo-recommended
tar remover to remove these spots after
washing the vehicle.

WARNING

Always entrust engine washing to a work-

shop. If the engine is hot, there is a risk of

fire.

CAUTION

Dirty headlights do not work as well. Clean
them regularly, e.g. when refueling.

Do not use corrosive cleaners. Use water
and a non-abrasive sponge.

NOTE

Exterior lighting such as headlights and
taillights may develop temporary conden-
sation on the inside of the lens. This is nor-
mal. All exterior lighting is designed to
resist this. Condensation is normally ven-
ted out of the lamp housing once the light
has been lit for some period of time.

CAUTION

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Make sure that the panoramic roof

and sun shade are closed before wash-
ing the vehicle.

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Never use abrasive polishing agents on
the panoramic roof.

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Never use wax on the rubber seals
around the panoramic roof.

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661

CAUTION

Remember to remove dirt from the drain
holes in the doors and sills after washing
the vehicle.

Related information

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Cleaning exterior plastic, rubber and trim
components (p. 663)

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Settings for automatically activating the
parking brake (p. 435)

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Automatic car washes

The vehicle should be washed as soon as it
becomes dirty. The longer the dirt remains,
the more difficult it will be to keep the vehicle
clean. It could also lead to paint damage.

Washing your vehicle in an automatic car
wash is a fast and easy way to keep your vehi-
cle clean, but it does not reach all areas of the
vehicle. Volvo recommends washing your
vehicle by hand or supplementing automatic
car washes with a hand wash.

NOTE

Volvo recommends not washing the vehi-
cle in an automatic car wash during the
first few months; the paintwork on new
vehicles takes some time to fully harden.

CAUTION

Before driving the vehicle into a car wash,
deactivate the Automatic Braking when
Stationary and Automatic Parking Brake
Application functions. If the functions are
not deactivated, the brake system will
seize when the vehicle is stationary and the
vehicle will not be able to roll.

CAUTION

For automatic car washes in which the
vehicle is pulled forward on rolling wheels:

1. Before washing the vehicle, make sure

that the automatic rain sensor is deac-
tivated. If it is not deactivated and
inadvertently starts, the wiper arms
could be damaged.

2. To help prevent damage from the auto-

matic car wash machinery, make sure
that the door mirrors are folded in,
antennas retracted or removed, and
any auxiliary lights secured.

3. Drive into the automatic car wash.
4. Turn off the "Automatic Braking when

Stationary" function using the

but-

ton in the tunnel console.

5. Turn off the "Automatic Parking Brake

Application" function in the center dis-
play's Top view.

6. Turn off the engine by turning the start

knob in the tunnel console clockwise.
Hold the knob in position for at least
2 seconds.

The vehicle is now ready for the automatic
car wash.

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662

CAUTION

The system will automatically change to

mode if the above steps are not followed.
In

mode, the wheels are locked, which

they should not be when the vehicle is
being washed in a car wash.

NOTE

Keep in mind that if the vehicle is equipped
with the keyless locking and unlocking
function

, the doors and tailgate/trunk lid

may open when washing the vehicle if the
remote key is within range.

Testing the brakes

WARNING

Always test the brakes after washing the

vehicle, including the parking brake, to

ensure moisture and corrosion do not

attach the brake pads and impair brake

functionality.

Lightly depress the brake pedal from time to
time when driving long distances in rain or
slush. The heat from the friction will help
warm up and dry the brake pads. Do the same
after starting the vehicle in very damp or cold
weather.

Related information

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Cleaning exterior plastic, rubber and trim
components (p. 663)

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Settings for automatically activating the
parking brake (p. 435)

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Auto-hold brakes (p. 436)

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Keyless and touch-sensitive surfaces

(p. 264)

High-pressure washing

The vehicle should be washed as soon as it
becomes dirty. The longer the dirt remains,
the more difficult it will be to keep the vehicle
clean. It could also lead to paint damage.
Wash the vehicle in a car wash or garage
with an oil separator. Use a car washing
detergent recommended by Volvo.

If washing the vehicle with a high-pressure
wash, use sweeping movements and keep the
nozzle at least 30 cm (13 in.) from the vehicle.
Do not spray directly onto locks.

Related information

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Cleaning exterior plastic, rubber and trim
components (p. 663)

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MAINTENANCE AND SERVICE

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* Option/accessory.

663

Cleaning the wiper blades

Asphalt, dust and salt residue on wiper blades,
as well as insects, ice etc. on the windshield,
shorten the service life of wiper blades.

When cleaning, put the wiper blades in the
service position.

NOTE

Wash the wiper blades and windshield
regularly with a lukewarm soap solution or
vehicle shampoo. Do not use strong sol-
vents.

Related information

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Cleaning exterior plastic, rubber and trim
components (p. 663)

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Cleaning exterior plastic, rubber

and trim components

The vehicle should be washed as soon as it
becomes dirty. The longer the dirt remains,
the more difficult it will be to keep the vehicle
clean. It could also lead to paint damage. Use
a car washing detergent recommended by
Volvo.

A special cleaning agent available from Volvo
retailers is recommended for the cleaning and
care of colored plastic parts, rubber and trim
components, e.g. glossy trim. Follow the
usage instructions for the cleaning agent care-
fully.

Avoid using car washing detergents with a pH
value lower than 3.5 or higher than 11.5. Doing
so could result in the discoloring of anodized
aluminum surfaces

(as shown in the illustra-

tions below). Abrasive polishing agents are not
recommended for these areas (as shown in
the illustrations below).

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MAINTENANCE AND SERVICE

664

Components that should be washed with a cleaning

product with a pH value between 3.5 and 11.5.

CAUTION

Avoid waxing and polishing plastic and
rubber.

If using degreaser on plastic and rubber,
only rub (if necessary) with slight pressure.
Use a soft sponge.

Polishing glossy trim moldings can wear
away or damage the glossy surface layer.

Polish containing abrasives must not be
used.

CAUTION

Avoid washing the vehicle with cleaner
with a pH value below 3.5 or above 11.5.
This could cause discoloration of anodized
aluminum components like the roof rail and
around the side windows.

Never use metal polishing agent on ano-
dized aluminum components. This could
cause discoloration and destroy the sur-
face treatment.

Related information

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Cleaning rims

The vehicle should be washed as soon as it
becomes dirty. The longer the dirt remains,
the more difficult it will be to keep the vehicle
clean. It could also lead to paint damage.
Wash the rims at a car wash or garage with
an oil separator. Use a car washing detergent
recommended by Volvo.

Use a rim cleaning agent recommended by
Volvo.

Strong rim cleaning agents could damage the
surface and stain the chromed aluminum rims.

Related information

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Cleaning exterior plastic, rubber and trim
components (p. 663)

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MAINTENANCE AND SERVICE

665

Corrosion protection

Your vehicle is constructed with protection
against corrosion.

Corrosion protection for the body consists of
modern metallic protective coatings on the
sheet metal, a high-quality painting process,
corrosion-protected and minimized metal
overlap, and shielding plastic components,
abrasion protection and supplemental rust
inhibitor in exposed areas. In the chassis,
exposed components of the wheel suspension
are made of corrosion-resistant cast alumi-
num.

Inspection and maintenance

The corrosion protection does not normally
require maintenance, but keeping the vehicle
clean helps reduce the risk of corrosion. The
use of strong alkaline or acidic cleaning fluids
should be avoided on shiny body components.
Any stone chips in the paint should be
touched up as soon as they are discovered.

Related information

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Cleaning exterior plastic, rubber and trim
components (p. 663)

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Touching up minor paint damage
(p. 666)

Paintwork

The paintwork consists of multiple layers. It is
an important part of the vehicle's corrosion
protection and therefore needs to be checked
regularly.

The most common types of paint damage are
minor stone chips, scratches and damage to
e.g. the edges of fenders, doors and bumpers.
To help prevent corrosion, paint damage
should be rectified immediately.

Related information

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Color codes (p. 667)

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666

Touching up minor paint damage

The paintwork is an important part of the
vehicle's corrosion protection and therefore
needs to be checked regularly. The most
common types of paint damage are minor
stone chips, scratches and damage to e.g.
the edges of fenders, doors and bumpers.

To help prevent corrosion, paint damage
should be rectified immediately.

NOTE

Make sure the surface is clean and dry
before performing any touch-ups to the
paint. The surface temperature should be
at least 15 °C (59 °F).

Materials that might be needed

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Primer

‒

special adhesive primer is availa-

ble in a spray can for e.g. plastic-covered
bumpers.

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Base coat and clear coat

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available in

spray cans or as a touch-up pen/stick

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Masking tape.

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Fine-grain sandpaper.

Applying touch-up paint to a damaged
surface

If the damage has not reached all the way
down to the metal, then touch-up paint can be
applied immediately after the surface has been
cleaned.

1. Place a strip of masking tape over the

damaged surface. Pull the tape off so that
any loose flakes of paint adhere to it.

If the damage goes down to the bare
metal, you may need to use primer first. If
the paint damage is on a plastic surface,
an adhesive primer should be used for bet-
ter results. Spray the primer into the lid of
the spray can and brush on thinly.

2. Light sanding with a very fine-grained

sandpaper or similar may be required
before painting (e.g. if there are uneven
edges). Clean the area carefully to remove
dirt, grease, salts, etc. and let it dry.

3. Thoroughly mix the primer and apply it

with a small brush, toothpick or similar.
When the primer is dry, apply one or more
coats of paint and then a clear coat, letting
the paint dry between each application.

If there is a longer scratch, follow the same
procedure as above, but first mask off the sur-
rounding area to protect the undamaged paint.

Touch-up pens/sticks and spray paint are
available at Volvo retailers.

NOTE

If the stone chip has not gone down to the
bare metal and an undamaged coat of
paint remains, apply base coat and clear
coat immediately after cleaning the sur-
face.

Related information

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Paintwork (p. 665)

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Color codes (p. 667)

Follow the instructions on the packaging for the touch-up pen/stick carefully.

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MAINTENANCE AND SERVICE

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667

Color codes

Color code

The color code decal is placed on the vehicle's
left-side door pillar (B-pillar) between the front
and rear doors and is visible when the left
front door is open.

Sample color code (1): US models.

Exterior color code

Secondary exterior color code (if applica-
ble)

Sample color code (1): Canadian models.

Exterior color code

Secondary exterior color code (if applica-
ble)

Related information

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Paintwork (p. 665)

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Touching up minor paint damage (p. 666)

Changing rear window wipers

The wiper blades help remove water from the
windshield and rear window. Along with the
washer fluid, they are designed to clean the
glass and help improve visibility while driving.
The windshield and rear window wiper
blades can be replaced.

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Changing rear window wipers

Lift the wiper arm from the window and pull the

lower section of the blade to the right.

Grasp the center of the wiper blade and
lift it from the window to the stop posi-
tion.

NOTE

When the wiper arm is halfway folded out,
it will stop in a locking position that helps
prevent the arm from falling back onto the
rear window. The wiper arm must be
pulled past the locking position stop in
order to change the wiper blade.

Grip the lower part of the blade and pull to
the right until the blade loosens from the
arm.

3. Press the new wiper blade until it clicks

into place. Check to make sure the blade
is securely in place.

4. Fold the wiper arm back toward the win-

dow.

CAUTION

Check the blades regularly. Neglected
maintenance shortens the life of the
blades.

Related information

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Using the windshield and headlight wash-
ers (p. 184)

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Using automatic rear window wiping
when backing up (p. 186)

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Activating and deactivating the rain sen-
sor's memory function (p. 183)

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Putting the wiper blades in service posi-
tion (p. 669)

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Filling washer fluid (p. 670)

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Replacing windshield wiper blades
(p. 668)

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Replacing windshield wiper blades

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669

Raise the wiper arms to the service posi-
tion. Service position is activated/deacti-
vated via the function view in the center
display when the car is stationary and the
windshield wipers are not on. Press the
button on the wiper blade attachment and
pull the wiper blade straight out, parallel
with the wiper arm.

Slide in a new wiper blade until it clicks
into place.

3. Check to make sure the blade is securely

in place.

4. Press the wiper blade back against the

windshield.

Wiper blades come in varying lengths

NOTE

When changing wiper blades, make sure
that the blades are of different lengths. The
blade on the driver's side is longer than the
one on the passenger side.

Related information

•

Using the windshield and headlight wash-
ers (p. 184)

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Using automatic rear window wiping
when backing up (p. 186)

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Activating and deactivating the rain sen-
sor's memory function (p. 183)

•

Putting the wiper blades in service posi-
tion (p. 669)

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Filling washer fluid (p. 670)

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Changing rear window wipers (p. 667)

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Putting the wiper blades in service

position

The windshield wiper blades must be in the
service (vertical) position for certain opera-
tions, e.g. replacing the blades.

Windshield wipers in the service position.

The windshield wipers must be in the service
position when replacing, washing or lifting the
blades (e.g. to scrape ice or snow from the
windshield).

CAUTION

Before placing the wipers in service posi-
tion, ensure that they have not frozen to
the windshield.

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* Option/accessory.

670

Activating/deactivating service
position

The service position can be activated/deacti-
vated when the vehicle is stationary and the
windshield wipers are switched off. Service
position is activated/deactivated via Function
view in the center display:

Tap the

Wiper Service

Position

button. The indica-

tor light in the button will illu-
minate when service position
is activated. The wipers will
move to the service position
when activated. To deactivate

the service position, tap

Wiper Service

Position

once. The indicator light in the but-

ton will go out when service position is deacti-
vated.

The wiper blades will also move out of the
service position if:

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The windshield wipers are turned on.

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The windshield washers are turned on.

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The rain sensor is activated.

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The vehicle begins moving.

CAUTION

If the wiper arms in service position are
raised from the windshield, they must be
folded back against the windscreen before
activating wiping, washing or rain sensor
as well as before departure. This is to pre-
vent scratching the paint on the hood.

Related information

•

Using the windshield and headlight wash-
ers (p. 184)

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Using automatic rear window wiping
when backing up (p. 186)

•

Activating and deactivating the rain sen-
sor's memory function (p. 183)

•

Replacing windshield wiper blades
(p. 668)

•

Filling washer fluid (p. 670)

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Changing rear window wipers (p. 667)

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Filling washer fluid

Washer fluid is used to keep the headlights,
windshield and rear window clean. Washer
fluid containing anti-freeze should be used in
very cold weather (below-freezing tempera-
tures).

Fill washer fluid into the reservoir with the
blue cover. The reservoir is used for the wind-
shield washer, tailgate window washer and
headlight washer

NOTE

When there is approximately 1 liter (1 qt) of
washer fluid remaining, the message

Washer fluid

Level low, refill

and the

symbol will be displayed in the

instrument panel.

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MAINTENANCE AND SERVICE

671

Recommended grade:

Washer fluid recom-

mended by Volvo, with frost protection during
cold weather and temperatures below the
freezing point.

CAUTION

Use Volvo's original washer fluid or an
equivalent fluid with the recommended pH
value between 6 and 8, diluted as recom-
mended, e.g. in a 1:1 solution with pH-neu-
tral water.

CAUTION

Use washer fluid with anti-freeze when
temperatures are below the freezing point
to help keep the pump, reservoir and hoses
from freezing.

Volume:

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Vehicles

with

headlight washing: 5.5 liters

(5.8 qts).

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Vehicles

without

headlight washing: 3.5

liters (3.7 qts).

Related information

•

Using the windshield and headlight wash-
ers (p. 184)

•

•

Using automatic rear window wiping
when backing up (p. 186)

•

Activating and deactivating the rain sen-
sor's memory function (p. 183)

•

Putting the wiper blades in service posi-
tion (p. 669)

•

•

Replacing windshield wiper blades
(p. 668)

•

Changing rear window wipers (p. 667)

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