Recommendations for loading

Proper loading is important for safety and your car's performance on the road.

Loading in general

Load weight and placement affect the car's centre of gravity, handling and performance.

 Warning

Unsecured loads

A loose object weighing 20 kg (44 lbs) can, in a frontal collision at a speed of 50 km/h (30 mph), carry the impact of an object weighing 1,000 kg (2,200 lbs). Always follow the loading recommendations to reduce the risk of material damage or personal injury.

  • Place heavy cargo as low as possible.
  • Always secure cargo to the load-retaining eyelets with straps or web lashings. Otherwise, it may shift during heavy braking or sharp turns. This is particularly important if the rear seats are folded down.
  • Do not stow cargo where it may obstruct airbag deployment. If stacked cargo reaches above the upper edge of the windows, be sure to have at least 10 cm (4 inches) of clear space between the window and the cargo. Otherwise, the intended protection of the inflatable curtain, which is concealed behind the panels above the windows, may be compromised.
  • Always comply with the car's specifications regarding weight and maximum permitted load.
  • When loading the boot, position the cargo firmly against the rear seats' backrests.
  • Avoid placing cargo against the back of the front seats. It may compromise the effectiveness of the front seat whiplash protection.
  • Cover any sharp edges, corners and protrusions.
  • Make sure that all cargo is secure for the duration of travel. You need to regularly check and re-tighten the straps as cargo can move during transit.
  • Remove cargo you no longer need to have in the car. Reducing the car's overall weight improves both performance and range.

 Tip

Expand the stowing capabilities

For bulky cargo, expand the cargo area by removing the parcel shelf and folding the seats. You can also make space for long and narrow objects by folding the rear seats down.

Roof loading

 Important

Use a load holder recommended by Volvo when carrying loads on the car's roof. This reduces the risk of damage to the car and helps ensure safety while travelling. Carefully follow the mounting instructions supplied with the load holders.

Exterior loads affect the car's aerodynamics, handling and sensitivity to crosswinds. Increased drag affects energy consumption and range.

  • Place heavy cargo as low as possible.
  • Distribute the load evenly across the load holders.
  • For long loads that extend over the bonnet, fit the towing eye at the front of the car and use it to secure the load.
  • Drive gently. Avoid heavy acceleration or braking, and sharp cornering.
  • Remove the load holders when you are not using them. It improves both performance and range.