Volvo S80 Quiz
Care and Service

Car wash

In this manual: Care and Service
Introduction — 9Safety — 9Instruments and controls — 29Climate control — 12Loading and storage. Storage compartments. Center console. Glove compartment. Center console 12 V socket — 1Loading and storage. Loading. Loading - ski hatch. Roof load. Cargo tie-down eyes — 1Loading and storage. Loading - shopping bag holder*. 12 V socket in luggage compartment* — 1Locks and Alarm System — 14Driver assistance — 33Starting and driving — 29Wheels and tires — 15Care and Service — 24Technical data. Type designations. Weights. Towing weight and nose weight. Engine technical data — 1Technical data. Engine oil - severe operating conditions. Engine oil - quality and capacity. Coolant - quality and capacity. Transmission fluid - quality and capacity — 1Technical Data. Technical data for the air conditioning system. Fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. Tires - approved tire pressure — 1
~4min read

Washing the Volvo S80 (2nd generation, 2013–2016) helps preserve its value. This section describes correct hand washing, high-pressure washing and precautions when using car washes. It also provides tips on cleaning wiper blades, plastic and rubber parts, and brake checks after washing. Guidance on avoiding paint damage helps protect the vehicle.

The vehicle should be washed when it is dirty. Wash the vehicle in a car wash with an oil separator. Use car shampoo.

Hand washing

  • Bird droppings must be removed from the paint as soon as possible. Bird droppings contain substances that attack the paint very quickly and cause discoloration. It is recommended that any discoloration be removed by a Volvo authorized workshop.
  • Wash the underbody.
  • Spray the entire vehicle until loose dirt is removed, to reduce the risk of scratches during washing. Never aim the water jet directly at the locks.
  • If necessary, wash heavily soiled areas with a cold degreaser. Note that the surfaces must not be heated by the sun.
  • Use a sponge, car shampoo and lukewarm water for washing.
  • Clean the wiper blades with lukewarm soapy water or car shampoo.
  • Dry the vehicle with a clean, soft polishing cloth or a water blade. Avoiding water drops drying in strong sunlight reduces the risk of water spots that would need to be polished off.
WARNING

Engine washing should always be carried out by a workshop. If the engine is warm, there is a risk of fire.

IMPORTANT

Dirt impairs the function of the headlights. They must therefore be cleaned regularly, e.g. when refuelling.

Do not use caustic cleaning agents. Use only water and a non-scratch sponge.

CAUTION

Condensation may temporarily form on the inside of exterior lighting, e.g. headlamps, fog lamps and tail lights. This is a natural phenomenon for which the exterior lighting is designed. Condensation normally escapes from the lamp after it has been switched on for a while.

Washing the vehicle at a car wash

An automatic car wash cleans the vehicle quickly and easily, but it cannot reach all areas. For a truly good result, hand washing is recommended.

CAUTION

During the first months, the vehicle should only be washed by hand, as new paint is more sensitive.

High-pressure washing

When washing with high pressure, work with circular movements and make sure the distance between the nozzle and the vehicle surfaces is at least 30 cm (this distance applies to all external details of the vehicle). Never aim the water jet directly at the locks.

Checking the brakes

WARNING

After washing, always perform a brake test so that the brake pads are not affected by moisture and corrosion and brake performance is not reduced.

On longer journeys in rain or slush, lightly depress the brake pedal from time to time so that the brake pads warm up and moisture evaporates. This is also necessary after starting in very humid or cold weather conditions.

Wiper Blades

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

When cleaning: - Move the wiper blades to the service position, see Wiper blades .

CAUTION

Clean the wiper blades and windscreen regularly with lukewarm soap solution and car shampoo. Do not use aggressive solvents!

Plastic and rubber parts and exterior trim

For cleaning and care of coloured plastic parts, rubber parts and trim, such as chrome strips, a special cleaning agent available from Volvo retailers is recommended. When using such cleaning agents, follow the instructions carefully.

IMPORTANT

Avoid applying wax to and polishing plastic and rubber parts.

When using a degreaser on plastic and rubber parts, rub only with light pressure, if necessary. Use a soft sponge.

When polishing trim strips, the glossy surface may be damaged or worn.

Do not use polishes that contain abrasives.

Wheels

Use only wheel cleaners recommended by Volvo.

Strong wheel cleaners can damage surfaces and leave stains on chrome-plated aluminium wheels.

Related information

- Polishing and waxing

- Interior cleaning

- Water- and dirt-repellent surface layer

The fuses in the interior of the Volvo S80 (2nd generation) are located behind the cover on the left in the driver's footwell. They protect comfort and communication systems such as the radio, navigation system or seat heating.

To gain access, carefully remove the cover. After replacement, all covers should be correctly refitted to ensure their protective effect.

FAQ

Why not fit a higher-rated fuse?
This could overload the cables and components and cause a fire hazard.

How to store spare fuses?
The fuse box contains holders for spare fuses and a fuse puller.

Test yourself

A quick Volvo S80 quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.