Is this Winter Car?
Forum member volvooh wonders if a front-wheel drive S70 will be the same or better than a front-wheel drive V70, given the same years. “We are considering an S70 as a winter driver. We have V70 wagon (FWD)- its okay in the snow but far from being a billy goat. I was wondering how an S70 (FWD) would perform. I have always attributed the light body weight and elongated frame on the V70 to is lack of winter handling.” Winter Car
Considering S70 as a winter driver a Winter Car?
From Volvo:
Winter driving
Updated 9/17/2018
It is important to check the vehicle before driving in cold/snowy conditions to make sure it can be driven safely.
Before the cold season arrives:
- Make sure the engine coolant contains 50% antifreeze. This mixture helps protect the engine from frost erosion down to approx. -35 °C (-31 °F). Do not mix different types of antifreeze as this could pose a health risk.
- Keep the fuel tank well filled to prevent condensation from forming.
- Check the viscosity of the engine oil. Oil with low viscosity (thinner oil) improves cold-weather starting and reduces fuel consumption when driving with a cold engine.
Important
Low-viscosity oil should not be used with hard driving or in hot weather.
- Check the condition and charge level of the start battery. Cold weather places greater demands on the start battery and reduces its capacity.
- Use washer fluid containing antifreeze to help prevent ice from forming in the washer fluid reservoir.
Slippery driving conditions
For optimal traction and roadholding, Volvo recommends using snow tires on all wheels whenever there is a risk of snow or ice on the road.
Note
Certain countries require use of winter tires by law. Not all countries permit the use of studded tires.
Practice driving on slippery surfaces under controlled conditions to learn how the vehicle reacts.
Welcome to Matthews Volvo Site! Your one stop shop for all Volvo news, help and DIY fixes. We feature the Volvo Repair Database, the best Volvo Forum, and an awesome monthly Volvo newsletter. Joining is always free!
Subscribe to the MVS Newsletter
The MVS Volvo Newsletter is a once-a-month email delivered to your email. It’s simple to unsubscribe at any time if you change your mind.
Visit The Official Volvo Cars Website
Last Updated on December 15, 2020
8 Comments
Been driving Volvos in NE for some time. If you can afford it,buy 4 snows and you’ll never get stuck again. I switch back in the Spring. jmo
Awesome in Fairbanks Alaska. I have driven my 98 S70 and have not had any issues with winter driving other than issues than plague any car at -40. The one thing i would say is be sure to buy some blizzak tires or a similar brand and you should be good to go.
The wheelbase on a V70 would be nice from time to time but my S70 gets me around better than most other cars out there.
Dreadful in NE Ohio. Too much torque steer definately destabilizes the car. Low front end hangs up in anything but a minute amount of snow. I would get stuck all of the time
Debbie Kelleman liked this on Facebook.
Debbie, I think you mean winter mode. Which on the 850’s and I assume later models, was that it started out in second gear and even if you punch it and lose traction it won’t go over 40mph. I have a 95 T5-R and I run 15″ wheels with cooper weather masters and 17’s in the other months. I tried blizaks, but after doing 2 sets one winter I said forget it. This will be my second winter on my coppers and I used them for 2 months during sat winter due to 2 bent rims and you can still see where the studs screw into them! Oh. And we had a bad storm in ny, I was stopped going up a hill so was the jeep wrangler, Subaru outback and xc90 I went around when I was able to.
my daughter 🙁 helped me last winter in pa buy a volvo wagon a s70, ve? front wheel drive, but it has that deal in it where u can make it a 4 wheel drive? and it was great, well pretty good in pa on the bad roads, but i still miss my old betsy, a 86 740 gle volvo wagon i had:(
If he could find a rare bird, an S70 AWD may help…
Tires are the most important aspect. Driven wheels only affect, well, drive. Tires affect every aspect of handling.