Starting and driving -> Hill descent control for your Volvo XC40 2018-2026
STARTING AND DRIVING
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regardless of the gradient of the hill and with-
out the need for the foot brake to be used. The
brake lights are switched on when the func-
tion is operating.
Related information
Hill descent control*
Hill descent control (HDC16) is a low speed
function with enhanced engine braking. The
function makes it possible to increase or
reduce the car's speed on steep downhill gra-
dients using only the accelerator pedal, with-
out using the foot brake.
Low speed control* (p. 427)
•
Changing drive mode* (p. 419)
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The driver can brake and reduce crawling
speed, or stop the car at any time by using the
foot brake.
In a car with drive mode button*, the function
is included in the Off Road drive mode.
Hill descent control is adapted for off-road
driving at low speeds and facilitates driving on
steep downhill gradients with difficult surfa-
ces. The driver does not need to use the brake
pedal, but can instead focus on steering.
The function is activated together with low
speed control (LSC17) which facilitates driving
and improves traction for driving off-road and
on slippery surfaces. The systems are
designed for use at low speed, up to approx.
40 km/h (25 mph).
WARNING
HDC does not work in all situations but is
designed merely as a supplementary aid.
The driver always bears ultimate responsi-
bility for ensuring that the vehicle is driven
safely.
Function
Hill descent control allows the car to roll at
inching speed both forward and backward,
assisted by the brake system. The speed can
be increased by using the accelerator pedal.
When the accelerator pedal is then released
the car slows back down to crawling speed,
16
17
Hill Descent Control
Low Speed Control
428
* Option/accessory.
STARTING AND DRIVING
Points to remember when driving with
HDC
Activating and deactivating hill
descent control* with the function
button
There is a function button for hill descent
control with Hill Descent Control in the cen-
tre display's function view unless the car was
equipped with a drive mode button in the
centre console.
The function is deactivated when driving at
higher speeds and must be reactivated at a
lower speed, if required.
If the function is disabled while driving on
a steep downhill gradient, the braking
effect will gradually decrease.
•
With automatic gearbox
Related information
HDC can be used in gear position D, R,
and with 1st or 2nd gear with manual gear
changing.
•
•
Selecting hill descent control in the
centre display function view
Hill descent control only works at low speeds.
Changing drive mode* (p. 419)
Low speed control* (p. 427)
All-wheel drive* (p. 416)
•
•
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It is not possible to change to 3rd gear or
higher with manual gear changing.
•
With manual gearbox
–
Press the Hill Descent Control button to
activate or deactivate the function.
HDC only brakes in 1st gear or with
reverse gear (R). There is no active braking
in higher gears even though the function is
not deactivated until approx. 40 km/h (25
mph).
•
> An indicator in the button illuminates
when the function is activated.
When LSC with HDC is activated, the feel
of the accelerator pedal and engine
response are changed.
This function is disabled automatically when
the engine is switched off.
The driving mode is not designed to be
used on public roads.
The function is deactivated when driving at
higher speeds and must be reactivated at a
lower speed, if required.
}}
* Option/accessory. 429
STARTING AND DRIVING
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Do not run the engine to operating tem-
perature at idling speed, but rather drive
with a normal load right after starting – a
cold engine consumes more fuel than a
warm one.
Related information
Economical driving
•
•
•
Drive economically and in a more eco-friendly
way by driving gently and anticipating situa-
tions.
Adapt your driving style and speed to the pre-
vailing situation.
Changing drive mode* (p. 419)
•
If possible, avoid using the car for driving
short distances. The engine does not have
time to reach normal operating tempera-
ture, which contributes to increased fuel
consumption.
Note the following:
For lower fuel consumption, activate Eco
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drive mode.
Use engine braking to slow down, when it
can take place without risk to other road
users.
•
•
•
•
•
•
Use the Eco Coast freewheel function in
Eco drive mode – engine braking ceases,
meaning that the car's kinetic energy is
•
used to freewheel for longer distances18
.
Drive with the correct air pressure in the
tyres and check this regularly - select ECO
tyre pressure for best results.
When driving with manual gear changing
– drive in the highest gear possible, adap-
ted to the current traffic situation and road
– lower engine speeds result in lower fuel
consumption. Use the gear shift indicator.
•
Choice of tyres can affect fuel consump-
tion - seek advice on suitable tyres from a
retailer.
Drive at a steady speed and keep a good
distance to other vehicles and objects to
minimise braking.
•
•
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Remove unnecessary items from the car -
the greater the load the higher the con-
sumption.
High speed results in increased fuel con-
sumption - the wind resistance increases
with speed.
A roof load and space box increase wind
resistance, leading to higher consumption
- remove the load carriers when not in use.
Trip computer indication for instantaneous
fuel consumption can be helpful for driving
more economically.
Avoid driving with open windows.
18
Applies to automatic gearbox.
430
* Option/accessory.





