Volvo - Building a Reputation of Safety

Visibility

Defroster
Condensation forms on the inside of car windows because of the difference in air temperature between interior and exterior. Volvos have windshield defroster vents that direct warms air up against the front windshield to melt outside frost and evaporate inside condensation. Vents on the the edge of the front doors help to defrost the front side windows. When the defroster setting is selected with the air temperature above 47 degrees Fahrenheit, the air conditioning will be automatically turned on for its dehumidifying effect to help remove condensation.

Fog Lights
In Europe, cars have long offered special exterior lights to cut through fog and inclement weather. Volvo integrates front fog lamps with the headlight assemblies as standard equipment on 960 models, and offers fog lamps as an option on other models. A rear fog lamp is also standard on all models, to make a Volvo more easily visible to drivers following behind in bad weather.

Headlights & Turn Signals
The headlight assemblies of every Volvo combine complex multiple elements sealed inside a weather-proof housing. The headlights are semi-sealed in design, with halogen bulbs that emit more light: a very white light that increases nighttime visibility and shows up reflected objects better. On the 850 Sportswagon, brake lights and directionals are mounted high on the rear pillars to help make your Volvo more visible from behind.

Interior Lights
Illuminating the interior of every Volvo are instrument lights designed for optimum visibility without eye fatigue during night driving. An overhead dome light can be switched on and off manually or automatically as the door is opened, and a shutoff delay automatically keeps the light on for a few seconds after you enter the car and close the door. On some models, interior reading lamps are provided for rear-seat passengers. 960,940, and 850 models feature red warning lamps on the edges of the doors.

Laminated Windshield
The windshield protects against more than the wind. Volvo took a long step toward strengthening this component's protective capability when we first introduced laminated windshields back in 1944. Today, Volvo laminated windshields offer a high-impact design that binds two strong glass sheets to a central plastic layer with tough polyurethane adhesive bonding. When hit by a flying stone or other small object, it is designed to show only a small impact "star ." In severe crashes, the windshield is built to shatter and remain bonded to the plastic layer.

Mirrors
The interior mirror of every Volvo gives drivers a broad, clear view behind them. In addition, every Volvo has dual outside rear-view mirrors of lightly-tinted distortion-free glass designed to reduce glare from direct sunlight or following vehicle headlights. All models have power-controlled outside mirrors with built-in defrosters.

Tinted Glass
Tinted glass is standard on all Volvo windows, including side and rear windows. Volvo windshields are given an additional tinting at the top to filter out more sunlight glare.

Wiper/Washer
Volvos are well known for their excellent visibility. To keep our glass clean, we install wiper/washer systems with dual speeds, including an intermittent cycle. Volvo wagons are also equipped with wiper/washer systems for the rear window, including both constant speed and intermittent wipe features.

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(c) Copyright 1994 Volvo, All Rights Reserved