A Service Versus An Oil Change

It looks to me like a "Service" is just an oil change with a lot of extra labor expense. What's the difference, or is there any?

There is a big difference! Volvo has varying service requirements at different mileages. All of these services include an oil change. All Volvos fall under a 5,000 mile service interval or a 7,500 mile service interval. At Professional Repair we characterize these different services as either a major service, a full service, or an intermediate service. Each of these vary in cost and scope of work.

To see what our Major Service includes click here.

To see what our Full Service includes click here.

To see what our Intermediate Service includes click here.

Volvo further recommends more frequent oil changes in between regularly scheduled services when driving under "Adverse Conditions". See your owner's manual for a definition of "Adverse Conditions". Sum up all the various conditions and you will discover that "Adverse" is just about any time the wheels are turning!

We refer to this "in between" oil change as a Minor Service.

To see what our Minor Service includes click here.

If you have looked at the links for our services you will have seen that a service includes checking, adjusting, & lubricating many systems on your car. Once the technician finishes this check list the Service Manager will call you with a prioritized needs list including prices for any additional work that may be needed. No additional work is ever done without a customers prior consent.

What do you mean by a prioritized needs list?

The technician will list anything that is even slightly worn or leaks on your car. In terms of leaks we rate our leaks from 1 to 5 in severity. A "1" shows dampness and indicates a very minor leak that should be monitored on upcoming visits and during your own fluid level checks. A "5" will need repairs as soon as possible. Most possible fluid leaks from your car only occur while the engine is running and therefore will not leave any large puddles in your driveway, maybe only a few small spots at most.

Brakes are gauged on a percentage of the pads left. We recommend that pads be changed when they reach the 15-20% range. Leaving them on the car below this point increases the chance of warped brake rotors which will increase the cost of repair. Often we will note that your pads will need replacing by your next oil change so you can budget for this eventuality.

Other items starting to show wear often do not need immediate attention but we will bring them to your attention so you can plan for the upcoming expense on subsequent visits.


This future needs list is then entered into our computer so that we will be reminded to re-check items that need monitoring the next time you come in for whatever reason, even if you have forgotten about them. But to help you remember, a printed version of the list is given to you when you pick your car up.

This information becomes part of your complete service records which we keep on file at our store. If you lose a copy of a record, we can replace it. Need a copy for a repair that should be under our store warranty (1 year /15,000 miles on most items)? Don't worry, we have one on file already.

More on Services

What does a Tune-up consist of?

Many people refer to a "service" as a "tune-up". Professional members of the automotive industry generally shy away from using the term "Tune-Up" because it is poorly defined. The term usually means an ENGINE service which at one time included things like replacing spark plugs and plug wires, points and condenser, changing the air filter, adjusting valves, checking and adjusting engine timing and fuel mixture. However, modern engines with computer control systems have eliminated things like adjusting fuel mixture or ignition timing. Newer engines with hydraulic lifters no longer require valve adjustments! Electronic ignition systems don't use points and condenser. In fact, the newer Volvos don't even have spark plug wires anymore!

Engines must still be serviced though. Volvo requires an engine service or "tune-up" every 30,000 miles. And although the newer engines do not have many of the service parts and adjustments of the older ones they still require more than "new plugs and an air filter". The newer engines with their complex computer control systems require newer diagnostic tools to ensure that all the computer systems and their various sensors are functioning properly.

Timing Belts

Your 1976 or newer Volvo engine has a part known as the timing belt. This belt is what synchronizes the crankshaft and the camshaft(s). On the older 4 cylinder Volvos (except the few, rare 16 valves) if this timing belt breaks it means the engine will stop running at that very moment the belt breaks. Once you get towed in and the belt is replaced you are ready to go again. On the newer front wheel drive models and the 1992 or newer 960 & S90 models it is a much different story! These Volvo have what are referred to as "interference" engines. What this means is that the motion tolerances of the pistons and valves are so fine that if they get out of synchronization with each other the two will hit one another causing extensive engine damage. Repairs for this type of damages start at over $3,000! So prompt attention is needed on services that include a timing belt replacement on these models. The interval for timing belt replacement varies on Volvo's different engines and year models from 30,000 miles to 105,000 miles. If you don't know when you need yours replaced you can check the owners manual or call us and we can look it up for you.

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