I get so many calls on the Volvo service reminder indicator (SRI) light, so I though a blog post will help shed some light on this thorny concern.
In the old days, after getting an oil change, we usually stuck a little sticker inside the windshield with the mileage or date for the next oil change or service interval — well not any longer my friends — windshield stickers are out, replaced by technolgy.

Nowadays, late model vehicles including Volvo’s have an automated system that serves as a service reminder. An on-board computer keeps track of the miles driven or by engine clock time — the computer turns on the Volvo service reminder light — when the next maintenance is due.


Volvo Mileage-based Maintenance Program vs Time- based Maintenance Program

For vehicles that get driven minimally — very low mileage cars — we recommended using time- based program instead of mileage-based program. So, if you bought a new Volvo on July 2010, then you would come in for the first free factory service (7,500 mile service) on July 2011, regardless of your actual mileage on the vehicle. And the next factory service would be on July 2012 for 15,000 mile service, and so on. But if you drive extensively, then follow the mileage-based program. Volvo pays for the free service only if you follow the Volvo service schedule. So, make sure your mileage falls within a range of 1500 miles, plus or minus the recommended Volvo factory service interval.

I have observed that with some volvo’s, the service reminder light may come on early, say 3000 miles or 5000 miles. When this happens, a new Volvo owner may get confused and call the service center, asking why the light came on so early and not at about 7,500 miles when he or she is due for the free Volvo factory scheduled maintenance.

The  vehicles computers continualy analyze the way the vehicle is driven, and use this analysis to determine when a service is required.

Therefore, severe driving conditions, such as stop and go traffic, frequent short trips of less than 10 miles, and constant idling while in traffic will put a strain on the engine and as a result the engine will not be able to attain normal operating temperatures.

In addition, the cleaning properties or detergents in the engine oil wear down faster under severe driving conditions. Engine oil is thus unable to suspend dirt and oil contaminants, and when this happens you will need fresh oil.

 So, if the light is proving unbearable to you, come in for a small service — intermediate service — which includes reseting the service reminder light, oil change and a safety check — checking out your tires, tire pressure and brakes – or simply ask for the Volvo service reminder light to be turned off for a small fee.

Volvo complimentary factory scheduled maintenance plan

Under the Safe and Secure Plan: New Volvo owners get a complimentary factory scheduled maintenance plan.

5 year Volvo Safe and Secure Plan:

  • 5 year warranty
  • 5 year wear and tear
  • 5 year scheduled maintenance
  • 5 year road side service

The plan means that Volvo pays for the first eight scheduled services at no charge on model year 2010 and 2011 vehicles.

 Volvo Service schedule includes the following:

  1. 7,500 mile service
  2. 15,000 mile service
  3. 22,500 mile service
  4. 30,000 mile service
  5. 37,500 mile service
  6. 45,000 mile service
  7. 52,500 mile service
  8. 60,000 mile service

An interesting fact is that for 2012 Volvo models, the maintenance program covers only the first six scheduled services at no charge.

  1. 7,500 mile servive
  2. 15,000 mile service
  3. 22,500 mile service
  4. 30,000 mile service
  5. 37,500 mile service
  6. 45,000 mile service

Volvo factory scheduled maintence program does not include tire rotation and synthetic oil. You will have to pay out of pocket for a tire rotation and the dealership pitches in by upgrading your oil to Castrol Syntec Blend oil for FREE, yes FREE . Get here fast.

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