Maintaining Your Volvo Car
The cars are tough, safe and reliable and repairs are rare. All you need to do is to ensure that you maintain your car well and take meticulous care of it at all times. Listen to the warnings its give, listen to the sounds it makes and adhere to your maintenance program at all times. Ensure that you use the maintenance kits provided by Volvo Corporation at all times and use genuine Volvo parts when you replace them in your car. You will find that the car is economical to maintain and repairs are few and far between!
Let us begin talking about maintaining your car by telling you about the cooling system. The cooling system removes excess heat from your car and helps it reach optimum operating environment. If the cooling system malfunctions parts of your engine could melt and the pistons could expand to a size that can result in cylinder seizure. So make sure your water-pump, thermostat, temperature sensor, radiator and cap which form parts of the cooling system are in good working order.
Check the oil in your Volvo. If the oil light comes on in your Volvo it is time for action. It will be followed by a thumping and knocking sound. The car can stop dead in the middle of nowhere if every drop of oil is sucked dry. The engine will have to be trashed.
Check your car’s electrical system. It is important to keep them functional as they ensure the health and reliability of your car. The major components are the battery, the alternator, the wiring, fuses, switches and relays. The battery is vital for starting the engine or running the electrical instruments that come with your car. Remember that while you need more power from your battery in the winter, batteries lose power as temperatures drop. The starter converts the electrical energy of your battery into mechanical energy that is used to turn the crankshaft and helps turn gears that are attached to the flywheel. They also prepare the cylinders for ignition. The alternator is attached to the fan belt and is useful in converting the mechanical energy produced into electrical energy for powering the electrical instruments in the car and also for recharging the battery. The wiring, switches, fuses and relays keep your headlights on, your fuel pump running.
Check your tires regularly if you drive in snow conditions. It is prudent to replace your car tires wit specialty snow tires during winter snow conditions to ensure that you do not skid and slip on the snow. You will be wise to add anti-freeze to your radiator (50% anti-freeze, 50% water). Cars can and do overheat in the winter. You could consider buying a wind shield wiper with rubber covers if you are driving in snow and you should remove them in spring as they are heavy and can increase the wear and tear of your wiper motor.
Check your brakes. If you are driving in rain put on the antilock brakes and stomp and steer. Test your car without antilock brakes, pump them and avoid wheel lock up.
Make sure you listen to the noises your car makes. If it makes an unusual sound you must attend to it immediately. It may be loud or soft, but neither can be ignored. Mechanics can tell you what the noises mean. It could be a rattle when you encounter a bump indicating that something is wrong with your exhaust system or your muffler. If you squeal when you brake, your brake pad is worn out or overheated and glazed. If you hear a scraping noise when you brake, your brake shoes or brake rotor could be the problem. If you hear a chunk when you brake or change gears, you could be dealing with a worn steering system, loose suspension system or worn out UV joints!
So listen to your car and check the systems regularly to ensure that you get the best out of your car.