Volvo V70 Automobile User Manual


 
2006 VOLVO V70
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.
Speed-sensitive power steering
(Option on certain models)
With this feature, the steering is most responsive at lower speeds to make parking, driving in city traffic,
etc., easier. The effect of the power steering diminishes as you accelerate for greater stability at highway
speeds.
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 on the rear of the vehicle (e.g., heavily loaded (max. 220 lbs, 100 kg)
cargo area or when towing a trailer, the less the tendency to understeer.
pg. 102 Points to remember
Cooling system
The risk for engine overheating is greatest, especially in hot weather, when:
Towing a trailer up steep inclines for prolonged periods at wide open throttle and low engine rpm.
Stopping the engine suddenly after high speed driving (so-called "after-boiling" can occur).
To avoid overheating, the following rules should be followed:
Do not drive for prolonged periods at engine speeds above 4500 rpm if you are towing a trailer in hilly
terrain.
Reduce speed when towing a trailer up long, steep inclines. The risk of overheating can be reduced by
switching off the air conditioning system for a short time.
Do not let the engine idle unnecessarily for prolonged periods.
Do not mount auxiliary lamps in front of the grill.
When the risk of overheating is imminent, or in the event of overheating (the temperature gauge goes
repeatedly into, or stays continually in, the red section), the following precautions should be taken:
Switch off the air conditioning system.
Pull off the road, away from traffic, stop the car and put the gear selector into neutral.
Switch the heater to full (maximum) position. Increase the engine speed to approx. 2000 rpm (twice
idling speed) until the temperature begins to drop.
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