Reply With QuoteThe only thing I would change is the air filter interval - do it every year, minimal cast.
I have an 11 year old Volvo 70 D5 which I’ve owned from new.
It only has 60k miles on it, and I’ve always avoided short journeys where possible.
My current annual mileage is between 4 and 5k.
Big Volvos are pretty expensive to service and the is car not worth that much these days, so I have tailored my annual service as follows, and wanted to see if you thought it’s reasonable. I plan to run the car into the ground and hope to get another 10-15 years out of given the car is currently in great shape.
Oil and filter every year
Air filter every 4 years (18k miles)
Brake Fluid every 3 years (13k miles)
Fuel filter every 4 years (18k miles)
Pollen filter every 5 years (23k miles)
Belts as per manufacturers recommendation.
Is this reasonable?
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The only thing I would change is the air filter interval - do it every year, minimal cast.
When you look long into an abyss, the abyss looks long into you.........
I’d be tempted to change the brake fluid every 2 years.....mileage makes no difference to it absorbing moisture. Otherwise, service schedule looks fine to me. Providing you’re not in a salty environment, rust should not be an issue. If you are, let ACF50 be your friend....
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Have the brake fluid checked every year. It probably won't need changing as regularly as every three years.
I'd change the cabin / pollen filter every year too. After all, that's the air your breathing.
Agree on the brake fluid.
Rather than change it for the sake of changing it, buy a brake fluid moisture tester (about a tenner) Then have it changed when it needs it.
Even the cheap ones are accurate enough.
Everything else is about right.
I’d be tempted to change it to a decent car every three years.
Fas est ab hoste doceri
60k miles, Automatic ? If so change the transmission fluid.
Keep on top of engine oil and transmission oil changes time is of no consequence to be honest and change the cabin and engine air filter every year too ... other than that I’d be fix in fail with most cars
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One thing missing (or perhaps I've overlooked it) on your list is coolant. Three-year interval is a good idea. Does your car come with an airco? If so, an airco-check (leaks and topping-up) every 3 yrs is recommended by most manufacturers (about 50 - 70 GBP at a specialist's shop).
And take the car for a long spin 2x or 3x @year. At least a 100 miles trip on the motorway. The EGR valve will clough up when you're only doing short distances (and without a fully warmed engine). More ideal should be a long trip with a little more revs (not in highest gear) but that's impossible with an automatic like the D5's I suppose.
Find a good MoT station for the check on brake hoses, coolant hoses, brake pads, wheel bearings etc. 11 yrs isn't old for a Volvo, but certain parts tend to age. We see a lot of hardly-used cars in the workshop, (including mine, I must shamefully add...) In nearly all cases, the brakes suffer most from standing idle: dragging, stuck brake pistons, leaking cylinders.
Tyres: often overlooked. With that annual mileage, tyres are often forgotten. ±10 yr old tyres on a big, heavy and powerful car like the D5 is not what you want. A new set every 5 - 7 yrs is a good idea, safety-wise.
I don't know about the UK situation, but here, advertising a low-mileage Volvo D5 like yours would cause a traffic jam in town: punters trying to buy that car! Me being in that queue as well!!
Menno
Good idea, will get one.Originally Posted by Tifa
Probably stupid question but does fluid have to be changed with new discs? Don’t think fluid has ever been changed but had front discs this year.
No, the fluid isn't usually changed with brake work, the caliper pistons are just pushed back to remove the pads/discs.
I've had several Porsche cars serviced at decent independants, they always only change the brake fluid based on the tested moisture level, not the manufacturers recommendation to change it more often which made sense. You wouldn't change brake pads if they didn't need it.
I'm not sure those testers work with DOT5 (silicone based) fluid, so check what brake fluid your car uses before buying one.
Thanks, I’ll definitely get a tester then.
Very unlikely that a car will have DOT 5 silicone fluid unless it’s a classic, I use it in my MGB but as far as I know it isn’t specified by any manufacturer.
Silicone fluid is very hydrophobic, it’s immiscible with water, so any water finding its way in will form a separate layer. Normal brake fluid can absorb water, remaining as a single phase, with a reduced boiling point. If the boiling point drops sufficiently it’s conceivable that the fluid could boil in a caliper where it’s subjected to temperature. I had the fluid changed on my car after 5 years to coincide with a major brake overhaul, never considered having it tested and this wasn’t discussed with the garage doing the work.
As brake fluid testers measure the water content of the fluid I wouldn’t expect reliable results with silicone fluid. If water gets into silicone fluid it’ll fall to a low point as droplets because it’s denser.
Silicone fluid doesn’t attack paint, that’s a huge advantage for a classic car owner. As it doesn’t absorb moisture it shouldn’t be necessary to change it as frequently.
Last edited by walkerwek1958; 27th September 2019 at 09:30.
If you park in gear (without the handbrake on) it means the pads aren't in contact with the discs all the time - very worthwhile for occasionally driven cars
True! But, moist will get to the disks. (The Volvo has disks all around) and the pistons inside the callipers are ultimately prone to rust as well. Regular use prevents a rusty surface and 'pitting' of the metal. A common problem with older Porsches (as I know first hand!)
All I would add
I have a couple of "modern" cars that do less than 5,000 miles pa. a 2011 BMW LCI 335D and a 2009 SAAB petrol Aero convertible - I have known and use the same garage since 1985.
I know the guy who owns the garage reasonably well and I ask him to check the car when he does the MOT and I act on his advice - once up on the ramps he will see what you may never look at
an example - a couple of years ago the rear brakes calipers on the SAAB were sticking and the MOT showed an imbalance when tested - it was not enough to fail the car, but he advised stripping the callipers and cleaning and freeing them so that there would be no further problems
It is easy to use the half price annual MOT check at Halfords, (I used them once but never again) - and save £25 ..... but being able to talk to someone sensibly about your car is worth a lot
I change the brake fluid in my low mileage car every two years, takes 10/15 minutes, about a litre of fluid, it’s done whilst I wait for the oil to drip drain from the sump, air and pollen filters I inspect annually and if in doubt change. Brakes get a strip out and clean to ensure nothing is getting sticky. Gearbox and diff oils every 2 years since when it is driven it’s driven with gusto?
I better add I have access to a workshop and ramp so most jobs are relatively easy
Good advise!
That's a high mileage car!
I bought my Nissan pick Up new in 2004 and it has just gone over 27,000 miles.
Have it properly serviced every year with its MOT but I guess it is a lot more basic than your Volvo.
Cheers,
Neil.
I was thinking the same! I do about 2500 miles a year in my car, and wife does about 200 miles a year in hers! A tank of petrol will literally last her over a year.That's a high mileage car!
.
We still follow the recommended service pattern on both cars. Hers needs new tyres all round, not because they are worn (about 6mm left) but the sidewalls are starting to perish.
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If ever you want to sell that, please let me know!That's a high mileage car!
I bought my Nissan pick Up new in 2004 and it has just gone over 27,000 miles.
Have it properly serviced every year with its MOT but I guess it is a lot more basic than your Volvo.
Will do.
Cheers,
Neil.
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