Operating instructions
SERVICING
Procedure in cold weather
When cold weather is on the way, it is time
to think of the winter servicing of your car.
The first night of frost can come as a very
unpleasant surprise unless preventive pre-
cautions have been taken.
Engine cooling system
A good quality anti-freeze should be used all the year round. Thus, the cooling
system should always contain water plus anti-freeze and rust inhibitor, even in
the summertime.
The coolant keeps its properties for approximately 2 years when it should be
changed. A suitable time for doing this is during the autumn. This would ensure
against possible damage caused during the winter months. When the coolant
is
being changed, the cooling system should be flushed out with clean water.
For further details, see page 37. If the coolant has to be topped up during the
winter, use only a good quality coolant. Water alone weakens both the anti-rust
properties of the coolant as well as its rust-proofing effectiveness. It is a good idea
when topping up with coolant to have the concentration checked in order to be
certain that there is always sufficient protection against damage by frost.
Experience has also shown that extremely weak anti-freeze solutions (10-20%)
are very unfavourable from the viewpoint of rust protection. For this reason,
the quantity of anti-freeze should amount to 50% of the coolant, that is, 4.3
litres (7.57 Imp. pints = 9.10 U.S. pints), which is effective below -35°C
(
-31°F). The maximum freezing point, -56°C (-69°F) is obtained when
5.2 litres (9.15 Imp. pints = 10.97 U.S. pints) of anti-freeze is in the cooling
system.
Radiator alcohol is not recommended as an anti-freeze agent since it evaporates
at normal engine temperature.
Location of drain tap for cooling system
1. Right side
of radiator
2.
Right side of engine
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SERVICING
Engine lubricating system
During the winter multigrade oil or engine oil with a viscosity of SAE 10 W
should be used for the engine lubricating system. At continuous temperatures
below -20°C (-4°F) use multigrade SAE 5 W-20. These oils reach the lubricat-
ing points mentioned more easily at low temperature and also facilitate cold
starting. See page 31.
Electrical system
The electrical system in the vehicle is subjected to greater stresses during the
winter than during the warm summer months. The lighting and starter motor
are used more and since the capacity of the battery is also considerably lower
at low air temperature, the state of charge must be checked more often and, if
necessary, the battery charged. If the specific gravity of the electrolyte is excess-
ively low, there is risk of frost damage to the battery.
Brake system
During very cold weather, the brakes are subjected to splash and condensation
water which can result in the handbrake freezing up if left on. Therefore, never
park the car with the handbrake applied, engage instead 1st gear or reverse and
if possible place blocks behind the wheels.
Windscreen washer
In the same way as anti-freeze is added to the cooling system during the winter
to prevent frost damage, anti-freeze should also be added to the water container
for the windscreen washer. This is particularly important because the wind-
screen during the winter frequently becomes dirty and is often splashed with
water which rapidly freezes and thus necessitates the frequent use of the wind-
screen washer and wipers. Your Volvo dealer can supply you with a suitable
anti-freeze for this purpose.
Anti-freeze for door locks
A frozen door lock is one of the most irritating things that can happen to a car-
owner. Many valuable minutes early in the morning can be wasted warming
up keys and melting ice in locks. Remember this in
good time
and lubricate the
lock with some anti-freeze preparation. These are now available in small handy
tubes which can be kept in a handbag or coat pocket.
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