Just bought a 2007 S60 for a commuter car. Is there a section on here that has recommendations for spark plugs, oil, filter...etc? I can't find it in the FAQ.

 

welcome to the forum. If you click on the Forum dropdown on the main menu bar, you can find the various model specific forums. Start by looking at the sticky posts on the S60 and similar model forums.

As to plugs, oil, filter etc, start by building up some bookmarks to Volvo friendly sites like IPD USA, FCP Euro, Tasca Parts (and any other dealer web store near you). Next is grab the maintenance schedule and owners manuals from https://www.volvocars.com/us/own/own...owners-manuals for your year. Very useful to follow mileage intervals and factory recommendations for fluid types, part types etc.

When it comes to tune up components, I personally recommend OEM style plugs or genuine Volvo as spec'd for your engine/year. Newer plug designs don't work better on older cars, so stick with OEM. As to filters, OEM is Mann, which you can buy in bulk from IPD or FCP for cheap. For oil, use the weight recommended in the owners manual for your location and driving needs. 5-30 is typical with 5-40 for warmer climates or 0-30 or 0-40 for colder. Per the manual, Engine oil must meet the minimum ILSAC specification GF-3, API SL, and ACEA A1/ B1. All the big brands will meet these specs. Synthetic is not required but my two cents is, if its already using synthetic, and you don't mind the extra cost, keep using it. If the car is using traditional oil and you want to convert (again not minding the cost), I'd suggest using a high mileage synthetic or synthetic blend as they seal softeners which help older engines deal with the slipperier synthetic oil.

For part types, it really depends. Anything rubber (suspension, hoses, motor mounts), I'd stay away from cheap after market and go with OEM brands. After market parts for components like MAFs and alternators are often "near compatible" so you may want to go with Genuine Volvo.

Given this car is new to you, if you don't have the full maintenance history, I'd recommend a baseline clean up of all fluids. Flush the brakes, fresh water flush and refill of the coolant, turkey baster drain fill of the power steering fluid, consider a drain/fill of the transmission (particularly if you have 100K+ miles), do the differentials if you have AWD as well. Check to make sure the PCV system is in good working order (test for vacuum at the oil fill cap), inspect brakes/rotors, axle boots, rubber suspension parts (look for cracks/gaps etc). Also check/replace the cabin air filter (you'd be amazed at how often that gets overlooked).

 

Much appreciated! I have the carfax, and it looks like it's been regularly maintained at the dealer. Unfortunately it only says "engine serviced", not listing out what was actually done. I was looking for specific things to keep and eye one. I typically do a "tune up" with each car purchase, ie: plugs, filters and fluids. It has 122k and was hoping it had the timing belt and pulleys changed. Any easy way to inspect this? I'm looking forward to being part of the community. Thanks!

 

usually shops will put a sticker on the engine or write with a marker when the timing belt was done. If the car was dealer serviced they would have done the timing belt at ten years (service interval is 10 years/120K miles whichever comes first) - does the carfax show which dealer did the service? you can probably tell them the VIN and ask if not readily seen. Otherwise you may want to pop off the timing belt cover and see if there are new parts in there.

 

Thanks for the info. I'll have to look on the timing cover. I have the carfax with the dealer's name that serviced it. Gave them a call and they told me to blast off.
Some BS about being confidential info and they wouldn't give it out. I'm going to go to the local dealer and ask what has been done and what's next.