Starting and driving -> Economical driving for your Volvo XC60 2017-2026
STARTING AND DRIVING
Activating and deactivating Hill
Descent Control* using the
function button
There is a function button for assistance on
steep gradients with Hill Descent Control in
the center display's Function view if the vehi-
cle is not equipped with a drive mode control
in the tunnel console.
Related information
Economical driving
Hill Descent Control* (p. 418)
•
Drive economically and more environmentally
conscious by thinking ahead and avoiding
rapid starts and stops.
Adapt your driving style and speed to the cur-
rent traffic conditions.
Changing drive mode* (p. 405)
•
Observe the following rules:
For lower fuel consumption, activate Eco
drive mode.
•
Selecting Hill Descent Control in the
center display's Function view
HDC only works at low speeds.
Use the Eco Coast function in drive mode
Eco - engine braking is deactivated, allow-
ing the vehicle's kinetic energy to be used
to roll greater distances.
•
–
Tap the Hill Descent Control button to
activate or deactivate the function.
Use gear D as often as possible and avoid
using the kick-down function.
•
•
For manual gear shifting, use the highest
possible gear for the current traffic situa-
tion and road conditions - fuel consump-
tion is reduced at lower engine speeds
(rpm). Use the gear indicator17.
> An indicator light in the button will illu-
minate when the function is activated.
Maintain a steady speed and a generous
following distance to traffic ahead to mini-
mize braking.
•
•
When the engine is switched off, the function
will be automatically deactivated.
Fuel consumption is increased at high
speeds - air resistance increases with
speed.
The function is deactivated when driving at
high speeds and must be reactivated at
lower speeds if so desired.
17
Only available in certain markets.
}}
* Option/accessory. 419
STARTING AND DRIVING
||
The trip computer's current fuel consump-
tion indicator can help promote more fuel-
efficient driving.
•
•
Preparing for a long trip
WARNING
It is important to have the vehicle's systems
and equipment checked carefully before driv-
ing long distances.
Never turn off the engine while the vehicle
is moving, e.g. when driving downhill. This
deactivates certain important systems
such as power steering and brakes.
Do not warm up the engine by idling. It is
better to begin driving normally immedi-
ately after starting the engine. A cold
engine uses more fuel than a warm
engine.
Check that
the engine is running properly and that
fuel consumption is normal
•
Other factors that decrease fuel
consumption
there are no leaks (fuel, oil or other fluid)
the brake pedal is functioning properly
•
•
•
Whenever possible, avoid using the vehi-
cle to drive short distances. The engine
does not have time to reach a normal
operating temperature and this leads to
increased fuel consumption.
•
Dirty air cleaner.
•
•
•
•
Dirty engine oil and clogged oil filter.
Incorrect front-end alignment.
Incorrect wheel alignment.
all lights are working ‒ adjust the head-
light height if the vehicle is carrying a
heavy load
Use engine braking to brake the vehicle,
when this is safe for other road users.
tire tread depth and air pressure are at
correct levels. Change to snow tires when
driving in areas where there is a risk of
snowy or icy roads
•
•
•
•
Some of the above items and others are
checked as part of Volvo's standard mainte-
nance schedule.
Maintain the correct pressure in the tires
and check pressure regularly.
Related information
the start battery is sufficiently charged
the wiper blades are in good condition
•
•
The type of tires used could affect fuel
consumption - consult a retailer for advice
on suitable tires.
Drive-E ‒ purer driving pleasure (p. 28)
•
Eco drive mode (p. 406)
•
•
Related information
Checking tire pressure (p. 523)
Remove unnecessary items from the vehi-
cle - the heavier the load, the higher the
fuel consumption.
•
•
•
Checking tire pressure (p. 523)
Filling washer fluid (p. 627)
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Roof loads increase air resistance and
increase fuel consumption. Remove roof
boxes, ski racks, etc. that are not in use.
Vehicle modem settings (p. 499)
Loading recommendations (p. 555)
Driving with a trailer (p. 434)
Avoid driving with the windows open.
420
STARTING AND DRIVING
Pilot Assist* (p. 289)
•
•
Winter driving
Slippery driving conditions
To help optimize traction and roadholding,
Volvo recommends using snow tires on all
wheels whenever there is a risk of snow or ice
on the road.
It is important to check the vehicle before
driving in cold/snowy conditions to make
sure it can be driven safely.
Tire sealing system (p. 538)
Before the cold season arrives:
Make sure the engine coolant contains
50% antifreeze. This mixture helps pro-
tect the engine from frost erosion down to
approx. –35 °C (–31 °F). Do not mix dif-
ferent types of antifreeze as this could
pose a health risk.
•
Certain countries require use of winter tires
by law. Not all countries permit the use of
studded tires.
Keep the fuel tank well filled to prevent
condensation from forming.
•
•
Practice driving on slippery surfaces under
controlled conditions to learn how the vehicle
reacts.
Check the viscosity of the engine oil. Oil
with low viscosity (thinner oil) improves
cold-weather starting and reduces fuel
consumption when driving with a cold
engine.
Related information
Snow tires (p. 537)
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Snow chains (p. 537)
Braking on salted roads (p. 389)
Braking on wet roads (p. 389)
Filling washer fluid (p. 627)
Start battery (p. 585)
Low-viscosity oil should not be used with
hard driving or in hot weather.
Replacing windshield wiper blades
(p. 625)
Check the condition and charge level of
the start battery. Cold weather places
greater demands on the start battery and
reduces its capacity.
•
•
Changing rear window wipers (p. 624)
Refilling coolant (p. 582)
•
•
Use washer fluid containing antifreeze to
help prevent ice from forming in the
washer fluid reservoir.
* Option/accessory. 421
STARTING AND DRIVING
Driving through standing water
Opening/closing the fuel filler door
It may be necessary to drive the vehicle
through standing water, e.g. deep puddles or
flooding on the road. This must be done with
great caution.
The vehicle can be driven through water up to
a depth of 40 cm (15 in) at no more than walk-
ing speed. Be particularly careful when driving
through flowing water.
The vehicle must be unlocked before the fuel
Engine damage could occur if water
enters the air cleaner.
•
•
filler door can be opened18
.
An arrow next to the fuel
pump symbol in the instru-
ment panel indicates the side
of the vehicle on which the
fuel filler door is located.
If water enters the transmission, the
lubricating ability of the oils is reduced
and the service life of these systems is
shortened.
Damage to any component, engine,
transmission, turbocharger, differential
or its internal components caused by
flooding, vapor lock or insufficient oil is
not covered under warranty.
•
•
When driving through standing water, drive
slowly and do not stop the vehicle. When you
have passed the water, press lightly on the
brake pedal and check that the brakes are
functioning properly. Water, mud, slush, etc.
can make the brake linings slippery, resulting
in delayed braking effect.
1. Open the fuel filler door by pressing lightly
on its rear edge.
2. After refueling, press the fuel filler door
lightly to close it.
If the engine stalls while the vehicle is
in water, do not attempt to restart it.
Have the vehicle towed out of the
water to a workshop. An authorized
Volvo workshop is recommended. Risk
of engine failure.
Related information
Refueling (p. 423)
•
If the vehicle is equipped with contacts for
an electric heater or trailer coupling, clean
these after driving in water or mud.
•
Do not allow the vehicle to stand in water
up to the sills any longer than absolutely
necessary. This could result in electrical
malfunctions.
•
Because it can be difficult to determine the
water depth, Volvo recommends not driv-
ing through standing or running water. The
driver is always responsible for operating
the vehicle in a safe manner and adhering
to all applicable laws and regulations.
Related information
Recovery (p. 441)
•
Low Speed Control* (p. 416)
•
422
* Option/accessory.





