Volvo TLC & Maintenance Tips
Published January 2025 / By Alexandra Miles
Volvo TLC & Maintenance Tips
As summer is trying to break through the clouds fully, we thought that it would be a good time to run through the main tips on how to ensure your Volvo is set up for a healthy and happy 2025. If you take proper care off your Volvo, you can significantly extend its lifespan and the cherry on top of that, improve its safety on the road.
Regular maintenance
It's not just good practise it's a necessity for vehicle health and longevity. Here are some important reasons why you should prioritise routine maintenance:
Preventing breakdowns
One of the primary advantages of regular 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, hoping a tow-truck will go past.
Preducing repair costs
We all know how easy it is to put off jobs until the last minute, but the cold, hard truth is that it's significantly cheaper to fix a minor issue early on than having to deal with a major repair down the road. Keeping in mind that timely attention to your vehicle's needs can save you a substantial amount of money can be a real lifesaver.
Maintaining resale value
Trends change, and so do lifestyles. As humans, it's in our nature to evolve with the times, and often that means changing our choice of car. A well-maintained car returns its resale value better than a neglected one. If you decide to sell or trade-in your Volvo, you'll get a better return on your investment if you have a well-documented history of regular maintenance.
The Car Maintenance Checklist
Now lets dive into the core of our guide, the car maintenance checklist. For ease. we've divided it into two sections, monthly and seasonal maintenance tasks.
It's good to know that if you have a newer Volvo, you won't have to spend much time on maintenance, as the car, in many ways, helps to take care of itself. For example, the car will notify you if the oil needs changing or the tyre pressure is too low. However, its always wise to keep an eye on your car, and there are some simple things you can easily do yourself.
Monthly Maintenance
1. Check engine oil
As we said above, 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 the level so you don't have to add any last minute. This is an easy job and can be done by starting up your Volvo, opening the app 'Car Status' in the centre display, and choosing 'status'. You should now be able to see your car's oil level in the display.
2. Check AdBlue level
If you have a diesel Volvo, you will need to top up with AdBlue. Like with oil, you will be notified automatically if your AdBlue levels are getting too low. However, to check manually is much like checking your oil. Start your Volvo, open the app 'Car Status' in the centre display, and choose 'status'. You should now be able to see your car's AdBlue level in the display.
3. Inspect tyres
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 if you're checking your oil or AdBlue, why not check your tyres while you're at it? To do this, check your tyre pressure with a tyre pressure gauge and maintain it per your vehicle model's manual specifications. Check tyre tread for wear and tear and replace if necessary.
4. Test lights and signals
Testing lights and signals are an important yet super simple and easy part of car maintenance. Just 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. Make sure you test all exterior lights (headlights, taillights, and brake lights), and replace any if needed.
5. Check windshield washer fluid
It's always important to make sure before you embark on a grand adventure (even if to the supermarket) to check your windshield washer fluid levels. A straightforward job, just locate where your top up the washer fluid and add more until you see the reservoir is full. An extra tip is to use a funnel when topping up, this makes it much easier not to spill.
6. Clean cameras, radars, and sensors
In order for your Volvo's cameras, radars, and sensors to work properly it's important to keep them clean of dirt, snow, and ice. To do this, clean your cameras and sensors with lukewarm water and car shampoo. Be extra careful when doing this so they don't get scratched.
Seasonal Changes
As the seasons change, so do the needs of the your Volvo. Make sure that every change in the air brings these two checks with them.
1. Replace wiper blades
Making sure your wiper blades are in good condition is crucial during unpredictable weather.
2. Check your towbar
Park your Volvo and test so that your towbar can be folded in and out.
Specialised maintenance for electric and hybrid cars
When you buy an electric or hybrid Volvo, you know it's different from the get-go, and likely maintenance for a model is going to differ. Important to know is that you should never try to do anything within the vehicle's engine yourself as it contains high-voltage batteries that can deliver a fatal shock.
Battery Maintenance
To keep your battery in tip-top shape, it's important to monitor its state of charge regularly and follow the recommended charging habits. Avoid deep discharges and overcharging, as these can affect battery life.
Specialisd service requirements
Electric and hybrid vehicles 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 vehicle model.
It's easy to make mistakes in life, and that's how we learn, right? Lucky for you, however, time has proven that these are the more common maintenance mistakes to avoid. Make things easier on yourself, and learn from our slip-ups.
These include:
- Neglecting routine maintenance tasks
- Ignoring warning lights and strange noises
- Using incorrect or subpar replacement parts
- Overlooking tyre maintenance
To avoid these mistakes, we advise that you stick to your car's maintenance schedule, pay attention to any unusual signs or sounds, use Volvo Genuine Parts, service with Volvo Cars Christchurch, and stay vigilant about your tyre health.
The benefits of professional maintenance
Not all car maintenance tasks require professional assistance, but some do. Here's a general guideline.
- Basic jobs like checking oil levels, inspecting tyres, and topping up windshield washer fluid are easy to manage at home.
- More complex tasks, such a as brake repairs and engine diagnostics, should be entrusted to professionals.
Regular car maintenance is an investment in your car's longevity, safety, and reliability. When 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 ensure that your Volvo remains in tip-top condition for years to come.
The Drive Away
We understand that taking care of your car is just like taking care of your children, after all, they're a part of the family too. At Volvo Cars Christchurch, we're dedicated to providing the best care for both you and your vehicle.
Now through the end of February, take advantage of a comprehensive full health check for just $99*. This includes brake checks, batter inspection, cooling system evaluation and more.
If you're looking for the full works, you can get a complete service for just $595. Plus, any other additional repairs will receive a 10% discount of parts and labour.*
T&C's
*Available 1 Nov 2024 to 28 Feb on all Volvo vehicles. Bookings subject to availability. The Summer Health Check is not a substitute for regularly scheduled servicing.
*Not available in conjunction with any other offers. $150 discount on a standard service, applicable to vehicle referenced in this email only. Service must be booked and completed between 1st-31st January 2025. 10% discount on parts and labour only applies to work recommended by our technicians in addition to your scheduled service items. Work must be completed within the same booking as the scheduled service to qualify for the parts and labour discount.
