Guys, I just bought this 1988 Volvo 240 wagon in California and moving it Phoenix,AZ. The heat(+110F) is coming and this will be the first year in the car existance dealing with the brutal heat. I will be using this as a daily driver. Runs great, smooth transmission, strong engine and I just had the AC fixed and some suspension work done. Im a "newbie" with my Volvo and have been on the forums for weeks and just recieved the Bentley Bible. Any suggestions: what should I be checking on a daily basis, different oil grade/weight(currently using 10-30w), special coolant, car care products to protect interior/exterior. thanks

 

Has the coolant been flushed/replaced lately, or the thermostat? I would also search this forum for "temperature compensation board" .. bypassing it will give you a more accurate temperature reading.

I don't know how necessary it is but the manual says to use 15W/40 for warmer temperatures.

Driving in stop/go traffic, 105-110F, a/c running - my temp gauge will get up to about 10 o'clock.

 

Thanks. The former owner said he flushed and changed coolant last summer. Coolant looks good. I will flush and change coolant(thermostat) before summer starts anyway.