Hello, I am a new Volvo Owner and want to know as much as possible about the ownership of a Volvo and best maintenance practices for the vehicle. About my Volvo its a '99 Red Volvo V70 XC with 180,000 miles on it. It is a 2.4t car with an automatic transmission. I know to do the PCV test with a glove, put the oil filler cap upside down on top of the filler neck, etc. but I still have some simple questions like what oil to put in, should it be synthetic? What about weight should it be heavy 15w-40 or very light like 0w-10? What should I do about the trim on the rear hatch, the rubber trim piece feels dried out and is partially falling out of the groove is should be in. What octane of fuel should I use 89 or 91? Whats some issues you've run into and what are some diy upgrades fixes that would be good ideas? Lastly the car only has 1 key and no remotes, I can get a second key cut at a local locksmith I've used before but what should I do about remotes? Since I have none would it be cheaper/better option to go with a system that includes functions like remote start?

Thanks for your help!

 

Unless you live in an extreme climate, use the oil weight that is recommended in your handbook. I choose to use fully synthetic, which is more expensive but it does a better job, for longer. Finding and programming central locking remotes will not be easy or cheap. Remote starting? Unless you are in a desert or the Arctic circle, I personally see no point.

Get a Haynes Manual. It has a helpful routine maintenance section at the front, plus repairs to all systems. The most important thing to know is how many miles are on your timing belt. If that belt fails, valves hit pistons and can make your car not worth repairing. Unless you have evidence that you have a good buffer below 70,000 miles on that belt, replace it.

There are great resources online, like groups such as this one. Here is an example thread by RSPI: https://volvoforums.com/forum/volvo-...tickies-54601/

You'll also find his YouTube channel really helpful. Search 'Robert DIY'.

I'd use the cheaper fuel, if you see no difference. There is a thread online somewhere about the tailgate trim. IIRC it is cosmetic only. Search for 'tailgate trim' or similar. Scrap yards can be your friend here.

 

Thanks Brianjone5! For the timing belt has a sticker stating it was changed at 140,000 miles its now at 180,000 miles and according to carfax 140,000 miles was around 4-5 years ago, I don't think it needs to be changed until probably 200,000 miles so 20,000 miles from now which will be a while as it will be a daily driver for me and my round trip drive is about 10 miles.

Yea I don't need remote start, thats not the reason I asked though as the only systems I find at crutchfield (local to me) is either a remote start or remote w/ alarm system I'd rather have remote start then alarm system as I am not in the city or a dangerous area full of break-ins. my question was really should I look at having an aftermarket remote system installed instead of the hassle and expense of dealing with volvo remotes, i'd want 2 remotes.

A system such as this:
Viper Model 4105V Remote start system with keyless entry at Crutchfield.com and it'd cost $160 to install so a total of $360 +Tax as I am not sure I could do the install myself. what do you estimate from the dealer would be?