Volvo S40 (2012 year). Instruction — part 10

06 Starting and driving

Towing and recovery

06

175

IMPORTANT

Avoid towing.

•

However, the car can be towed for a
short distance at low speed to move it
from a dangerous position - not further
than 10 km and not faster than
10 km/h. Note that the car must always
be towed with the wheels rolling for-
ward.

•

In the event of moving a longer distance
than 10 km, the car must be transported
with the drive wheels raised from the
road - professional recovery is recom-
mended.

Prior to towing:

–

Move the gear selector to position N and
release the parking brake.

Towing eye

The towing eye is screwed into a threaded
socket behind a cover on the right-hand side
of the bumper, front or rear.

Fitting the towing eye

Take out the towing eye (1) that is located
under the floor hatch in the cargo area.

The cover for the towing eye's attachment
point is available in two variants which
must be opened in different ways:

•

Open the variant with a recess using a
coin or similar inserted in the recess,

turning it outwards. Then turn out the
cover completely and remove it.

•

The second variant has a marking along
one side or in a corner: Press the mark-
ing with a finger and fold out the oppo-
site side/corner at the same time using
a coin or similar - the cover turns around
its axis and can then be removed.

Screw the towing eye right in up to its
flange. Turn in the towing eye firmly e.g.
using the wheel wrench.

After use, unscrew the towing eye and
return it to its place.

Finish by refitting the cover onto the
bumper.

IMPORTANT

The towing eye is only designed for towing
on roads - not for pulling the car unstuck or
out of a ditch. Call a recovery service for
recovery assistance.

NOTE

On certain cars with fitted towbar the towing
eye cannot be secured in the rear mounting.
In which case, secure the tow rope in the
towbar.

For this reason it is advisable to store the
towbar's towball in the car, see page 180.

06 Starting and driving

Start assistance

06

177

Starting with a donor battery

If the battery is flat then the car can be started
with current from another battery.

When jump starting the car, the following steps
are recommended to avoid short circuits or
other damage:

1.

Turn the remote control key to key position
0.

2.

Check that the donor battery has a voltage
of 12 V.

3.

If the donor battery is installed in another
car - switch off the donor car's engine and
make sure that the two cars do not touch
each other.

4.

Connect one of the red jump lead's clamps
to the donor battery's positive terminal (1).

IMPORTANT

Connect the start cable carefully to avoid
short circuits with other components in the
engine compartment.

5.

Connect the red jump lead's other clamp
onto the car's positive terminal (2).

6.

Connect one of the black jump lead's
clamps to the donor battery's negative ter-
minal (3).

7.

Fit the other clamp to a grounding point,
such as by the left-hand spring strut (4).

8.

Check that the jump lead clamps are
affixed securely so that there are no sparks
during the starting procedure.

9.

Start the engine of the "donor car" and
allow it to run a few minutes at a speed
slightly higher than idle approx. 1500 rpm.

10. Start the engine in the car with the dis-

charged battery.

IMPORTANT

Do not touch the crocodile clips during the
start procedure. There is a risk of sparks
forming.

11. Remove the jump leads in reverse order -

first the black and then the red.

> Make sure that none of the black jump

lead's clamps comes into contact with
the battery's positive terminal or the
clamp connected to the red jump lead.

WARNING

•

The battery can generate oxyhydrogen
gas, which is highly explosive. A spark
can be formed if a jump lead is con-
nected incorrectly, and this can be
enough for the battery to explode.

•

The battery contains sulphuric acid,
which can cause serious burns.

•

If sulphuric acid comes into contact
with eyes, skin or clothing, flush with
large quantities of water. If acid
splashes into the eyes - seek medical
attention immediately.

For more information on the car's battery - see
page 225.

06 Starting and driving

Driving with a trailer

06

178

General

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
payload by a corresponding weight. For more
detailed information on weights, see
page 283.

If the towing bracket is fitted by an authorised
Volvo workshop, then the car is delivered with
the necessary equipment for driving with a
trailer.

•

The car's towing bracket must be of an
approved type.

•

If the towbar is retrofitted, check with a
Volvo dealer that the car is fully equipped
for driving with a trailer.

•

Distribute the load on the trailer so that the
weight on the towing bracket follows the
specified maximum towball load.

•

Increase the tyre pressure to the recom-
mended pressure for a full load. For tyre
pressure decal location, see page 194.

•

Clean the towing bracket regularly and
grease the towball

1

.

•

The engine is loaded more heavily than
usual when driving with a trailer.

•

Do not tow a heavy trailer when the car is
brand new. Please wait until it has been
driven at least 1000 km.

•

The brakes are loaded much more than
usual on long and steep downhill slopes.
Downshift to a lower gear and adjust your
speed.

•

Avoid driving with a trailer on inclines of
more than 12%.

•

For safety reasons, the maximum permit-
ted speed for the car when coupled with a
trailer should not be exceeded. Follow the
regulations in force for the permitted
speeds and weights.

•

Maintain a low speed when driving with a
trailer up long, steep ascents.

Trailer weights

For information on Volvo's permitted trailer
weights, see page 283.

NOTE

The stated maximum permitted trailer
weights are those permitted by Volvo.
National vehicle regulations can further limit
trailer weights and speeds. Towbars can be
certified for higher towing weights than the
car can actually tow.

WARNING

Follow the stated recommendations for
trailer weights. Otherwise, the car and trailer
may be difficult to control in the event of
sudden movement and braking.

Manual gearbox

Overheating

When driving with a trailer in hilly terrain in a hot
climate there may be a risk of overheating.

•

Do not run the engine at higher revolutions
than 4500 rpm (diesel engines: 3500 rpm)
- otherwise the oil temperature may
become too high.

Diesel engine 5-cyl

•

If an engine starts to run too hot, the instru-
ment panel will display a text message
which recommends switching to a lower
gear - follow the recommendation given.

•

In the event of a risk of overheating the
optimal speed for the engine is 2300-3000
rpm for optimum circulation of the coolant.

1

Do not lubricate the towball if using a stabiliser hitch.

06 Starting and driving

Driving with a trailer

06

179

Automatic gearbox

Overheating

When driving with a trailer in hilly terrain in a hot
climate there may be a risk of overheating.

•

An automatic gearbox selects the optimum
gear related to load and engine speed.

Steep inclines

•

Do not lock the automatic transmission in
a higher gear than the engine "can cope
with" - it is not always a good idea to drive
at a high gear with low engine revolutions.

IMPORTANT

See also the specific information on slow
driving with trailer for cars with the
Powershift automatic transmission on page
159.

Parking on a hill

1.

Depress the foot brake.

2.

Apply the parking brake.

3.

Move the gear selector to parking position
P.

4.

Release the foot brake.

•

Move the gear selector to park position P
when parking an automatic car with a

hitched trailer. Always use the parking
brake.

•

Block the wheels with chocks when park-
ing a car with hitched trailer on a hill.

Starting on a hill

1.

Depress the foot brake.

2.

Move the gear selector to driving posi-
tion D.

3.

Release the parking brake.

4.

Release the foot brake and start driving off.

06 Starting and driving

Towing equipment*

06

180

*

Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.

Towbar

If the car is equipped with a detachable towbar,
the installation instructions for the loose sec-
tion must be followed carefully, see
page 182.

WARNING

If the car is fitted with a Volvo detachable
towbar:

•

Follow the installation instructions care-
fully.

•

The detachable section must be locked
with the key before setting off.

•

Check that the indicator window shows
green.

Important checks

•

The towbar's towball must be cleaned and
greased regularly.

NOTE

If a towball hitch with vibration damper is
used, it is not necessary to grease the tow-
ball.

Storing the towbar

G031

11

6

Towbar storage space.

IMPORTANT

Always remove the towbar after use and
store it in the appointed location in the car,
firmly fastened with its strap.

Trailer cable

G014589

An adapter is required if the car's towing
bracket has 13 pin electrics and the trailer has
7 pin electrics. Use an adapter cable approved
by Volvo. Make sure the cable does not drag
on the ground.

06 Starting and driving

Towing equipment*

06

*

Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.

181

Specifications

G010393

G010384

G010385

Dimensions for mounting points (mm)

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

Fixed or detachable towbar standard

1070

82

964

482

40

141

497

150

113

100

140

1

Side member

2

Ball centre

06 Starting and driving

Detachable towbar*

06

182

*

Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.

Fitting the towbar

G017317

1.

Remove the protective cover by first press-
ing in the catch

and then pulling the

cover straight back

.

G020301

2.

Ensure that the mechanism is in the
unlocked position by turning the key clock-
wise.

G020302

3.

Check that the indicator window (3) shows
red. If the window does not show red,
press in

and turn the locking wheel anti-

clockwise

until you hear a click.

06 Starting and driving

Detachable towbar*

06

*

Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.

183

G020304

4.

Insert the towbar until you hear a click.

G020306

5.

Check that the indicator window shows
green.

G020307

6.

Turn the key anticlockwise to locked posi-
tion. Remove the key from the lock.

G020309

7.

Check that the towbar is secure by pulling
it up, down and back.

WARNING

If the towbar is not fitted correctly then it
must be detached and reattached in
accordance with the previous instructions.

IMPORTANT

Only grease in the ball for the towing hitch,
the remainder of the towbar should be clean
and dry.

06 Starting and driving

Detachable towbar*

06

184

*

Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.

G020310

8.

Safety cable.

WARNING

Be sure to attach the trailer's safety cable to
the correct place.

Removing the towbar

G020301

1.

Insert the key and turn it clockwise to the
unlocked position.

G020312

2.

Push in the locking wheel

and turn it

anticlockwise

until you hear a click.

06 Starting and driving

Detachable towbar*

06

*

Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.

185

G020314

3.

Turn the locking wheel down fully, until it
comes to a stop. Hold it in this position
while pulling the towbar rearward and
upward.

WARNING

Secure the towbar safely if it is stored in the
car, see page 180.

G017318

4.

Push on the protective cover.

06 Starting and driving

Loading

06

186

*

Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.

General

Payload depends on the car's kerb weight. The
total of the weight of the passengers and all
accessories reduces the car's payload by a
corresponding weight. For more detailed infor-
mation on weights, see page 283.

WARNING

The car's driving characteristics change
depending on how heavily it is loaded and
how the load is distributed.

Loading the cargo area

Stop the engine and apply the parking brake
when loading or unloading long objects. The
gear lever or gear selector can be knocked out
of position by long loads, which could set the
car in motion.

To increase the size of the cargo area, the head
restraints can be removed and the seats folded
down, see page 114.

Place the load firmly against the backrest in
front.

•

The head rests can be removed so that
they are not damaged.

•

Put wide loads in the centre.

•

Heavy objects should be placed as low as
possible. Avoid placing heavy loads on a
lowered backrest.

•

Cover sharp edges with something soft to
avoid damaging the upholstery.

•

Secure all loads to the load retaining eye-
lets with straps or web lashings.

WARNING

A loose object weighing 20 kg can, in a
frontal collision at a speed of 50 km/h, carry
the impact of an item weighing 1000 kg.

WARNING

Never load cargo above the backrest.

The protection provided by the inflatable
curtain in the headlining may be compro-
mised or eliminated by high loads.

Always secure the load. During heavy brak-
ing the load may otherwise shift, causing
injury to the car's occupants.

Load carriers*

To avoid damaging the car and for maximum
possible safety while driving, it is recom-
mended to use load carriers specially designed
for your car by Volvo.

Carefully follow the mounting instructions sup-
plied with the carriers.

•

Check periodically that the load carriers
and load are properly secured. Lash the
load securely with retaining straps.

•

Distribute the load evenly over the load
carriers. Put the heaviest objects at the
bottom.

•

The size of the area exposed to the wind,
and therefore fuel consumption, increase
with the load's size.

•

Drive gently. Avoid quick acceleration,
heavy braking and hard cornering.

WARNING

The car's centre of gravity and driving cha-
racteristics are altered by roof loads.

06 Starting and driving

Adjusting headlamp pattern

06

187

Correct light pattern for left or right-
hand traffic

G020317

Headlamp pattern for left-hand traffic.

Headlamp pattern for right-hand traffic.

The headlamp pattern can be adjusted using a
control in each headlamp housing to avoid
dazzling oncoming motorists.

The correct pattern will also better illuminate
the verge.

Halogen headlamps

G021421

Left-hand traffic.

Right-hand traffic.

Headlamps with Active Bending Lights

G021422

Left-hand traffic.

Right-hand traffic.

WARNING

On cars with Xenon headlamps, the
replacement of Xenon lamps must be car-
ried out at a workshop - an authorised Volvo
workshop is recommended. Working with
Xenon lamps demands extreme caution
because the headlamp is equipped with a
high voltage unit.

07 Wheels and tyres

General

07

190

Driving characteristics and tyres

The tyres greatly affect the car's driving cha-
racteristics. The type of tyre, dimensions, tyre
pressure and speed rating are important for
how the car performs.

When changing tyres, ensure that tyres of the
same type and dimensions, and preferably also
the same make, are fitted to all four wheels.
Follow the recommended tyre pressures
specified on the tyre pressure label, see
page 194.

Designation of dimensions

The dimensions are stated on all car tyres.
Example: 205/55R16 91 W.

205

Tyre width (mm)

55

Ratio between tyre wall height and
tyre width (%)

R

Radial ply

16

Rim diameter in inches (")

91

Tyre load index (in this case 615 kg)

W

Speed rating for maximum permitted
speed (in this case 270 km/h).

Speed ratings

The car is approved as a whole, which means
that dimensions and speed ratings must not
differ from those specified on the vehicle reg-
istration document. The only exception to
these conditions is winter tyres (both those
with metal studs and those without). If such a
tyre is chosen, the car must not be driven faster
than the speed rating of the tyre (for example,
class Q can be driven at a maximum of
160 km/h).

Remember that traffic regulations determine
how fast a car can be driven, not the speed
class of the tyres.

Note! Maximum permitted speeds indicated.

Q

160 km/h (used only on winter tyres)

T

190 km/h

H

210 km/h

V

240 km/h

W

270 km/h

Y

300 km/h

New tyres

Tyres are perishable. After a few years they
begin to harden at the same time as the friction
capacity/characteristics gradually deteriorate.
For this reason, aim to get as fresh tyres as
possible when you replace them. This is espe-
cially important with regard to winter tyres. The
last four digits in the sequence mean the week
and year of manufacture. This is the tyre's
DOT marking (Department of Transportation),
and this is stated with four digits, for example
1510. The tyre in the illustration was manufac-
tured in week 15 of 2010.

Tyre age

All tyres older than six years should be checked
by an expert even if they seem undamaged.

07 Wheels and tyres

General

07

191

The reason for this is that tyres age and decom-
pose, even if they are hardly ever or never used.
The function can therefore be affected due to
the tyre's constituent materials being broken
down. In such a case the tyre should then not
be used. This also applies to spare tyres, winter
tyres and tyres saved for future use. Examples
of external signs which indicate that the tyre is
unsuitable for use are cracks or discoloration.

The age of the tyre can be determined by the
DOT marking, see previous illustration.

More even wear and maintenance

The correct tyre pressure results in more even
wear, see page 194. Driving style, tyre pres-
sure, climate and road condition affect how
quickly your tyres age and wear. To avoid dif-
ferences in tread depth and to prevent wear
patterns arising, the front and rear wheels can
be switched with each other. A suitable dis-
tance for the first change is approx. 5000 km
and then at 10 000 km intervals. Volvo recom-
mends that you contact an authorised Volvo
workshop for checking if you are uncertain
about tread depth. If significant differences in
wear (>1 mm difference in tread depth)
between tyres have already occurred, the least
worn tyres must always be placed on the rear.
Understeer is normally easier to correct than
oversteer, and leads to the car continuing for-

wards in a straight line rather than having the
rear end skidding to one side, resulting in pos-
sible complete loss of control over the car. This
is why it is important for the rear wheels never
to lose grip before the front wheels.

Wheels should be stored lying down or hanging
up, and not standing up.

Tyres with tread wear indicators

G020323

Tread wear indicators.

Tread wear indicators are narrow treadless
bands across the width of the tread. On the
side of the tyre are the letters TWI (Tread Wear
Indicator). When the tyre's tread depth is down
to 1.6 mm, the tread depth will be level in height
with the tread wear indicators. Change to new
tyres as soon as possible. Remember that

tyres with little tread depth provide very poor
grip in rain and snow.

Winter tyres

Volvo recommends winter tyres with specific
winter tyre dimensions. Tyre dimensions are
dependent on engine variant. When driving on
winter tyres, they must be fitted to all four
wheels.

NOTE

Volvo recommends that you consult a Volvo
dealer about which wheel rim and tyre types
are most suitable.

Studded tyres

Studded winter tyres should be run in gently for
500-1000 km, so that the studs settle properly
into the tyres. This gives the tyre, and espe-
cially the studs, a longer service life.

NOTE

The legal provisions for the use of studded
tyres vary from country to country.

Tread depth

Road conditions with ice, slush and low tem-
peratures place considerably higher demands
on tyres than summer conditions. It is therefore

07 Wheels and tyres

General

07

192

recommended not to drive on winter tyres that
have a tread depth of less than 4 mm.

Snow chains

Snow chains may only be used on the front
wheels. This also applies to all-wheel-drive
cars.

Never drive faster than 50 km/h with snow
chains. Avoid driving on bare ground as this
wears out both the snow chains and tyres.

WARNING

Use Volvo genuine snow chains or equiva-
lent chains designed for the car model, and
tyre and rim dimensions. In the event of
uncertainty Volvo recommends that you
consult an authorised Volvo workshop. The
wrong snow chains may cause serious
damage to your car and lead to an accident.

Rims and wheel nuts

Only use wheel rims that are tested and
approved by Volvo and which are included in
the Volvo genuine accessories range.

Standard wheel nuts.

Bulge acorn wheel nuts.

There are two types of wheel nut, depending
on whether the wheel rims are made of steel or
aluminium.

1.

Tighten the wheel nuts of model (1) to 110
Nm. Tighten the wheel nuts of model (2) to
130 Nm.

2.

Check the torque with a torque wrench.

IMPORTANT

The wheel nuts (1) should be tightened to
110 Nm and (2) to 130 Nm respectively.
Overtightening can damage the nuts and
the bolts.

Steel rims – standard wheel nuts (1)

Steel rims are normally mounted with the
standard wheel nuts, but the bulge acorn vari-
ety may also be used.

WARNING

Never use standard nuts for aluminium rims.
The wheel could come loose.

Aluminium rims – bulge acorn wheel nuts
(2)

Only use the bulge acorn variety of nuts with
aluminium rims.

NOTE

These nuts may also be used with steel rims.

Locking wheel nuts

Locking wheel nuts can be used on both alu-
minium and steel rims. If steel rims with locking
wheel nuts are used in combination with wheel
covers, the locking wheel nut should be moun-

07 Wheels and tyres

General

07

*

Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.

193

ted on the bolt nearest the air valve. Otherwise
the wheel cover cannot be fitted to the rim.

NOTE

Tighten the lockable wheel nuts to 110 Nm.

Spare wheel Temporary Spare*

The spare wheel (Temporary spare) is only
intended for use temporarily and must be
replaced by an ordinary wheel as soon as pos-
sible. The car's handling may be altered by the
use of the spare wheel. The spare wheel is
smaller than the normal wheel. The car's
ground clearance is affected accordingly. Pay
attention to high kerbs and do not machine
wash the car. If the spare wheel is fitted on the
front axle, you cannot use snow chains at the
same time. On all-wheel drive cars the drive on
the rear axle can be disconnected. The spare
wheel must not be repaired. The correct tyre
pressure for the spare wheel is stated in the
tyre pressure table, see page 293.

IMPORTANT

Never drive faster than 80 km/h with a spare
wheel on the car.

IMPORTANT

The car must never be driven fitted with
more than one "Temporary Spare" wheel.

Summer and winter wheels

G020325

The arrow shows the tyre's direction of rotation.

When summer and winter wheels are changed,
see page 198, the wheels should be marked
with which side of the car they were mounted
on, for example L for left and R for right. Tyres
with a tread pattern which are designed to only
turn in one direction have the direction of rota-
tion marked with an arrow.

The tyre must always rotate in the same direc-
tion throughout its lifespan. Tyres should only

be switched between front and rear positions,
never between left and right-hand sides, or
vice versa.

If the tyre is mounted incorrectly, the car's
braking characteristics and capacity to force
rain, snow and slush out of the way are
adversely affected.

Tyres with the greatest tread depth should
always be fitted to the rear of the car (to
decrease the risk of skidding).

Volvo recommends that you contact an author-
ised Volvo workshop for checking if you are
uncertain about tread depth.