REGULAR MAINTENANCE IS CHEAPER THAN A NEW CAR
The rule of thumb has always been "CHANGE YOUR OIL EVERY 3,000 miles." 
Many of the car manufacturers are now advocating oil service every 7500 or even 10,000 miles-- but they sell cars.  Five years into the car's life under such guidance, things are not looking too good.   Your $40,000 investment has served you well, but now needs a new engine because of SLUDGE.  Turbos are even more sensitive, as well as expensive.  Regular oil service at Strictly Swedish costs $37.95 (includes labor, filter, seal ring and up to 6qts of oil), more for synthetic -- cheep insurance to make you car last longer.

It is Imperative to Replace Your Timing Belt at Regular Intervals
In the older Volvos and Saabs, this was not such a problem.  The Volvos had engines which would just stop running with no damage and the Saabs had timing chains which almost never needed replacement.  The newer Volvos however have what the industry calls for a good reason "CRASH ENGINES."  When the timing belt brakes, the valves stop moving and the pistons don't, smashing and bending valves.  The internal engine damage could costs in the arena of $5,000.  Some Saabs still have timing chains and others have belts, and there are even some models where the Saab dealer replaces your first timing belt for free.  Check your maintenance book or give us a call, we usually know the answers and if we don't, we will find out.  One thing to note is on some of the Volvos, the maintenance schedule says replace timing belt every 100K miles but my source says 70K miles.  I can't tell you who is right or wrong; however, I do know that by 100K miles your warranty is up...

KEEP YOUR TIRES PROPERLY INFLATED AND ROTATED
You've probably heard that you can make tires last longer by keeping them properly inflated and rotated every 7500miles.  What you may not be aware of is that it will improve handling, braking and give you better fuel mileage.  Goodyear did a study that found a 2.96 psi drop in tire pressure can cause a loss of 1 mile per gallon of fuel. A tire with low air pressure is potentially dangerous and can cause premature tire wear or failure.  You pay a lot of money for good tires.  To make them last longer, check your tire pressure every couple of weeks and before any long trip.  Follow the manufacturers recommendations which are usually posted in the driverside door jam or in the owner's manual.  I personally run my passenger car tires between 32 and 35 psi.

 
BEWARE WHEN BUYING A USED CAR
I offer what I call a pre-purchase inspection in which I go through the potential car checking for things that you might not see or expect.  The charge for this service is $60 and it is well worth it!   Realistically, CARFAX can only do so much and has limitations with what has been reported on cars.

DO NOT GET GAS WHEN THERE IS A GAS DELIVERY TRUCK FILLING UP THE STATION'S TANKS
I have no proof of this; however, imagine all the gunk that settles in the bottom of those tank over the years, all being stirred up with the new fuel.  I did it once when I was desperate  for gas and the car ran noticeably bad.
 
STAY AWAY FROM ENGINE OIL ADDITIVES
Don't get suckered by gimmicky ads for engine oil additives-- even if Mario Andretti says it works, chances are they can do more harm than good.  If you want to do something good for your engine, try a fuel additive.  You can get one at any parts store, but I carry a high end product imported from Germany and would not use anything less. 
 

VOLVOS SHOULD NOT BE USED TO JUMP BATTERIES
Volvos have diodes in the alternator that can be damaged when the dead car finally starts.  A diode is an electrical check  valve (one way valve) and can be overcome with a jolt of electricity returning from the formerly dead car.  This could kill your alternator-- $$$.
 

KNOW HOW MUCH OIL YOUR CAR TAKES AND DON'T OVERFILL
Over filling your engine with too much oil can put excessive pressure on the gaskets and seals, making them leak and eventually requiring that they be replaced.
 

WATCH YOUR ENGINE TEMPERATURE GAUGE
It is there for a reason.  If the engine temperature gets too high, look for a safe place to pull over and call for help.  If you proceed to drive with an overheating engine, you may need a new engine... $$$$

AAA Plus
Triple A----  American Automobile Assocation--- if you don't already have it, get it, and add the plus package-- this includes 100 miles of free towing as well as many other benefits.

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