Hi,

A family member gave me a s40, so I have a few questions:

1) I have a s40 2000 or 01', do I need to take it back to the volvo dealer for any repairs to get it fixed right?

2)I had 2 flat tires and drove a mile on them and the wheels just ate them up. I went a major tires shop and they changed them.
Now, Whenever I drive over a small bump on the road I hear a squeaky sound from the right back wheel side(one of the flat tires changed from there). I had my suspension or sidebar(coil?) changed in the back and front. What could be causing that squeaky sound?

3)whenever I hit my foot paddle on the brake, do a hard brake, I hear a metal grinding sound, like dishes scratching? does this mean I have to change my brakes completely? if yes, how much does it cost?

4)My right side fender came loose from the flat, the tire shop fixed the part in the back but my the part under my right side is still loose, I don't see any screws or clips, it just hanging there. How much does it cost to fix that?


5) I read you need to have your aluminum wheels retorqued about 25 miles, but the tire shop guy said no. Since they are OEM I don't need to?

6)I see people turn and leave their engine running while they are outside of the car. I tried this but my s40 unlocks the door. How do I turn on the engine and leave it running and locked the door? It's good for your s40 to turn on the engine and leave it running for 10 or more minutes before you drive it in the winter time, right?


7) are meineke car care centers good places to get a volvo s40 check and repair brakes and the noise from my the right back side?
Thanks.



S40newbie

 

Wow, all sorts of questions. Welcome aboard. I will answer what I can.
1. Many things on Volvos require knowledgeable mechanics. Maybe not the dealer, but you will need to locate someone who knows these cars.
2. I don't know, have a suspension shop look at it.
3. Sounds like the brake pads are gone and grinding on the rotors. Brake shop.
4. That would depend on the area you live in and the shop you take it to.
5. I've never had a problem with aluminum wheels loosening. If it's done right the first time they will hold. If you want peace of mind, go ahead and check them.
6. The only way I know of is to buy a remote starter. the computer knows the keys are inside and won't lock the door. As to the letting it run for 10 minutes. Um, you could open a lot of trouble with that one. Many different opinions. I say to each his own. Me personally, I let it run about 30 seconds, long enough for the oils to get going.
7. As to Meineke, there again, depends on where you live, each one is operated differently. That you will have to ask around. We have two where I live, one is fantastic, the other I wouldn't take a lawnmower to.

 

Thanks for your helpful replies. The indep mech shop guy said my shock absorbers(in the back right side) are damaged. What happens in the long run if I don't replace them? The previous owner had them replaced a few months ago. Are they adjustable? maybe the noise comes from them being misaligned from driving my s40 on flat tires for a mile?