Hi All,

So glad that I found this forum!

I am an owner of a 2006 S60 that I purchased new in 2006. I have just reached 15k miles and it's time for my 15k check up. I called the dealer to schedule and they quoted me about $300 for this service. From what I understand, this includes the oil change, fluid checks, filter changes and tire rotation. To me, this seems a little much for such a service. Before my Volvo, I was doing all of my minor maintenance on my own and I'm just suffering a little sticker shock.

My question is, how many here actually go to the dealer for regular maintenance? What type of shop do you trust to handle these type services? Has anyone actually attempted to change the oil themselves (or is that just stupid to consider)?

Thanks in advance for any advice!!

Beth

 

Oil changes are straight forward. They can be done in a driveway in the same amount of time as any other vehicle. The filter and drain plug are extremely accessible. Filters and filter wrenches can be found online for cheap. Further details can be found through a search I'm sure. Very do-able even for the first timer.

As far as the 15K service goes, it sounds like a glorified oil change. I was with a buddy when he took his Suby in for a similar service. Whata waste of time and money. But that is the dealership's bread& butter. If you're going to do it yourself, just keep a record of it.

 

Thanks Fast Ride,

Some of these newer cars look a little intimidating when looking at the engine from head on. With the gravel shield underneath, I wasn't sure if this was the manufacturer forcing it's customers to go to a dealer for a simple service.

I appreciate your advice. I'll definitely do the search to find the appropriate tools etc.

Ps.. love the cow bell

Beth

 

Volite hi: With a little searching you can find instructions for all maintenance ie: oil and filters, plugs, brakes. I found the Volvo simpler to work on then our Ford van. I use a strap wrench to remove the oil filter cover. Also a set of metric wrenches and sockets.. JB

 

Join here,

http://www.volvocars.com/us/tools/Ow...s/default.aspx

And go to the owners library. There you can find the maintanence schedule.

 

Please don't use a strap wrench for the plastic oil filter housing. The proper tools are available for a few $$$.

 

Get the proper tool to remove the plastic oil cap and buy your own S60 filters online and save money.

You can get the filters for under $5 and the oil at Walmart for $12 (castrol GTX) and you will be fine. The tool is only about $15 online. Get the tires rotated for $20 anywhere. Other than that the dealer doesn't do anything. The car is too new to waste money at the dealership doing routine stuff.

 

2002V70 Hi, I'm new at this Volvo maintenance, could you tell me why I shouldn't use a strap wrench. It seemed to work fine and I had it. Thanks, JB

 

The proper tool is available cheap and made for a reason. A strap wrench will crush the canister, after all it is only plastic. Not worth the risk i.m.o