pg. 103 Long distance trips, Cold weather
Prior to a long distance trip
Have your car checked at a Volvo dealer. Preventive maintenance will help to ensure a trouble free trip.
Remember to take along a Volvo dealer directory.
The main items to check are listed below:
1. Brakes, front wheel alignment and steering gear.
2. Engine running condition.
3. Fuel system operation.
4. Oil leaks: engine, transmission, rear axle.
5. Cooling system for leaks or worn hoses.
6. Examine tires carefully, replace worn tires.
7. Battery and terminals.
8. Tool equipment.
9. Lighting.
10. Drive belts, for tightness and wear.
11. All fluid levels.
Cold weather/Engine fuel system
During the winter, large variations in temperature cause condensation to form in the fuel tank and can
impair the running of the engine. This can be reduced by adding dry gas to the fuel. There is less risk of
condensation forming in the fuel tank if it is kept full or nearly full.
Engine cooling system
Volvo type C (blue-green) coolant should be used all year round. The cooling system should always
contain water plus anti-freeze and rust inhibitor, even during the summer. Experience has also shown
that extremely weak anti-freeze solutions (10-25 percent) are ineffective for rust protection. For this
reason, the quantity of antifreeze/summer coolant should be about 50 percent of the solution. This
lowers the freezing point to - 30° F (-35° C). The use of "Recycled" Anti-freeze is not approved by
Volvo.
Engine lubricating system
