Volvo Service Tips

1. Build a solid working relationship with your service advisor. This relationship benefits both parties, the service advisor gets your business and you get to be on a first name basis with someone who knows your vehicle inside and out. In addition, he or she can anticipate potential problems down the road and save you lots of money.
2. Pay attention to the fuel you put into your vehicle. Fuel is like food to your vehicle, high octane fuels are more healthy and nutritious for your vehicle. Do not add diesel into a gas engine or vice versa. This can be a very expensive mistake.
3. Check you tire pressure once a week. Bad tire pressure will affect your fuel economy.
4. Yellow Dashboard Warning Symbols: You can drive your vehicle but have it checked out at the service center as soon as possible.
5. Red Dashboard Warning Symbols: Pull off the road safely and stop the engine immediately.
6. Check your oil level regularly. Locate and pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean and then push it back in until the top is seated properly. Wait a moment, pull it out again and check the oil level. If the oil level is in between the high (H) mark and low (L) mark, you are fine; however, if it is below L and it looks dirty and grimy, then get your oil changed soon.
7. Listen to your car. Pay attention to any new and abnormal noises. Rattles and vibrations are signs of mechanical breakdowns or worn out parts.
8. Pay attention to unusual smells. A hydrogen sulfide smell could be due to internal damage to the plates in the battery. Gas smell in the car could be a fuel leak.
9. Never buy a battery that is more than six months old. Freshness of a car battery is very important just like buying bread.
10. Pay attention to fluid leaks: oil leaks, brake fluid or coolant leaks.

[mpinpage]

12. Familiarize yourself with your vehicles owners’ manual. It is the best source of information on your vehicle, and includes important details such as: Engine size, Service Schedules, Operating and Factory Maintenance Instructions.
13. Get an intermediate service or a basic oil change every 3,500 miles. Your car will thank you for it.
14. During winter or cold weather, keep your gas tank more than half full. Lower octane fuel contains trace amounts of water which can freeze in winter. You also don’t want to run out of gas if you get caught up in traffic during a winter storm.
15. Know the correct oil for your vehicle by reading your vehicle’s owners manual. Though more expensive, Castrol Synthetic Blend oil is preferable due to better lubrication properties.
16. If you can, go to the dealership service center because the technicians are specialists and Volvo factory trained. The dealership uses the latest equipment and repair techniques and they can always call on Volvo for assistance. In addition, the dealership is up to date on any new Volvo developments: Warranties, Recalls and Service Bulletins.
17. To find out about Recalls and Service Bulletins on your car you can sign up for recall alerts at http://www.nhtsa.gov/Vehicle+Safety/Recalls+&+Defects.
18. Be specific when explaining your car’s symptoms to the service advisor. Describe what, when and where you hear the noises.
19. Get an emergency car kit for road side emergencies.
20. Be aware of when the warranty period ends, and get potential problems checked out beforehand. Ask for a thorough inspection.
21. Service history records can be obtained from your service advisor as proof that your vehicle was properly maintained. This is very helpful if you are planning to sell your vehicle.
22. You can switch service advisors. Request for another service advisor if you are not happy with the way he or she addresses your vehicle’s concerns.
23. Make it a habit to inspect your tires. Check the tread depth (6/32 or better) and check for signs of uneven wear.
24. A sign that your alignment is off is when your steering pulls you to the left or to the right. Wheel alignments are usually done after replacing your tires and also after winter season due to potholes knocking your car out of alignment.
25. Rotate your tires, and check your brake pads for wear at every service interval.
26. Front brake pads wear out faster than rear pads. The rate of wear depends on your driving style;city driving is harder on your brakes due to stop and go traffic patterns.
27. Always get an estimate before service is performed, and then authorize the necessary repairs.
28. Inquire about pricing and labor rates. Labor rates are posted where all customers can see them.
29. Shopping around for a good labor rate is wise, but dealerships also call each other too, so don’t be surprised if there is little to no difference in rates.
30. Take a test drive with a technician to replicate symptoms. Technicians have to test drive your car before and after repairs are done. If the symptoms are still unresolved perhaps your car was not test driven by the technician.
31. Scrutinize you bill or repair order (RO) to make sure it is accurate and that all necessary repairs are accounted for. The RO is broken down into labor, parts, fees and taxes. Ask questions when in doubt.
32. Clean off brake dust from your wheels regularly to prevent the sun from baking the brake dust onto the wheel.
33. Radio codes can be obtained from any Volvo dealer at no cost to you. Bring your car registration to prove ownership if you are not a current customer. If your radio says off, turn the ignition key to on in the first position for 2.5 to 3 hours in order for it to display code.
34. Express service is available without a prior appointment. Express service includes: Basic oil change, flat tire service, new tire replacement, bulb change, wiper blades replacement, and battery check.
35. Use gloves if you change your own headlight bulbs. This is because the oil and moisture content on your fingers will cause the bulb to crack.
36. If the oil warning light comes on have it checked out immediately or your engine will seize.
37. Do not race or idle your engine for it to warm up. Driving your car is the proper way to warm up the engine.
38. Accelerate gently for proper fuel consumption. Jack-Rabbit starts and hard braking can increase fuel consumption by up to 40%. In city driving, nearly 50% of the energy needed to power your car goes into acceleration.
39. Consolidate short driving trips. Short trips of 10 miles or less are hard on the engine. Carbon deposits can build up in the combustion chamber when the engine is not operating at peak efficiency.
40. Lighten up on the car key chain. The weight on the key chain when combined with bouncing while you drive can wear out the tumblers in the ignition leading to ignition switch failure.
41. If your ignition key ‘sticks’ when you turn on the car consider it a warning. Have it checked out before you get stranded.
42. Choose a good insurance company. If your car is in the body shop make sure your car will be repaired to the best possible standards and that the insurance company will only use Original Equipment Manufacturer parts (OEM). OEM designates a replacement part made by the manufacturer of the original part.
43. Keep track of your gas mileage and if your gas mileage worsens it may be an early warning that something is wrong. Mention it to your service advisor.
44. Use car shades to keep your car interior cool and to minimize UV sunlight damage.
45. Inspect your sunroof for plugged drain holes. Fix bad weather stripping immediately to prevent rain leaks.
46. Use touch up paint for minor scratches on the paint job to prevent rust from getting a foothold.
47. Fix small windshield chips before they develop into cracks.
48. Don’t add water into the washer fluid reservoir or else it may freeze during winter, use washer fluid.
49. Wash your car after a winter storm. All that sand, slush, and ice mixed up with road salt is corrosive and can make your car rust.
50. Wax your car to protect the car’s paint job.
51. Cold temperatures will decrease your tire pressure. Tires can loose up to one pound of pressure per square inch (psi) with every 10 degree drop in air temperature.
52. Check your brake fluid monthly. Low brake fluid might indicate a leak.
53. Consult your vehicles owners’ manual to find out when you should have your transmission fluid changed.
54. Check your hoses under the hood every other month. Examine hoses for bulges and collapsed sections.
55. Check for signs of rodents nests on your engine and air filter if you park on the street. Rodents can cost you hundreds of dollars worth of damage to the wiring harness.
56. If you loose a hubcap go online and check out hubcaphaven.com for a replacement. They also sell reconditioned wheels if you are looking to save money.
57. Check your belts for damage and if you spot any fraying let your service advisor know.
58. A failed timing belt may bend your valves and cause thousands of dollars worth of damage.
59. Maintain your car battery,and keep it clean.
60. Purchase the proper coolant, a 50/50 mix of water and anti freeze.
61. Do not mix coolants that are different colors. Refer to your owner’s manual.
62. Check your power steering fluid once a month. If your steering feels hard, have it checked out at a service center.
63. Locked your keys in the car. Calling a tow truck or lock smith may be your best option.
64. If you loose your ignition key, the dealership can cut you a new key and program the new key to your car.
65. Motor oil is affected by weather conditions. In cold weather the oil gets thicker and thinner in hot weather. Check your owner’s manual for the recommended oil.
66. Batteries loose strength as the temperature dips; however, the engine requires more cranking power because the oil gets thicker at colder temperatures.
67. Check the condition of your wiper blades during winter and fill up the washer fluid reservoir.
68. Modern electronic multipoint fuel injectors have done away with the need to warm up an engine before driving. The engine computer knows exactly how much fuel is required by the engine under all conditions.
69. After 75,000 miles your engine will burn oil faster. This process is known as burn-off, the evaporation of motor oil in an engine.
70. As an engine gets older, the seals deteriorate, gaskets become brittle, and piston rings wear out.
71. Dirty and clogged up air and fuel filters can cause your car engine to work harder. Properly functioning air and fuel filters provide better gas mileage.
72. Get rid of junk in the trunk. An extra 100 pounds in the trunk reduces a car’s fuel economy.
73. Don’t ride your brakes or else you may wear out the brake pads faster.
74. Test out a new repair shop or service center by starting out with small jobs like an oil change. This will give you a good feel for the quality of the shops work and how they treat customers.
75. Rain dampens sound, so it is not a good idea to check for squeaks and rattles in wet conditions.
76. Get the repairs done right the first time by going to the dealer.
77. For Volvo Roadside Assistance call 1.800.638.6586
78. Volvo on call membership begins when you receive your new Volvo and lasts for up to four years complimentary. Loyal customers can get a discounted deal after the four year period.
79. Operating the Air Conditioning (A/C) on maximum can reduce your fuel economy (miles per gallon).
80. Dissatisfied with your service advisor?, let the service director know.
81. Insist on Original Equipment Parts if you are having body work done. All the repair expertise in the world cannot make up for sub-standard, unreliable parts.
82. Trust your instincts. Look for a repair facility that offers professional service.
83. Did you know that 65% of auto repair shop customers are women. Source: ASE
84. Reputable repair shops have clean waiting rooms, timely delivery, and easy to understand repair orders (RO).
85. A reputable repair shop will work hard to keep your business and values customer feedback both good and bad. However, this does not give you the right to be a jerk, respect goes both ways.
86. If your car is under warranty, the dealership may be your best choice.
87. To asses the reputation of the repair shop, go online to your local Better Business Bureau (BBB). Check out any complaints. If any, what is the rate of resolution of those complaints?
88. When getting a tow, request a flat bed tow truck to reduce than chances of damage to your car.
89. Fold your side mirrors when parking in a tight garage space or to protect your mirrors from being side swiped while parked on the street.
90. Protect your car interior with seat covers and plastic floor mats.
91. Tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) don’t eliminate tire safety problems. TPMS do nothing to make drivers aware of other tire safety problems, such as severe wear, cracking in side walls or reduced tread. Have your tires inspected.
92. Request a loaner car for major service, for example 60,000 mile service.
93. Tipping lot attendants is highly appreciated. They work hard in all kinds of weather.
94. If you are planning a road trip, plan ahead and schedule an oil change. Don’t wait until the day before your trip.
95. Tree sap on your widows can bend your window regulators or blow out the window motor.
96. Clean the inside of your windshield to prevent glazing.
97. If you are considering purchasing a used car please have it inspected by the dealership or your mechanic. Spending $100 for inspection maybe the best decision you make as it may save you a lot of sleepless nights down the road.
98. The average driver drives out of warranty by mileage. Most leased customers drive out of warranty before their lease expires.
99. The average financing contract is 62 months; the limited factory warranty is 36 months. Do the math, you may require warranty.
100. To save money, you should try to buy extended warranty directly from the source. If you cannot, then obtain it from the dealership for 0% interest financing.
101. The warranty company I recommend is the one our dealership uses, JM&A Group. This company has national coverage and pays the dealership directly, so no need to pay and wait for reimbursement for authorized repairs.
102. A reputable warranty company will let you review the warranty contract before you buy.
103. Like life insurance, the cost of warranty for your vehicle rises with the age of your car. Hence, you will be offered the longest terms and the lowest rates for newer vehicles with lower mileage.
104. New cars shouldn’t break down, but the reality is that they do.
105. Wear and tear warranty provides much greater protection than just mechanical breakdowns.
106. Keep accurate maintenance records and receipts because extended warranty requires you to properly maintain your vehicle according to the manufacturers recommended maintenance schedule.

[/mpinpage]

The biggest budget blunder you want to avoid at all costs is neglecting basic car maintenance.

[mpinpage]

An interesting article on investopedia.com illustrates this very point. This article was also featured on yahoo.com.

The number one blunder listed on the article about the high cost of being cheap was Neglecting Basic Maintenance.

It is not uncommon to see customers paying several thousand dollars for a new engine after the original engine seized up due to the lack of engine oil. I have seen pictures of oil that has turned into a sludge, clogging up the entire inside of the engine and causing it to fail prematurely. You don’t want this to happen to you.

Lack of routine maintenance affects all aspects of your vehicle and will surely lead to something big breaking down that will cost you big time, down the road. Going cheap in the short term often costs you more in the long run.

At Martens Volvo Service Center we help you make small ongoing investments in regular service maintenance. For example, Volvo Factory Maintenance calls for a service every 7,500 miles; however, we recommend an intermediate, in between service every 3,500 miles for city driving.

The reason being that most of our customers live in the Washington DC area which is hard on car engines due to stop and go city traffic patterns and short trips of less than 10 miles. Short trips do not let your car engine warm up to required operating temperatures. Thus, the combustion process does not burn up all the fuel and a carbon residue is deposited in the piston grooves and valves.

For this very reason, Castrol Synthetic blend oil is recommended because it does not react to combustion and combustion by products to the extent that regular organic oil does. Another big advantage is that during cold winters Castrol synthetic blend oil maintains its viscosity (flow-ability of an oil). Regular oil will become thicker or less viscous on very cold nights and require your car battery to put out more crank amps to start up.

Secondly, Factory scheduled service at 7,500 mile intervals assumes that you are driving in perfect ideal conditions. This means highway miles, perfect driving habits such as no sudden acceleration or braking, engine running at normal operating temperature, a dust free environment, and no extreme summer heat and winter chills.

Thirdly, Volvo Factory Scheduled service does not include tire rotation, but if you drive an all wheel drive Volvo, you have to maintain even tread wear on all four tires for optimum performance;hence, you have to rotate your tires.

Finally, the reason why you require intermediate service at 3,500 miles is that your brake pads may not last the entire 7,500 miles.

The life span of your brake pads depends on your driving style, and the front pads usually wear out faster than the rear pads because they take the brunt for stopping the vehicle.

A new brake pad has 12mm (millimeters) of frictional material lining, and at 2mm you need new pads. The rule of thumb is that every mm counts for 1000 miles. When we rotate your tires we can tell you how many mm you have left on your brake pads.

Being cheap will leave you broke, so visit a Volvo Service Center for routine service.

sources

http://finance.yahoo.com/banking-budgeting/article/112019/how-being-cheap-will-leave-you-broke?mod=bb-budgeting

[/mpinpage]

When you press your foot on the brake pedal you expect to get that firm pedal feeling, but what if your foot goes all the way down, flooring the pedal?

Don’t panic yet, just call the service center and have your brakes checked as soon as possible.

The Volvo brake pads are one of the most essential component of the Volvo Braking system.

To stop the vehicle, the Volvo brake pads take the brunt of the frictional stopping power. Brake pads are composed of a heat resisting frictional material with a steel backing and are attached to the floating caliper assembly, which hovers above the rotors.

To stop the vehicle, the brake pads pinch the rotors in a sandwich motion when hydraulic pressure is brought to bear through pistons in the calipers. The pincer like motion of the two brake pads on either side of the rotor slows down the vehicle or brings the car to a stop through frictional force.

Volvo brake pads are considered semi-metallic.

The main drawback of using semi-metallic Volvo brake pads is the incidence of noise when the pads are worn. At the service center we call this “metal to metal’ contact.

When you hear this loud noise call me immediately at the service center because you may need new pads.

Below is a link to a video that illustrates how Volvo brakes work.

http://www.volvocars.com/us/sales-services/services/volvo_maintenance_services/volvo_genuine_service/Pages/VolvoGenuinePartsandService-Brakepads.aspx

If you like the contents of this website you can leave a small tip. Thank you

Due to the recent winter conditions, we have been receiving quite a few calls regarding windshield wipers. In this case, it’s not simply a request for replacement wiper blades, but whole wiper arms that have completely snapped off after failing to match wits with heavy wet snow and ice.

[mpinpage]

When using your wipers in the winter, please make sure you turn them off before shutting the vehicle down. Because if you just let them stop when the engine shuts off, they will freeze to the windshield where they stopped.

When starting the engine on the next day, the wipers will try to move. This can cause damage to the wiper motor or the linkage that moves the wipers back and forth. One of the cars we serviced today had a completely burned out windshield wiper motor, the gears got stripped out after the wipers were cut on.

Vehicle safety is a critical concern for everyone especially in bad weather conditions. Poor visibility  in harsh weather can cause accidents.

The following windshield wiper safety tips will help keep you and your family safe.

• Worn wiper blades are dangerous. 90% of your driving decisions are based on a clear unobstructed view of the road, it is therefore critical that your car’s wipers provide you a clean, clear view of the road ahead.
• Replace your wiper blades every 6 months or 6000 miles –this is a rule of thumb;however, the best indicator of wear is streaking on the windshield.
• Winter wiper blades are essentially if you live in an area with harsh winter conditions. The build up of ice, sleet and snow can be harsh on your wiper blades, turning the rubber in your wiper blades hard and brittle. This causes the rubber to crack and tear.
• Invest in good quality wiper blades. Efficient wiper blades are just as important to a vehicles safe operation as clean oil, and good tires. So inspect your blades frequently for wear and tear. For ex. just after washing your vehicle.
• Whenever you replace wipers, be sure to also check rear wipers, headlight wipers and windshield washer fluid. If you have to, carry some extra washer fluid in the trunk of your car.
• Before installing new wiper blades, be sure to clean your windshield and wipe off the blades with warm water.
• Old or defective wipers can damage your windshield if the rubber refill separates from the blade structure or if the wiper blade becomes detached from the arm. so, be careful when you lift the arm off the windshield.

[/mpinpage]

In this tough economy, it is understandable that customers are looking to save money by servicing their Volvo’s at small independent shops. As we can see in the case below, sometimes the fix doesn’t work and pretty soon the customer is back at the dealership.

We received a call from a frantic lady yesterday. She had taken her Volvo for repairs to the little independent repair shop around the corner from the dealership.

She frantically explained that she needed her car towed from the repair shop to the Volvo Service Center because it was leaking fuel. The independent repair shop could not fix the fuel leak; so, they recommended that she get her Volvo towed to a fully equipped Volvo Auto Repair Shop.

Another interesting fact is that we get plenty of calls from small independent shops who have difficulties repairing their customers Volvo’s.

At Martens Volvo we fix your car right the first time.

Most of our customers have more than one Volvo, all serviced at the dealership. I was at a loss for words when one of our customers told me that she has owned nine Volvo’s.

I have noticed that customers are holding on to their Volvo’s longer due to the state of the economy. Below is a list of ten reasons for why you should get a Volvo Genuine service at Martens.

• We fix your Volvo right the first time.
• Expert Service Advisors
• Expert Inspection & Evaluation
• Convenience – Express Service

“No-Appointment-Necessary, While-You-Wait”

(oil and filter, batteries, brakes, exterior lighting, tires, exhaust, wipers and passenger compartment air filters.)

• Factory Trained Technicians
• Factory Technical procedures
• Advanced Volvo Diagnostic Equipment
• Volvo Special Tools
• Volvo Genuine Parts
• 24 Month Limited Warranty

So, why not save time and money now and get that special feeling of confidence. The confidence that your Volvo will go the distance despite of the economic conditions.

With Volvo’s commitment to automotive excellence through our three core values – safety, quality and environmental care. Volvo Genuine Service exemplifies these values by ensuring that we keep your Volvo performing by providing you efficient and timely repairs and maintenance.