Introduction
9
Environment
Clean air in the passenger
compartment
A passenger compartment filter prevents dust
and pollen from entering the passenger com-
partment via the air intake.
A sophisticated air quality system, IAQS*
(Interior Air Quality System) ensures that the
incoming air is cleaner than the air in the traf-
fic outside.
The system consists of an electronic sensor
and a carbon filter. The incoming air is moni-
tored continuously and if there is an increase
in the level of certain unhealthy gases such as
carbon monoxide then the air intake is closed.
Such a situation may arise in heavy traffic,
queues and tunnels for example.
The entry of nitrous oxides, ground-level
ozone and hydrocarbons is prevented by the
carbon filter.
Textile standard
The interior of a Volvo is designed to be
pleasant and comfortable, even for people
with contact allergies and for asthma suffer-
ers. Extreme attention has been given to
choosing environmentally-compatible materi-
als. This means that they also fulfil the
requirements in the Öko-Tex 100 standard
1
, a
major advance towards a healthier passenger
compartment environment.
Öko-Tex certification covers seatbelts, car-
pets and fabrics for example. The leather in
the upholstery undergoes chromium-free tan-
ning with natural plant substances and fulfils
the certification requirements.
Volvo workshops and the environment
Regular maintenance creates the conditions
for a long service life with low fuel consump-
tion for your car. In this way you contribute to
a cleaner environment. When Volvo’s work-
shops are entrusted with the service and
maintenance of your car it becomes part of
our system. We make clear demands regard-
ing the way in which our workshops are
designed in order to prevent spills and dis-
charges into the environment. Our workshop
staff have the knowledge and the tools
required to guarantee good environmental
care.
Reducing environmental impact
You can easily help reduce environmental
impact, for example, by driving economically,
by purchasing eco-labelled car care products
and by servicing and maintaining the car
according to the instructions in the owner’s
manual.
The following advice will help you to do your
bit for the environment: (for further advice on
how you can protect the environment and
drive economically, see page 160):
• Decrease fuel consumption by choosing
ECO tyre pressure, see page 215.
• A roof load and ski box increase air resist-
ance, leading to higher fuel consumption.
Remove them directly after use.
• Remove unnecessary items from the car.
The greater the load the higher the fuel
consumption.
• If the car is equipped with an engine block
heater use it for a few hours before starting
from cold. This reduces fuel consumption
and exhaust emissions.
• Drive gently and avoid braking too hard.
• Drive in the highest gear possible. Low
engine speeds result in lower fuel con-
sumption.
• Use engine braking to slow down.
• Avoid letting the engine idle. Pay attention
to local regulations. Switch off the engine
when stationary for longer periods.
• Always dispose of environmentally hazard-
ous waste, such as batteries and oils, in an
environmentally safe manner. If uncertain
about disposal, consult an authorised
Volvo workshop for advice.
• Service your car regularly.
• High speed increases consumption con-
siderably due to increased wind resist-
ance. A doubling of speed increases wind
resistance four times.
These hints will help reduce fuel consumption
without increasing travel time or lessening the
enjoyment of driving. Apart from being kind to
your car, you’ll be saving money - and the
Earth’s resources.
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More information on www.oekotex.com
