Content .. 8 9 10 11 ..

Volvo C70 Convertible (2010 year). Manual - part 10

06 Starting and driving

Blind Spot Information System (BLIS)*

162

Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.

Introduction

G020295

BLIS camera

Indicator light

BLIS symbol

The Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) is an
information system that indicates the presence
of another vehicle moving in the same direction
as your vehicle in the side-view mirror's "blind
area".

CAUTION

The BLIS system should only be repaired by
a trained and qualified Volvo service tech-
nician.

WARNING

•

BLIS is an information system, NOT a
warning or safety system.

•

BLIS does not eliminate the need for
you to visually confirm the conditions
around you, and the need for you to turn
your head and shoulders to make sure
that you can safely change lanes.

•

As the driver, you have full responsibility
for changing lanes in a safe manner.

The system is based on digital camera tech-
nology. The cameras (1) are located beneath
the side-view mirrors.

When one (or both) of the cameras have
detected a vehicle in the blind area (up to
approximately 10 ft. (3 meters) from the side of
your vehicle, and up to approximately 31 ft.
(9.5 meters) behind the side-view mirror), the
indicator light in the door panel (2) illuminates.
The light will glow continuously to alert the
driver of the vehicle in the blind area.

NOTE

The door panel indicator light illuminates on
the side of the vehicle where the system has
detected another vehicle. If your vehicle is
passed on both sides at the same time, both
lights will illuminate.

G020296

A = approx. 10 ft. (3 meters), B = approx. 31 ft.
(9.5 meters)

BLIS has an integrated function that alerts the
driver if a fault should occur with the system.
For example, if one or both of the system's
cameras are obscured, a message (see the
table on page 165) will appear in the informa-
tion display in the instrument panel. If this
occurs, clean the camera lenses. If necessary,
the system can be temporarily switched off (for
instructions see page 164).

06 Starting and driving

Blind Spot Information System (BLIS)*

Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.

163

When does BLIS function

The system functions when your vehicle is
moving at speeds above 6 mph (10 km/h).

When you pass another vehicle:

The system reacts when you pass another
vehicle at a speed of up to 6 mph (10 km/h)
faster than that vehicle.

When you are passed by another vehicle:

The system reacts if your vehicle is passed by
another vehicle at a speed of up to 43 mph
(70 km/h) faster than your vehicle.

WARNING

•

BLIS does not function in sharp curves.

•

BLIS does not function when your vehi-
cle is backing up.

•

If you are towing a wide trailer, this may
prevent the BLIS cameras from detect-
ing other vehicles in adjacent lanes.

How BLIS functions in daylight and
darkness

Daylight

BLIS reacts to the shape of surrounding vehi-
cles. The system is designed to help detect
motor vehicles such as cars, trucks, buses,
motorcycles, etc.

Darkness

BLIS reacts to the headlights of surrounding
vehicles. In order to be detected by BLIS, a
vehicle in the blind area must have its head-
lights on. This means, for example, that the
system will not detect a trailer without head-
lights that is being towed behind a car or truck.

WARNING

•

BLIS does not react to cyclists or
mopeds.

•

BLIS does not react to vehicles that are
standing still.

•

The function of the BLIS cameras may
be affected by intense light, or when
driving at night in areas where there are
no external sources of light (e.g., street
lights, other vehicles, etc.). In such
cases, the system may react as if the
cameras were obscured.

•

In both of the above mentioned condi-
tions, a message will appear in the infor-
mation display.

•

When driving in such conditions, the
system's function will be limited or it
may be temporarily switched off, see
page 164 for instructions.

•

When the message is no longer dis-
played, BLIS will return to normal func-
tion.

•

The BLIS cameras have the same limi-
tation as the human eye. In other words,
their "vision is impaired" by adverse
weather conditions such as heavy
snowfall, dense fog, etc.

06 Starting and driving

Blind Spot Information System (BLIS)*

164

Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.

Limitations

In certain situations, the BLIS indicator light(s)
may illuminate even when there are no other
vehicles in the area monitored by the system.

NOTE

If the BLIS indicator lights illuminate occa-
sionally even when there are no other vehi-
cles in the blind area, this does not indicate
a fault in the system.

In the event of a fault,

Blind spot syst.

service required

will be displayed.

The following are several examples of situa-
tions in which the BLIS indicator light(s) may
illuminate even when there are no other vehi-
cles in the area monitored by the system.

Light reflected from a wet road surface

G018177

The vehicle's own shadow against a large, light,
smooth surface such as barriers between lanes on
a highway

Sunlight directly in the camera when the sun is low
on the horizon

Cleaning the BLIS camera lenses

In order to function optimally, the BLIS camera
lenses must be kept clean. They can be wiped
clean with a soft cloth or wet sponge.

CAUTION

•

Clean the lenses carefully to avoid
scratching.

•

The lenses are electrically heated to
help melt ice or snow. If necessary, gen-
tly brush away snow from the lenses.

Switching BLIS on and off

G018389

BLIS button (forward button in the illustration)

BLIS is automatically activated when the igni-
tion is switched on. The indicator lights will
provide confirmation by flashing 3 times.

•

The system can be switched off by press-
ing the BLIS button in the center console.
The indicator light in the button goes out

06 Starting and driving

Blind Spot Information System (BLIS)*

Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.

165

when the system is switched off, and a text
message is displayed.

•

BLIS can be switched on again by pressing
the button. The indicator light in the button
will illuminate and a new text message will
be displayed. Press the READ button, see
page 56, to erase the message.

BLIS system messages

Text in the
display

System status

BLIS service
required

BLIS not functioning
properly. Contact an
authorized Volvo serv-
ice technician.

BLIS camera
blocked

BLIS camera obscured.
Clean the lenses.

BLIS ON

BLIS system on

BLIS OFF

BLIS system off

BLIS reduced
function

The BLIS cameras'
function has been
reduced by e.g., fog, or
strong sunlight directly
into the camera. The
camera will reset itself
when these conditions
have changed.

06 Starting and driving

Park assist*

166

Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.

Introduction

Front/rear park assist

The park assist system is designed to assist
you when driving into parking spaces, garages,
etc. It utilizes four ultrasound sensors located
in one or both bumpers to measure the dis-
tance to a vehicle, object or a person who may
be close to the front or rear of your vehicle.

Park assist is available in two versions:

•

Rear bumper only

•

Front and rear bumpers

WARNING

Park Assist is an information system, NOT a
safety system. This system is designed to
be a supplementary aid when parking the
vehicle. It is not, however, intended to
replace the driver's attention and judge-
ment.

Function

The system is activated automatically when the
vehicle is started. The indicator light in the but-
ton in the center console illuminates.

•

The front park assist system is active from
the time the engine is started until the vehi-
cle exceeds a speed of approximately
10 mph (15 km/h). It is also active when the
vehicle is backing up.

•

Rear park assist is active when the engine
is running and reverse gear has been
selected.

Rear park assist

The distance monitored behind the vehicle is
approximately 5 ft (1.5 m). The signal comes
from the rear speakers.

The system must be deactivated when towing
a trailer, carrying bicycles in a rear-mounted
carrier, etc, which could trigger the rear park
assist system's sensors.

NOTE

Rear park assist is deactivated automati-
cally when towing a trailer if Volvo genuine
trailer wiring is used.

Front park assist

The distance monitored in front of the vehicle
is approximately 2.5 ft (0.8 m). The audible sig-
nal comes from the audio system's front
speakers.

It may not be possible to combine auxiliary
headlights and front park assist since these
lights could trigger the system's sensors.

06 Starting and driving

Park assist*

Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.

167

Activating/deactivating park assist

G018389

Park Assist button (rear button in the illustration)

The system is activated automatically when the
vehicle is started.

Press the Park assist button on the center
console to temporarily deactivate the sys-
tem(s). The indicator light in the button will
go out when the system has been deacti-
vated.

Park assist will be automatically reactiva-
ted the next time the engine is started, or if
the button is pressed (the indicator light in
the button will illuminate).

NOTE

•

Front park assist is disengaged auto-
matically when the parking brake is
applied.

•

If the vehicle is equipped with front and
rear park assist, both systems will be
deactivated by pressing the button.

Audible signals from the park assist
system

The Park Assist system uses an intermittent
tone that pulses faster as you come close to an
object, and becomes constant when you are
within approximately 1 ft (30 cm) of an object
in front of or behind the vehicle. If the volume
of another source from the audio system is
high, this will be automatically lowered.

If there are objects within this distance both
behind and in front of the vehicle, the signal
alternates between front and rear speakers.

Faults in the system

If the information symbol illumi-
nates and

PARK ASSIST

SERVICE REQUIRED

is shown

on the information display, this
indicates that the system is not

functioning properly and has been disengaged.
Consult a Volvo retailer or authorized Volvo
service technician.

CAUTION

In certain circumstances, the park assist
system may give unexpected warning sig-
nals that can be caused by external sound
sources that use the same ultrasound fre-
quencies as the system. This may include
such things as the horns of other vehicles,
wet tires on asphalt, pneumatic brakes,
motorcycle exhaust pipes, etc. This does
not indicate a fault in the system.

06 Starting and driving

Park assist*

168

Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.

Cleaning the sensors

G020952

Park assist sensors

The sensors must be cleaned regularly to
ensure that they work properly. Clean them
with water and a suitable car washing deter-
gent.

Ice and snow covering the sensors may cause
incorrect warning signals.

NOTE

If the sensors are obstructed by e.g., dirt,
snow, or ice, this could result in false warn-
ing signals from the park assist system.

07 Wheels and tires

General information

172

Introduction

Your vehicle is equipped with tires according
to the vehicle's tire information placard on the
B-pillar (the structural member at the side of
the vehicle, at the rear of the driver's door
opening), or on the inside of the fuel filler door
on Canadian models.

CAUTION

Some Volvo models are equipped with an
Ultra High Performance tire and wheel com-
bination designed to provide maximum dry
pavement performance with consideration
for hydroplaning resistance. As such, they
may be more susceptible to road hazard
damage and, depending on driving condi-
tions, may achieve a tread life of less than
20,000 miles (30,000 km). Even if this vehi-
cle is equipped with Volvo’s advanced
DSTC system, these tires are not designed
for winter driving, and should be replaced
with winter tires when weather conditions
dictate.

The tires have good road holding characteris-
tics and offer good handling on dry and wet
surfaces. It should be noted however that the
tires have been developed to give these fea-
tures on snow/ice-free surfaces.

Certain models are equipped with "all-season"
tires, which provide a somewhat higher degree

of road holding on slippery surfaces than tires
without the "all-season" rating. However, for
optimum road holding on icy or snow-covered
roads, we recommend suitable winter tires on
all four wheels.

When replacing tires, be sure that the new tires
are the same size designation, type (radial) and
preferably from the same manufacturer, on all
four wheels. Otherwise there is a risk of altering
the car's roadholding and handling characte-
ristics.

New Tires

Remember that tires are per-
ishable goods. As of 2000, the
manufacturing week and year
(Department of Transporta-
tion (DOT) stamp) will be indi-
cated with 4 digits (e.g. 1502
means that the tire illustrated

was manufactured during week 15 of 2002).

Tire age

Tires degrade over time, even when they are
not being used. It is recommended that tires
generally be replaced after 6 years of normal
service. Heat caused by hot climates, frequent
high loading conditions or Ultra Violet (U.V)
exposure can accelerate the aging process.

You should replace the spare tire when you
replace the other road tires due to the aging of
the spare.

A tire's age can be determined by the DOT
stamp on the sidewall (see the illustration).

A tire with e.g., visible cracks or discoloration
should be replaced immediately.

Improving tire economy

•

Maintain correct tire pressure. For the tire
pressure tables, see page 177.

•

Drive smoothly: avoid fast starts, hard
braking and tire screeching.

•

Tire wear increases with speed.

•

Correct front wheel alignment is very
important.

•

Unbalanced wheels impair tire economy
and driving comfort.

•

Tires must maintain the same direction of
rotation throughout their lifetime.

•

When replacing tires, the tires with the
most tread should be mounted on the rear
wheels to reduce the chance of oversteer
during hard braking.

•

Hitting curbs or potholes can damage the
tires and/or wheels permanently.

07 Wheels and tires

General information

173

Summer and winter tires

G020325

The arrows shows the direction of rotation of the
tire

•

When switching between summer and
winter tires, mark the tires to indicate
where they were mounted on the car, e.g.,
LF = left front, RR = right rear

•

Tires with tread designed to roll in only one
direction are marked with an arrow on the
sidewall.

•

Incorrectly mounted tires impair the car's
braking properties and ability to force
aside rain, snow and slush.

•

The tires with the most tread should always
be at the rear (to reduce the risk of skid-
ding).

•

Contact a Volvo workshop if you are
unsure about the tread depth.

Storing wheels and tires

When storing complete wheels (tires mounted
on rims), they should be suspended off the
floor or placed on their sides on the floor.

Tires not mounted on rims should be stored on
their sides or standing upright, but should not
be suspended.

CAUTION

Tires should preferably be stored in a cool,
dry, dark place, and should never be stored
in close proximity to solvents, gasoline, oils,
etc.

WARNING

•

The wheel and tire sizes for your Volvo
are specified to meet stringent stability
and handling requirements. Unap-
proved wheel/tire size combinations
can negatively affect your vehicle's sta-
bility and handling. Approved tire sizes
are shown in the Tire inflation pressure
tables, see page 177.

•

Any damage caused by installation of
unapproved wheel/tire size combina-
tions will not be covered by your new
vehicle warranty. Volvo assumes no
responsibility for death, injury, or
expenses that may result from such
installations.

Tire wear

Tire rotation

Tire wear is affected by a number of factors
such as tire inflation, ambient temperature,
driving style, etc. Your vehicle is driven mainly
by the front tires, which will wear faster.

If the tires are rotated, they should only be
moved from front to back or vice versa. They
should never be rotated left to right/right to left.

However, tire rotation, done at the recom-
mended intervals, is one way of helping to keep

07 Wheels and tires

General information

174

tread wear as even as possible and will help
you get maximum mileage from your tires.

Ideally, tire rotation should be done the first
time after approximately 3,000 miles
(5, 000 km) and thereafter at 6,000 mile
(10,000 km) intervals.

Tire rotation should only be performed if front/
rear tire wear is fairly even and tread height is
above 1/16" (1.6 mm).

NOTE

Tire rotation is not included in regularly
scheduled maintenance and is performed
only at customer request, at additional
charge.

Your Volvo retailer can also provide guidance
based on your particular driving circumstan-
ces.

Tread wear indicator

G020323

The tires have wear indicator strips running
across or parallel to the tread. The letters TWI
are printed on the side of the tire. When
approximately 1/16" (1.6 mm) is left on the
tread, these strips become visible and indicate
that the tire should be replaced. Tires with less
than 1/16" (1.6 mm) tread offer very poor trac-
tion.

When replacing worn tires, it is recommended
that the tire be identical in type (radial) and size
as the one being replaced. Using a tire of the
same make (manufacturer) will prevent altera-
tion of the driving characteristics of the vehicle.

07 Wheels and tires

Tire inflation

175

Inflation labels

G032513

Tire inflation placard on U.S. models

Check tire inflation pressure regularly.

Tables listing the recommended inflation pres-
sure for your vehicle can be found on page
177. A tire inflation pressure placard is also
located on the driver's side B-pillar (the struc-
tural member at the side of the vehicle, at the
rear of the driver's door opening). This placard
indicates the designation of the factory-moun-
ted tires on your vehicle, as well as load limits
and inflation pressure.

G032520

Tire inflation placard on Canadian models

NOTE

The placards shown indicate inflation pres-
sure for the tires installed on the car at the
factory only.

Use a tire gauge to check the tire inflation pres-
sure, including the spare, at least once a month
and before long trips. You are strongly urged
to buy a reliable tire pressure gauge, as auto-
matic service station gauges may be inaccu-
rate.

Use the recommended cold inflation pressure
for optimum tire performance and wear.

Under-inflation or over-inflation may cause
uneven treadwear patterns.

WARNING

•

Under-inflation is the most common
cause of tire failure and may result in
severe tire cracking, tread separation,
or "blowout," with unexpected loss of
vehicle control and increased risk of
injury.

•

Under-inflated tires reduce the load car-
rying capacity of your vehicle.

When weather temperature changes occur, tire
inflation pressures also change. A 10-degree
temperature drop causes a corresponding
drop of 1 psi (7 kPa) in inflation pressure. Check
your tire pressures frequently and adjust them
to the proper pressure, which can be found on
the vehicle's tire information placard or certifi-
cation label.

07 Wheels and tires

Tire inflation

176

Checking tire pressure

Cold tires

Inflation pressure should be checked when the
tires are cold.

The tires are considered to be cold when
they have the same temperature as the sur-
rounding (ambient) air.

This temperature is normally reached after the
car has been parked for at least 3 hours.

After driving a distance of approximately 1 mile
(1.6 km), the tires are considered to be hot. If
you have to drive farther than this distance to
pump your tire(s), check and record the tire
pressure first and add the appropriate air pres-
sure when you get to the pump.

If checking tire pressure when the tire is hot,
never "bleed" or reduce air pressure. The tires
are hot from driving and it is normal for pres-
sures to increase above recommended cold
pressures. A hot tire at or below recommended
cold inflation pressure could be significantly
under-inflated.

To check inflation pressure:

Remove the cap from the valve on one tire,
then firmly press the tire gauge onto the
valve.

Add air to reach the recommended air
pressure

Replace the valve cap.

Repeat this procedure for each tire, includ-
ing the spare.

Visually inspect the tires to make sure there
are no nails or other objects embedded
that could puncture the tire and cause an
air leak.

Check the sidewalls to make sure there are
no gouges, cuts, bulges or other irregular-
ities.

NOTE

•

If you overfill the tire, release air by
pushing on the metal stem in the center
of the valve. Then recheck the pressure
with your tire gauge.

•

Some spare tires require higher inflation
pressure than the other tires. Consult
the tire inflation tables, see page 177,
or see the inflation pressure placard.

Load ratings

The load ratings in the tables above translate
as follows:

91 = 1365 lbs (615 kg),

93 = 1433 lbs (650 kg),

99 = 1709 lbs (755 kg).

Speed ratings

The speed ratings in the tables translate as fol-
lows:

M = 81 mph (130 km/h),

V = 149 mph (240 km/h),

W = 168 mph (270 km/h).

See also page 179 for an explanation of the
designations on the sidewall of the tire.

07 Wheels and tires

Inflation pressure—U.S. models

177

Tire inflation pressure table

The following tire pressures are recommended
by Volvo for your vehicle. Refer to the tire infla-

tion placard for information specific to the tires
installed on your vehicle at the factory.

Tire size

Cold tire pressure up to four persons psi (kPa)

Front

Rear

235/45R17 94V M+S

36 (250)

235/40R18 91Y

Extra Load M+S

36 (250)

Temporary spare tire

T125/85R16 99M

61 (420)

07 Wheels and tires

Inflation pressure—Canadian models

178

Tire inflation pressure table

The following tire pressures are recommended
by Volvo for your vehicle. Refer to the tire infla-

tion placard for information specific to the tires
installed on your vehicle at the factory.

Tire size

Cold tire pressures

Up to four persons

psi (kPa)

Optional pressure

Up to three persons

psi (kPa)

Front

Rear

Front

Rear

235/45 R17 94V M+S

36 (250)

30 (210)

235/40 R18 91Y

36 (250)

32 (220)

Temporary spare tire

T125/85R16 99M

61 (420)

Optional pressure may not be used for homologation of fuel consumption or emissions.

07 Wheels and tires

Tire designations

179

Tire designations

G026442

Federal law mandates that tire manufacturers
place standardized information on the sidewall
of all tires (see the illustration).

The following information is listed on the tire
sidewall:

The tire designation:

NOTE

Please be aware that the following tire des-
ignation is an example only and that this
particular tire may not be available on your
vehicle.

215: The width of the tire (in millimeters)
from sidewall edge to sidewall edge. The
larger the number, the wider the tire.

65: The ratio of the tire's height to its width.

R: Radial tire.

15: The diameter of the wheel rim (in
inches).

95: The tire's load index. In this example, a
load index of 95 equals a maximum load of
1521 lbs (690 kg).

H: The tire's speed rating, or the maximum
speed at which the tire is designed to be
driven for extended periods of time, carry-
ing a permissible load for the vehicle, and
with correct inflation pressure. For exam-
ple, H indicates a speed rating of 130 mph
(210 km/h).

NOTE

This information may not appear on the tire
because it is not required by law.

M+S or M/
S = Mud and Snow, AT = All Terrain, AS =
All Season

U.S. DOT Tire Identification Number
(TIN): This begins with the letters "DOT"
and indicates that the tire meets all federal
standards. The next two numbers or letters
are the plant code where it was manufac-
tured, the next two are the tire size code
and the last four numbers represent the
week and year the tire was built. For exam-
ple, 2501 means the 25th week of 2001.
The numbers in between are marketing
codes used at the manufacturer's discre-
tion. This information helps a tire manufac-
turer identify a tire for safety recall purpo-
ses.

Tire Ply Composition and Material Used:
Indicates the number of plies indicates or
the number of layers of rubber-coated fab-
ric in the tire tread and sidewall. Tire man-
ufacturers also must indicate the ply mate-
rials in the tire and the sidewall, which
include steel, nylon, polyester, and others.

Maximum Load: Indicates the maximum
load in pounds and kilograms that can be
carried by the tire. Refer to the vehicle's tire
information placard located on the B-Pillar
or the driver's door for the correct tire pres-
sure for your vehicle.

07 Wheels and tires

Tire designations

180

Treadwear, Traction, and Temperature
grades: See page 184 for more informa-
tion.

Maximum permissible inflation pres-
sure: The greatest amount of air pressure
that should ever be put in the tire. This limit
is set by the tire manufacturer.

The tire suppliers may have additional mark-
ings, notes or warnings such as standard load,
radial tubeless, etc.

Content .. 8 9 10 11 ..