towing VOLVO S40 2007 User Guide

All weight added to the curb weight, including cargo and optional equipment. When towing, trailer hitch tongue load
is also part of cargo weight.
NOTE
For trailer towing information, please refer to the section "Towing a trailer" on page 147
.
Permissible axle weight
The maximum allowable weight that can be carried by a single axle (front or rear). These numbers are shown on the
Federal/Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS/CMVSS) label. The total load on each axle must never
exceed its maximum permissible weight.
Gross vehicle weight (GVW)
The vehicle's curb weight + cargo + passengers.
NOTE
The location of the various labels in your vehicle can be found on page 227.
A table listing important weight limits for your vehicle can be found on page 229.
Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit
(1) Locate the statement ''the combined weight of occupants and cargo should never exceed XXX pounds'' on your
vehicle's placard.
(2) Determine the combined weight of the driver and passengers that will be riding in your vehicle.
(3) Subtract the combined weight of the driver and passengers from XXX kilograms or XXX pounds.
(4) The resulting figure equals the available amount of cargo and luggage load capacity. For example, if the ''XXX''
amount equals 1400 lbs. and there will be five 150 lb. passengers in your vehicle, the amount of available cargo and
luggage load capacity is 650 lbs. (1400-750 (5 x 150) = 650 lbs.)
(5) Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo being loaded on the vehicle. That weight may not safely
exceed the available cargo and luggage load capacity calculated in Step 4.
(6) If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your trailer will be transferred to your vehicle. Consult this
manual
1 to determine
1 See "Towing a trailer" on page 147.
164 07 Wheels and tires
Vehicle loading
how this reduces the available cargo and luggage load capacity of your vehicle.
WARNING
Exceeding the permissible axle weight, gross vehicle weight, or any other weight rating limits can cause tire
overheating resulting in permanent deformation or catastrophic failure.
Do not use replacement tires with lower load carrying capacities than the tires that were original equipment on the
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The transmission oil does not normally need to be changed during the service life of the vehicle. However, it may be
necessary to replace the oil if the vehicle is often driven in areas of sustained temperature extremes (hot or cold), when
towing a trailer over long distances, for prolonged driving in mountainous areas, or if the vehicle is often driven short
distances in temperatures under 40°F (5°C).
231 11 Specifications
Engine oil
Oil specifications
Engine oil must meet the minimum ILSAC specification GF-3, API SL, and ACEA A1/B1. Lower quality oils may not
offer the same fuel economy, engine performance, or engine protection.
Volume: 6.1 US qts (5.8 liters).
Volume between the MIN and Max marks on the dipstick: approximately 1.4 US qts (1.3 liters).
Volvo recommends
.
Depending on your driving habits, premium or synthetic oils may provide superior fuel economy and engine protection.
Consult your Volvo retailer for recommendations on premium or synthetic oils.
Oil additives must not be used.
NOTE
Synthetic oil is not used when the oil is changed at the normal service intervals. This oil is only used at customer
request, at additional charge. Please consult your Volvo retailer.
Oil viscosity (stable ambient temperatures)
Operation in hot climates
When temperatures exceed 86° F (30° C) in your area, Volvo recommends, for the protection of your engine, that you
use a heavier weight oil, such as such as SAE 5W -40 or 0W -40. See the viscosity chart.
Operation in temperate climates
Incorrect viscosity oil can shorten engine life. Under normal use when temperatures do not exceed 86° F (30° C), SAE
5W -30 will provide good fuel economy and engine protection. See the viscosity chart.
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Extreme engine operation
Synthetic oils meeting SAE 0W -30 or 0W -40 and complying with oil quality requirements are recommended for driving
in areas of sustained temperature extremes (hot or cold), when towing a trailer over long distances, and for prolonged
driving in mountainous areas.
1 See the information on page 232.
232 11 Specifications
Engine oil
American Petroleum Institute (API) symbol
The API Service Symbol "donut" is divided into three parts:
The upper section describes the oil's performance level.
The center identifies the oil's viscosity.
The lower section indicates whether the oil has demonstrated energy-conserving properties in a standard test in
comparison to a reference oil.
233 11 Specifications
Engine specifications
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