One of the things that is most admired about Volvos – and a primary reason why consumers flock to them – is that they are incredibly well built. Volvos withstand the daily wear and tear of driving far better than the average vehicle, which is hugely beneficial for two reasons: it allows them to have a longer life, and it drastically decreases the frequency and cost of auto repairs.
But, as impressive as Volvos are when it comes to being built to last, they are not invincible. No car is able to fully counter the wear and tear of the road; they need to be taken care of. So if you have a Volvo, it is still imperative that you properly care for your car so as to extend its life. Here are five tips for keeping your Volvo in peak condition.
Regular maintenance and check-ups
Your Volvo is like your body; if you want to keep it in the best shape, it needs to visit the doctor every now and again for a check up. For a Volvo, it’s imperative that you take it to a mechanic with some regularity. Check-ups and tune-ups are necessary both to keep your car running well (with oil changes, brake pad changes, etc.), and to help you notice when something is starting to wear down (such as if your shocks or tires need replacing).
It’s important to be preemptive with your maintenance (rather than waiting for things to break) otherwise you may subject your Volvo to even worse damage. Thankfully, a standard Volvo check-up is extremely affordable, and there’s surely a good mechanic in your area — for those in British Columbia, get a free quote from your friends at Collins Automotive!
Pay attention to your software
New Volvos have incredibly handy onboard computers that help you optimize your engine’s performance, efficiency, and lifespan. This software is here for a reason, and the more you pay attention to it, the more you will reap the benefits that it has to offer.
Regularly update your software
That said, it’s also important that you update your software on a regular basis. As Volvo engineers continue to innovate, they find new ways to help you properly care for your vehicle. By frequently updating your Volvo’s software, you’ll have access to all of the company’s best tips and tricks to properly caring for your car, and keeping it running in the best condition.
Be aware of the weather
Cars slowly suffer in two types of climates: sub-freezing climates, and coastal areas. Simply put, harsh, cold weather can hurt your engine, while the abundance of salt in coastal air slowly erodes parts of your vehicle. To help fight these climates, keep your Volvo in a garage as much as possible. Furthermore, if you live in a an area with freezing temperatures, it’s important to turn your vehicle on every few days; you don’t have to drive it, just let the engine idle for a few minutes to keep your battery charged, and to heat everything up and prevent parts from freezing (http://www.dot.nd.gov/divisions/maintenance/winter-preparation.htm).
Keep it clean
People think that the only benefit of a clean car is good looks. In reality, that’s not the case. Having a dirty car hurts your paint, and can even be bad for your engine. Primarily tree sap and bird droppings present the most danger to your car. So keep that Volvo clean; it won’t just look better, it will last longer.
Volvos may be the most reliable cars on the market, but even they need a little TLC. Apply these tips, and you’ll be sure to keep your Volvo running at peak condition.
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