Do you follow the care and maintenance advice that volvo?

Question

suggests, servicing every 7,500 miles, and should I use the volvo service center for repairs. I also replaced the battery, and now need a radio code, should I expect to pay for this code? I'm just learning about this car thanks for advice.

Answer 1

i don't like to wait that long for an oil change. 5K is my limit on my cars. the dealer is more expensive but can keep your car in top condition because they know your vehicle. the radio code is easy. call 717-569-1050 and ask for the service dept.you will need your vehicle id number and they can get the factory code in a couple minutes.

Answer 2

Yes... no... I follow things like oil change, timing belt. Things like brake pads, rotors, battery, fuel filter, air filter,... depends on your driving style. So I don't follow, but do use the service suggestions as a reference point.

You can go to the Volvo dealer and ask for the code. I get it for free last time, but they may ask you for proof of ownership.

Should you use Volvo service center? Depends on what makes you comfortable. I grew up working on cars so I just do everything on my own. If you trust your mechanic and he does good work, that would be your second choice. I would use Volvo service center the last because they are pretty expensive but for some very car specific tasks, it would be best if performed by the Volvo service center.

Answer 3

I have taken oil assays from several of these engines at different points. With city driving the oil really needs changed at ~3k miles. Highway I have seen oil go 8k. Also with age it needs changed. Never seen an oil last longer than around 8 months. As for the code they should not charge you if they are a decent dealer. As for the rest of your question, Volvo is decent with intervals other than oil and ATF. If you have an auto change the fluid every 30k or so. Volvo will tell you it does not need done that often but they are wrong. Its good cheap insurance.

Answer 4

Yes follow the guidelines but remember they are guidelines.
Go to the dealer hell no.First see if you can find a smaller repair shop that specializes in volvos such as the one i work at.The dealers do not see the maintanance schedule as a guideline and they just change everything regardless.The dealers charge alot more.The shop i work in we charge $60. the closest dealership is $119.00 plus i know all of my customers personally.My customers talk to ME not a service tech who isnt actually working on the car.
Last the radio code should be provided for free.If your doing it over the phone they may ask you for some numbers off the radio itself.Just pop it out enough and they will guide you through it.

Answer 5

on the aspect of 7500 mile oil services:
all manufactures wish to lower the apparent service costs for the "average life of the car" and want you to purchase another in 100 to 150k miles THEY ARE IN BUSINESS TO MAKE MONEY the manufacture of cars is purely incidental.
oil is the blood of any machine if changed at between 3-4k miles the service life of said machine is doubled [abuse accident etc not withstanding] spending 3 years worth of university tuition every 6 to 10 years for a car is just plain dumb.
proper and thorough maintainance is the key. next fall my older 245 will turn 30 yrs young, yes i also have a newer one that will soon be 20 [was a customer car and had to buy because of price/condition] we use this car to go to the city
there is no reason that newer volvo's can't acheave this and indeed several customer [late model] cars are way over 300k and just fine.with 3k oil service 30k trans service is ok for nonturbo cars but if turbo and driven hard transmission service should be reduced to 15k max [just smell your fluid when you check the level]

Answer 6

I usually follow the vehicle manufacturer's advice.

Service centers operated by the manufacturer are usually more expensive, but often give a better job. Your choice!