Coolant
 

My wife bought an 04' S60 w/ 46,000 miles. The message center said that it was low on coolant, so I called our local Advanced Auto and they said that Volvos require special coolant. Is it rue that the antifreeze in this car is dealer only?
She loves the car but HATES the stereo. Has anyone added an amp and/or speakers to a 60?
Lastly, how do you clear the "time for regular service" display in the message center?
Thanks!

Yes it is true that Volvo uses their own coolant. It is supposed to have less phosphates and Volvo recommends a "replace as needed" policy rather than regular change intervals. Because this is an all-aluminum engine I don't agree with the policy of no replacing and had the coolant replaced in my s60 at the major service a few months ago.

Found this for your perusal/entertainment: http://www.volvo.com/NR/rdonlyres/F1...1A1002838L.pdf

The "time for regular service" message can be removed by using a sequence from the key and trip meter stalk. I'll have to look it up.

I've never fiddled with the stereo other than adjusting fader, bass, treble, balance.

Congrats on your purchase.

You'll be fine using regular prestone green; not a huge deal, just a few less additives.

Search coolant on this forum, Matthews, Swedespeed etc. Use the proper coolant, Prestone while fine for the short term is considerably different in composition. $24 for a gallon of Volvo coolant (get an empty bottle to, 50/50 mix means you get 2 gallons out of the $24) is not an undue price, for the value of your car.;)

Would you also recommend distilled water? It is recommended for Caterpillar equipment and can't hurt in a Volvo engine.

Thanks for thereplies everyone. Great forum here!

I use filtered water, but see alot do prefer distilled, happy volvoing

Distilled water prevents corrosion and is the only water that should be used in automotive radiators.

They often refer to distilled water as "hungry water" since all of the minerals...have been removed, thus it will have a greater ability to absorb the materials of your engine...you definately want it in a battery but not sure about an engine...