Driving through water. Overheating. Overloading - starter battery. Driving in winter

When driving through water or under extreme conditions, the Volvo S80 (2nd generation, 2013–2016) offers numerous safety and care recommendations. This section describes how to drive safely through water, precautions to avoid engine damage, and what to do if the engine or transmission overheats. It also covers the load on the starter battery and important checks before longer journeys. Recommendations for winter operation and the use of winter tires complete the information.

Driving through water

Wading means driving the vehicle through a road surface covered with water. Extreme caution is required when driving through water.

The vehicle can be driven through water up to a maximum depth of 25 cm at walking pace. Take particular care when driving through flowing water.

When driving through water, maintain a low speed and do not stop the vehicle. After driving through the water, lightly press the brake pedal to check that full braking force is restored. Water and mud, for example, can soak the brake pads, which results in delayed braking performance.

• After driving through water and mud, clean the connectors of the electric engine block heater* and the trailer towing hitch.
• Do not leave the vehicle standing in water up to the sills for an extended period, as this can cause faults in the vehicle's electrical system.

IMPORTANT

Engine damage may result if water enters the air filter.

At depths over 25 cm, water can enter the drivetrain. This reduces the lubricating properties of the oils and shortens the service life of the affected system.

Damage to the engine, transmission, turbocharger, differential or their components caused by flooding, hydrostatic lock or oil shortage is not covered by the warranty.

If the engine stalls in water, do not try to restart the vehicle. Have the vehicle towed to a workshop, preferably a Volvo Retailer.

Serious engine damage may result.

Related information

- Recovery

- Towing

Overheating

Under certain conditions, such as demanding driving on steep terrain or in warm weather, there is a risk of overheating of the engine and drivetrain, especially when heavily loaded.

For information on overheating when towing a trailer, see Towing a trailer*

• In warm weather, remove any auxiliary lighting in front of the radiator grille before driving.
• If the temperature in the engine cooling system becomes too high, a warning symbol lights up in the information display of the instrument panel and the message High engine temperature Stop safely appears. Stop the vehicle safely and let the engine idle for a few minutes to cool down.
• If the message High engine temperature Switch off engine or Engine coolant low Stop safely is displayed, switch off the engine after stopping the vehicle.
• If the transmission overheats, a built-in protection function is activated which, among other things, illuminates a warning symbol in the instrument panel and displays the message Transmission hot Reduce speed or Transmission hot Stop safely Wait for cool down. Follow the recommendation: reduce speed, or stop the vehicle safely and let the engine idle for a few minutes so that the transmission can cool down.
• In case of overheating, the vehicle's air conditioning may switch off temporarily.
• Do not switch off the engine immediately after heavy use.

CAUTION

It is normal for the engine fan to continue running for a while after the engine has been switched off.

Driving with the tailgate/luggage compartment lid open

When driving with the luggage compartment lid open, toxic exhaust gases can enter the vehicle through the luggage compartment.

WARNING

Do not drive with the luggage compartment lid open. Toxic exhaust gases can be drawn into the vehicle through the luggage compartment.

Related information

- Loading

Overloading - starter battery

The starter battery is loaded to different degrees by the various functions. When the engine is switched off, avoid turning the ignition key to position II. Use position I instead, as this consumes less power.

Also pay attention to various accessories that load the electrical system.

Do not use functions that consume a lot of power when the engine is switched off.

Examples of such functions are:

• Fan
• Headlights
• Windscreen wipers
• Audio system (high volume).

If the starter battery voltage is low, the message Battery charge low Energy saving mode is shown in the information display of the instrument panel. The energy saving function then switches off certain functions or reduces the load on the battery, for example by reducing the interior blower and/or the audio system volume.

- Charge the starter battery in this case by starting the engine and running it for at least 15 minutes. The starter battery charges better while driving than at idle or when the vehicle is stationary.

Before long trips

Before long trips, it is advisable to check the following points:

• Check that the engine runs properly and that fuel consumption is normal.
• Make sure there are no leaks (fuel, oil or other fluids).
• Check all bulbs and the tire tread depth.
• Carrying a warning triangle is required by law in certain countries.

Related information

- Engine oil - checking and topping up

- Wheel change - removing the wheel

- Bulb replacement - general information

Driving in Winter

When driving in winter, it is important to carry out certain checks to ensure the vehicle can be driven safely.

Check especially before the cold season begins:

• The glycol content of the engine coolant must be 50%. This mixture protects the engine from frost damage at temperatures down to approx. -35 °C.

  To avoid health risks, different types of glycol must not be mixed.

• The fuel tank must be well filled to prevent condensation from forming.
• The viscosity of the engine oil is important. Oil with lower viscosity (thinner oil) makes starting easier in cold outside temperatures and also reduces fuel consumption when the engine is cold. For more information on suitable oils, see Engine oil - unfavorable driving conditions.

IMPORTANT

Low-viscosity oil must not be used for hard driving or in warm weather conditions.

• Check the condition and state of charge of the starter battery. Low temperatures place greater demands on the starter battery. At the same time, the cold reduces the battery's capacity.
• Use windshield washer fluid so that no ice forms in the washer fluid reservoir.

For the best possible traction, Volvo recommends winter tires on all wheels when there is a risk of snow or slippery roads.

CAUTION

In certain countries, the use of winter tires is required by law.

Tires with studs are not approved in all countries.

Slippery roads

Therefore, practice driving on slippery surfaces under controlled conditions to learn how the vehicle responds.

Related information

- Driving in winter

The Volvo S80 (2nd gen) is also equipped for demanding conditions such as winter driving or fording water. Nevertheless, important notes must be observed: When driving through water, the water depth must not exceed 25 cm to avoid damage to the engine or drivetrain. After driving through water, it is recommended to briefly apply the brakes to check their function.

Special caution applies when there is a risk of overheating on hilly terrain or when heavily loaded. Warning messages in the display provide clear instructions. The starter battery should also be checked before long trips to prevent unwanted failures.

Volvo combines robustness with practical safety guidance for worry-free driving in a wide range of conditions.