How to Make Sure Your Volvo is Ready for Summer
April 23 2024,
While Volvo vehicles are built to withstand all sorts of extreme weather conditions, it is always a good idea to make sure everything is in order before the warmer months arrive with their lot of unique challenges. Here are a few tips that will give you the peace of mind of knowing your Volvo will take you anywhere you want to go this summer. If you prefer, our service department can take care of most of these items for you, leaving you more time to enjoy summer.
- Check the Air Conditioning System
Functionality: Ensure your air conditioning system is cooling effectively. If it's not blowing cold air or takes too long to cool, have it checked by our qualified technicians. This could be the result of defective components or simply a small refrigerant leak.
Cabin Air Filter: Replace or clean the cabin air filter to maintain good air quality inside the vehicle and ensure the A/C operates efficiently. This also helps avoid unpleasant smells that come from the ventilation system.
- Inspect the Cooling System
Coolant Level: Check the coolant level and top it up if needed. This prevents overheating during high temperatures and is essential for the proper operation of your engine.
Cooling Fan and Radiator: Inspect for damage or blockages that could impede airflow. Make sure the cooling fan operates correctly.
Coolant Flush: Consider having your coolant flushed if it's been in your vehicle for a long time. This helps remove debris and old coolant, ensuring optimal cooling system performance since coolant degrades and becomes less efficient over time.
- Test the Battery
Condition: Heat can affect battery performance just like cold does. Have your battery tested to ensure it's holding a charge and look for signs of corrosion on the terminals since it can hinder the electrical connection.
Replacement: If your battery is nearing the end of its life, consider replacing it to avoid an unexpected breakdown, especially if you plan to drive far away from home this summer.
- Check the Tires
Tire Pressure: Hot weather can increase tire pressure. Check and adjust tire pressure to the recommended levels to prolong your tires’ life, reduce your fuel consumption, and improve your vehicle’s handling.
Tread Depth: Ensure your tires have sufficient tread depth for safety and traction. This is very important since the grooves in the tread evacuate water from under the tires to prevent aquaplaning.
Spare Tire: If your Volvo is equipped with a spare tire, don’t forget to inspect it to make sure it's in good condition and properly inflated.
- Test the Brakes
Brake Function: Test your brakes for any unusual noises, vibrations, or reduced stopping power. If you notice any of these signs, schedule an appointment with our service department to have your brakes cleaned, inspected and repaired, if needed.
Brake Fluid: Check the brake fluid level and top it up if necessary. Consider having the system flushed if it hasn’t been done recently since brake fluid absorbs ambient moisture and becomes less effective over time.
- Clean and Detail the Vehicle
Exterior Wash and Wax: Wash your Volvo and apply a coat of wax to protect the paint from UV rays and road debris. This is important since salt and grime have accumulated in difficult-to-reach spots all around your vehicle and these contaminants can damage your paint if not removed.
Interior Cleaning: Vacuum the interior and clean the upholstery to get rid of any stains that might have formed over winter. You can also use this opportunity to remove items such as a shovels, snow brushes and winter gloves from your Volvo as they won't be needed for a few months.
- Inspect the Lights
Headlights and Taillights: Ensure all lights are functioning properly. Replace any burnt-out bulbs and clean the lenses. If your Volvo is quite recent, it likely has LED exterior lamps that don’t burn out, but it is always a good idea to periodically verify they are all working as they should.
Front and Rear Fog Lamps: Fog lamps are often forgotten about, but they are very useful in situations of low visibility such as heavy rain storms. Don’t forget either that your Volvo is among the rare cars on the Canadian market which have rear fog lamps, making it more visible to other drivers. Depending on which model you drive, you might have two rear fog lamps or only one on the driver’s side.
- Prepare an Emergency Kit
Summer-Ready Kit: When setting off for a road trip, prepare a kit that includes items suitable for summer, such as sunscreen, insect repellent, bottled water, and snacks.
Emergency kit: Keep essentials like a first-aid kit, flashlight, jumper cables, and basic tools in your Volvo all year long, periodically checking to make sure everything is still in good condition and ready to be used in case of an emergency.
By following this guide, you'll have your Volvo ready for summer, ensuring a safe and enjoyable driving experience during the warmer months.
