Volvo S80 Quiz
Care and Service

Coolant - level

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
~2min read

Checking the coolant on the Volvo S80 (2nd generation, 2013–2016) protects the engine from overheating. This section describes the correct level in the expansion tank and how to top up. Warnings on avoiding scalding and recommendations on using suitable coolant are especially important. Tips on mixing and protection against corrosion improve operational safety.

The coolant cools the internal combustion engine to the correct operating temperature. The heat transferred from the engine to the coolant can be used to heat the vehicle interior.

The coolant level must be between the MIN and MAX marks on the expansion tank.

Checking the level and adding fluid

Füllstandkontrolle und Flüssigkeit einfüllen

When adding coolant, follow the instructions on the packaging. Never add only water. The risk of freezing increases if the coolant concentration is too low or too high.

WARNING

The coolant may be very hot.

If topping up is required while the engine is hot, carefully unscrew the expansion tank cap to release the pressure.

For fill quantities and water quality standards, see Coolant - Quality and Fill Quantity.

Check the coolant level regularly

The coolant level must be between the MIN and MAX marks on the expansion tank. If the cooling system is not filled to the specified level, very high temperatures can occur, which may cause engine damage.

IMPORTANT
  • A high content of chlorine, chlorides and other salts can cause corrosion in the cooling system.
  • Always use coolant with corrosion protection in accordance with Volvo recommendations.
  • Make sure the coolant mixture is 50 % water and 50 % coolant.
  • Mix the coolant with tap water of acceptable quality. If you are unsure about the water quality, use premixed coolant in accordance with Volvo recommendations.
  • When changing the coolant or replacing cooling system components, flush the cooling system with tap water of acceptable quality or with premixed coolant.
  • The engine must only be run with the cooling system sufficiently filled. Otherwise, excessive temperatures can occur that may cause damage (cracks) in the cylinder block.

The coolant level in the Volvo S80 (2nd gen) must be between the MIN and MAX marks. Never top up with water only, as this does not provide frost protection. When topping up with the engine hot, take special care: open the cap slowly to release pressure.

The mixture should always consist of 50 % coolant and 50 % water of acceptable quality. If you are unsure, Volvo recommends premixed coolant. This keeps the cooling system protected against corrosion and frost.

Regularly checking the coolant helps prevent engine damage from overheating.

Test yourself

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