Cold conditions

When driving in cold conditions, there are many things to take into consideration. From energy consumption and battery health to a comfortable climate and different safety aspects. Be sure to familiarize yourself with what this way of driving entails, as well as which laws and regulations may apply.

Battery in cold temperatures

Cold temperatures can negatively affect your vehicle's battery. When the vehicle has a cold battery, a snowflake appears next to the battery percentage. This indicates that the battery’s charge capacity, performance and range are reduced compared to normal conditions. When the battery warms up – for example, while preconditioning the vehicle or when driving – the snowflake disappears from the instrument panel.

Cold temperatures may lower your vehicle's battery levels more quickly than you are used to, even when parked. Plan ahead when leaving your vehicle for any length of time. When there is a risk of cold weather conditions, keep in mind how this could affect the vehicle's batteries. Always take into consideration your distance to a charging point.

It is recommended that you check your vehicle's battery level regularly during periods of low temperatures and use battery preconditioning or a climate timer. Charge your vehicle when parking for longer than 24 hours in extremely cold temperatures, such as below -30 °C (-22 °F).

Note

Sounds

In certain weather conditions, you may hear sounds from the vehicle's power system while driving or charging. This can be due to the vehicle regulating the temperature of its electronics.

Tip

Activating eco climate allows your vehicle to make extra adjustments to increase your range.

If you feel like this makes the passenger compartment a bit too cold, you can use seat heating and steering wheel heating to keep warm, as these use less energy.

Visibility

In cold conditions, ice and condensation can obstruct visibility. Your vehicle is equipped with defrosters, a heated rear windshield and heated door mirrors to prevent this from happening.

Warning

Scraping the windshield

The windshield area in front of the front-facing camera has its own heating to defrost and remove any build-up of snow or ice. Do not use an ice scraper on this area, as it can scratch the glass surface. Scratches or damage to the glass in front of the camera can interfere with or limit its detection capabilities.

Maintenance

Important

Cleaning in front of radar units

If you find dirt, snow or ice, or if the vehicle indicates that a radar unit is blocked, you should address it as soon as possible. Always clean and clear a large area around the radar units to so their full field of view is available.

Note

Frozen door handles

In rare cases, frost or ice may prevent the handles from folding outwards. If this happens and the vehicle is unlocked, you can still use the handles to open the vehicle.

If ice buildup prevents you from accessing the door handles, there are some steps you can try:

• Activate preconditioning in the Volvo app to heat the vehicle.
• Carefully brush or tap the door handle to remove the ice manually.

Tire pressure

As the temperature drops, the tire pressure drops. Remember to check the tire pressure regularly and adjust it as needed.