Before a long distance trip

Before a long distance trip  - Starting and driving - Volvo XC90 Owners Manual - Volvo XC90

It is always worthwhile to have your vehicle checked by a trained and qualified Volvo service technician before driving long distances.

Your retailer or service technician will also be able to supply you with bulbs, fuses, spark plugs and wiper blades for your use in the event that problems occur.

As a minimum, the following items should be checked before any long trip:

• Check that engine runs smoothly and that fuel consumption is normal.
• Check for fuel, oil, and fluid leakage.
• Check transmission oil level1.
• Check condition of drive belts.
• Check state of the battery's charge.
• Examine tires carefully (the spare tire as well), and replace those that are worn.

Check tire pressures.

• The brakes, front wheel alignment, and steering gear should be checked by a trained and qualified Volvo service technician only.
• Check all lights, including high beams.
• Reflective warning triangles are legally required in some states/provinces.
• Have a word with your Volvo retailer if you intend to drive in countries where it may be difficult to obtain the correct fuel.
• Consider your destination. If you will be driving through an area where snow or ice are likely to occur, consider snow tires.

    See also:

    Uniform Tire Quality Grading
    Quality grading information ALL PASSENGER VEHICLE TIRES MUST CONFORM TO FEDERAL SAFETY REQUIREMENTS IN ADDITION TO THESE GRADES Quality grades can be found, where applicable, on the tire sid ...

    Park position (P)
    Select the P position when starting or parking. Shiftlock When P has been selected, the transmission is mechanically blocked in this position. The brake pedal must be depressed and the ignition mu ...

    If the BRAKE and ABS warning lights comeon at the same time, this could indicate afault in the brake system.
    • Stop the vehicle in a suitable place and switch off the engine. • Restart the engine. • If both warning lights go off, no further action is required. • If both lights are still on after the eng ...