Understanding the engine performance of your Volvo is important to keeping the car running for as long as possible. When you are taking your car in for regular maintenance, the technicians can check its diagnostics for any problems and alert you to the best course of action to care for your car. If you are …

For most people, their car is the second most expensive purchase they will make in their lives. Since this is the case, it makes sense to take care of your car and make sure it is always functioning properly. You can do this by having your Volvo maintenance performed in a timely fashion when it …

The term “tune-up”, while still used today, has kind of become a slang term. It used to be in years gone past that certain systems of your Volvo’s engine (or any car for that matter) actually had to be re-tuned or re-calibrated in order for your Volvo to run efficiently. Modern Volvo engines no longer require “tuning” …

If you have ever had your Volvo’s check engine light come on you are familiar with the wide range of emotions that follow. Shock – this shouldn’t be happening to you! Hope – maybe if you turn the car off, replace the gas cap and turn the car back on it will go away! Despair …

Wipe your Volvo oil pan plug clean. If you do your own oil changes, clean the Volvo’s drain plug and washer with rags before re-installing your Volvo’s oil pan. Some plugs are magnetized to trap metal particles.

When you hear people talking about cars you usually hear them talking about the same types of things: size of the engine, speed, tires, stereos and even the paint job. But you almost never hear people talking about brakes in the same fashion. As the unsung heroes of your Volvo they are arguably the most …

Don’t overfill your Volvo’s engine crankcase with oil. If you do, the oil can rise into the crankshaft, where air bubbles will get churned into the oil. Your Volvo’s oil pump can’t do a good job of circulating oil with air bubbles. The result can be overheating and stress on your Volvo’s engine components. Overfilling …

With summer waning, and road trip season fading into the rearview mirror many people are returning back to a normal pattern of work, school, errands and regular life. This is the opportune time to make sure your Volvo is performing efficiently and not suffering from any ill effects from your summer adventures. What is so …

Your Volvo’s anti-lock brake system is sensitive to moisture, which can ruin the expensive ABS pump and rot the brake lines from the inside of your Volvo. Since brake fluid attracts moisture, it should be “bled” or purged at least every three years.

Check the brake fluid on your Volvo monthly. Wipe dirt from the master cylinder lid before you open it. If your Volvo needs fluid, add the type recommended in your Volvo’s owner’s guide. Never substitute other fluids, such as transmission or power-steering fluid. And don’t use brake fluid from a previously opened container. Once exposed …