[You can also watch the Zero to 120 video set in Volvo's secret Arctic testing facility.] Volvo breaks their recommendations into two categories, for the vehicle and the driver:
For the vehicle
1. Fill the windshield washer tank with appropriate antifreeze-based fluid — not water.
2. Avoid de-icing sprays on locks, they can gum up the works in extreme cold. Use teflon-based spray.
3. Make sure the antifreeze is full, fresh and rated at -35 degrees.
4. Keep the fuel tank full to prevent condensation and give you maximum range in case of getting stuck.
5. Use lower visocisty oil, such as 5W-30, it makes cold starts easier.
6. Check the battery strength. Extreme cold saps batteries quicker.
For the driver
1. Avoid bulky clothes, they inhibit movement and reaction time.
2. You should, howver, keep warm clothes and a shovel in the car in case you get stuck.
3. Don’t follow previous snow tracks — they can be slippery. Fresh snow offers greater traction.
4. Brake gently on snowy and iced roads. If you skid, steer into, rather away from the skid.
5. Air conditoning works as a dehumidifier in the cold to clear the windows, and works tto purify the air, as cold weather causes emissions to linger around the vehicle.
6. Don’t run the heat full blast — it can make you drowsy and impede reaction time.
7. Use any winter traction, electronic stability control or all-wheel drive settings in your vehicle if so equipped.
