BRAKES
There are brake pad compounds that leave little or no dust, but they have a reputation for being squealish to some degree. And some have opined that the harder composition makes for brake fade and heated rotors; you can compensate for this, perhaps, with slotted or cross-drilled rotors.
My own personal experience is that rotors last far longer (because they sponge the heat off the rotor) and braking is virtually fade-free with softer pads composed of a so-called 'organic compound.' The downside is faster pad wear and brake dust. But pads are cheaper and easier to replace than rotors. I carry a couple old terry cloth towels in the trunk and wipe my wheels a couple times a week. And I wash the car every week or so and give the wheels a thorough cleaning at that time.
Five Volvos, combined 927K miles...and I do all my own brakes.
TRACS
This is a device that uses the ABS system to prevent front wheel spin when starting out in slippery conditions. It applies brakes to a spinning drive wheel. It doesn't operate above 25mph. Under certain conditions it can be a nuisance, in which case just shut it off. Other times, however, it's quite helpful.
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(98 S70 T5SE misc mods, mostly lighting) (92 940GLE)
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