24 May 2024
Maintaining your car is not just about keeping it clean and shiny; it's about ensuring its longevity, safety, and reliability. Proper car maintenance can significantly extend a car's lifespan and improve safety on the road.
A comprehensive guide to keep your Volvo running smoothly and extend its lifespan
This guide will delve into the importance of regular car maintenance and its benefits and provide you with a comprehensive car maintenance checklist.
Whether you own a petrol-powered Volvo or a hybrid/fully electric model, these tips will help you keep your car running smoothly for years to come.
Regular car maintenance is not just a good practice; it's a necessity. Some important reasons why you should prioritise routine maintenance include:
Preventing breakdowns
One of the primary advantages of regular car maintenance is that it helps prevent unexpected breakdowns. Routine inspections and servicing can catch minor issues before they escalate into major problems, leaving you stranded on the side of the road.
Reducing repair costs
Fixing a minor issue early on is significantly cheaper than dealing with a major repair. Neglecting maintenance can lead to costly repairs down the line, whereas timely attention to your car's needs can save you a substantial amount of money.
Maintaining resale value
A well-maintained car retains its resale value better than a neglected one. If you ever decide to sell or trade in your Volvo, you'll get a better return on your investment if your car has a documented history of regular maintenance.
Now, let's dive into the heart of our guide – the car maintenance checklist. We've divided it into two sections: monthly maintenance tasks and seasonal maintenance tasks.
Good to know is that with a newer Volvo, you won't have to spend much time on maintenance, as the car, in many ways, helps takes care of itself. The car will, for example, notify you if the oil needs to be changed or the tyre pressure is too low. That said, it's always good to keep an eye on your car; there are some simple things you can do yourself.
Monthly maintenance tasks
In the newer models of Volvo, you will receive a message if your oil levels need to be higher. Having said that, keep an eye on your oil level after all, so you don't have to add oil at the last minute.
If you have a diesel Volvo, you will need to top up with AdBlue. Like with the oil, you will receive a message if the AdBlue level is getting too low, but if you want to check manually, it can be done.
You will receive a warning message if your tyre pressure is too low. In other words, you shouldn't have to worry about your tyre pressure, but checking this manually is never wrong.
Testing lights and signals are an important and easy-to-test part of car maintenance. Ask a friend or family member to get into your car and operate the lights while you walk around the car and check that everything is working as it should.
It’s always important to ensure your car isn’t about to run out of windshield washer fluid. All you have to do is top up with washer fluid until you see it is full.
In order for your Volvo's cameras, radars and sensors to work properly, it is important that you keep them clean of dirt, snow and ice.
Seasonal maintenance tasks
There are specific maintenance considerations if you own an electric or hybrid Volvo. Important to know is that you should never try to do anything within the car’s engine yourself as it contains high-voltage batteries that can deliver a fatal shock.
Battery maintenance
Monitor your battery's state of charge regularly and follow recommended charging habits. Avoid deep discharges and overcharging, as these can affect battery life.
Specialised service requirements
Electric and hybrid cars have unique components, such as electric motors and regenerative braking systems, which may require specialised servicing. Always consult your Volvo retailer for maintenance specific to your car model.
While maintaining your car, it's essential to avoid common mistakes, such as:
To avoid these mistakes, stick to your car's maintenance schedule, pay attention to any unusual signs or sounds, use Volvo Genuine Parts, and stay vigilant about your tyre's health.
Not all car maintenance tasks require professional assistance, but some do. Here's a general guideline:
Regular car maintenance is an investment in your car's longevity, safety, and reliability. Whether you drive a conventional, hybrid or electric Volvo, following a car maintenance checklist is essential for preventing breakdowns, reducing repair costs, and maintaining resale value. By adhering to these guidelines and seeking professional help when needed, you can help ensure that your Volvo remains a reliable companion with safety on the road for years to come.
Can I perform all car maintenance tasks by myself, or do I need professional help?
While car owners can perform some maintenance tasks, knowing your limits is essential. Basic tasks like inspecting tyres and testing lights can be done at home, but more complex issues should be left to professionals. And as we mentioned earlier, if you have a hybrid or electric car, you should never tamper with the engine yourself. It contains high-voltage batteries that can deliver a fatal shock.
By scheduling your Volvo Car Service at an authorised workshop, we ensure that your car is cared for by certified Volvo technicians who exclusively use Volvo Genuine Parts.
What routine maintenance is required for a car?
Routine maintenance includes tasks like testing lights, inspecting tyres and cleaning your car’s cameras and sensors. Following your car's maintenance schedule in the owner's manual is crucial.
What is the checklist for car service?
A car service checklist typically includes oil and filter changes, tyre rotations, brake inspections, and fluid level checks. The specific tasks may vary depending on your car's model.
What is Volvo Healthcheck?
Volvo Healthcheck is a comprehensive car inspection service offered by Volvo Service Centres. It includes a thorough examination of your car's key components to ensure its overall health and performance. It's a proactive way to identify and address potential issues before they become major problems.