Volvo 2005 C70 - Manual (Page 74)

68
Points to remember
Special tips - automatic
transmission
•
For driving down steep hills and when
driving for prolonged periods at low speeds,
position L should be selected. Avoid,
however, repeated changes since this can
cause overheating of the transmission oil.
For driving on long continuous uphill
gradients, select position 4 or 3.
•
Never select P or R while the car is in
motion.
•
When initially selecting positions D, 4, 3, L
or R, your right foot should press firmly on
the brake pedal to ensure that the car is
standing still with the engine idling.
•
The gear selector should not be downshifted
to L at speeds above 75 mph (125 km/h).
Always observe posted speed limits.
•
Do not hold the car stationary on an incline
by using the accelerator pedal. Instead,
apply the hand brake (parking brake). This
prevents the transmission oil from becom-
ing overheated.
•
When towing a trailer, select shift position
4 or 3.
•
While towing a trailer in hilly terrain, do
not drive continuously at engine speeds
above 4500 rpm to help avoid high engine
oil temperatures.
Before a long distance trip
It is always worthwhile to have your car
checked at a Volvo retailer before driving long
distances. Your retailer will also be able to
supply you with bulbs, fuses, spark plugs and
wiper blades for your use in the event that
problems occur.
If you prefer to check the car yourself, please
note the following:
•
Check that engine runs smoothly and that
fuel consumption is normal.
•
Check engine oil, coolant levels, and for
possible fuel leakage.
•
Check transmission oil level*.
•
Check condition of drive belts.
•
Check state of charge of battery.
•
Examine tires carefully (the spare tire as
well), and replace those that are worn.
Check tire pressures.
•
The brakes, front wheel alignment, and
steering gear should be checked by your
Volvo retailer only.
•
Check all lights, including high beams.
•
Reflective warning triangles are legal
requirement in some countries.
•
Have a word with your Volvo retailer if you
intend to drive in countries where it may be
difficult to obtain correct fuel.
•
Consider your destination. If you will be
driving through an area where snow or ice
are likely to occur, consider snow tires.
Weight distribution affects
handling
At the specified curb weight your car has a
tendency to understeer, which means that the
steering wheel has to be turned more than
might seem appropriate for the curvature of a
bend. This ensures good stability and reduces
the risk of rear wheel skid. Remember that
these properties can alter with the vehicle load.
The heavier the load in the trunk (max. 220
lbs, 100 kg), the less the tendency to
understeer.
Handling, roadholding
Vehicle load, tire design and inflation pressure
all affect vehicle handling. Therefore, check
that the tires are inflated to the recommended
pressure according to the vehicle load. See
"Tire pressure" section.
Loads should be distributed so that capacity
weight or maximum permissible axle loads are
not exceeded.
WARNING! It is recommended that tires of
the same make and dimensions be used on
all four wheels (including the use of snow
tires). Do not use bias ply tires as this will
adversely alter vehicle handling
characteristics.
WARNING! Floor mats
An extra mat on the driver's floor can cause
the accelerator pedal to catch. Check that the
movement of the accelerator pedal is not
impeded. Not more than one protective floor
covering may be used at one time.
* To prevent injury from contact with hot sur-
faces, do not inspect your car’s transmission
oil yourself. Have your car’s transmission fluid
level inspected by a qualified Volvo service
technician.