Topping up coolant
When topping up the coolant, follow the instructions on the packaging. Never top up with water only. The risk of freezing increases with both too little and too much coolant concentrate.
If there is coolant under the car, if there is coolant smoke, or if more than 2 litres (approx. 2 quarts) have been filled, always call for recovery to avoid the risk of engine damage due to a defective cooling system when attempting to start the car.
Warning
The coolant may be very hot. Never open the cap when the coolant is hot. If a top-up is required, unscrew the expansion tank cap slowly to allow any overpressure to disappear.
![P5-1617-XC90/XC90H Overview engine coolant](https://www.volvocars.com/images/support/imgfa7a0cfc45eda4abc0a8015276f08dee_1_--_--_VOICEpnghigh.png?imwidth=1280)
![P5-1519 Engine coolant refill 1](https://www.volvocars.com/images/support/imgba9e39b315231aa5c0a8015275bbd1e3_2_--_--_VOICEpnghigh.png?imwidth=1280)
![P5-1519 Engine coolant refill 2](https://www.volvocars.com/images/support/img94ef2813152c2c07c0a801523a587b0f_1_--_--_VOICEpnghigh.png?imwidth=1280)
![P5-1519 Engine coolant refill 3](https://www.volvocars.com/images/support/imge619da8d15354e32c0a8015252851720_1_--_--_VOICEpnghigh.png?imwidth=1280)
![P5-Icon gray box 1](https://www.volvocars.com/images/support/imgc457d9ab665e93b5c0a801524f9fdc84_1_--_--_VOICEpnghigh.png?imwidth=1280)
Lift off the rubber strip by pressing it inward in the engine compartment.
![P5-Icon gray box 2](https://www.volvocars.com/images/support/img788513ba665e4b01c0a801521b297a3f_1_--_--_VOICEpnghigh.png?imwidth=1280)
Detach the flap in the plastic cover by folding out the release catch and turning the flap upward.
![P5-Icon gray box 3](https://www.volvocars.com/images/support/img7f12be10665e0337c0a8015243da4a10_1_--_--_VOICEpnghigh.png?imwidth=1280)
Screw off the cap and top up with coolant if necessary. The coolant level must lie between the MIN and MAX marks on the expansion tank.
Important
- Harmful if ingested. May cause organ (kidney) damage.
- Use ready-mixed coolant as recommended by Volvo. If concentrated liquid is used, make sure that the ratio is 50 % coolant to 50 % water of an approved quality.
- Do not mix different coolants.
- Only new coolant should be used when replacing major cooling system components to ensure the system has sufficient corrosion protection.
- The engine must only be run with a well-filled cooling system. Otherwise, temperatures that are too high may occur resulting in the risk of damage (cracks) in the cylinder head.
- A high content of chlorine, chlorides and other salts may cause corrosion in the cooling system.