Volvovcarclubs

Just as clear communication between you and your doctor can equal better care for your body, communicating

carefully with your mechanic means the best care for your body of your car!

When you think about it, you know your car better than anyone else.

You drive it every day

and

know how it feels and sounds when everything is right. So don’t ignore its warning signals. If s

omething doesnt feel quite right, get your car checked out.

The following tips should help you along the way:

1. Preventative Medicine
2. Follow the recommended service schedules.
3. Keep a log of all repairs and service.

Check your car for:

• Unusual sounds
• Odors
• Drips
• Leaks
• Smoke
• Warning lights
• Changes in acceleration
• Changes in engine performance
• Changes in gas mileage
• Changes in fluid levels
• Worn tires, belts, hoses.
• Difficulty in handling, braking, steering
• Unusual vibrations

When there is a problem

• Write the information/symptoms down to give to your repairman.
• When did the problem first start?
• Exactly when does the problem occur?
• Is it constant or does it occur now and again?
• Does the problem happen when the vehicle is cold or after the engine has warmed up?
• Is the problem noticeable when you accelerate? When you brake?
• At all speeds? When shifting?

Remember to let the technician diagnose and recommend a remedy, even if you think you already know what the problem is. Plus, its important not to demand an on-the-spot diagnosis. The technician needs to thoroughly examine the vehicle before knowing whats really going on.

Stay involved. And dont be shy about asking as many questions as you need to understand the problem. Mechanical terminology can be confusing to the layperson.
Ask for simple definitions of technical terms youre not familiar with.

Its hard to be patient, as most of us feel completely incapacitated without our vehicles. Make sure you ask to be called and informed of the problem, recommended action, and costs BEFORE work begins.

Before you leave, ask about labor rates, guarantees, and what methods of payment are acceptable.

Leave a telephone number where you can be called.

The information you share with your auto technician will enable him to more easily locate the problem, diagnose it, and repair any damage. Then you and your car will be on the road again!

Ah, the excitement of a brand new car! Driving to every friends house you ever had to show it off. Spit shining it ever chance you get.

The only bad part about the deal is, well the deal.

Fortunately, there’s a way get a great price on a new car and this insider info will save you both time and money.

How many hours have you wasted talking about a new car deal, only to find out that the dealer had other contract clauses in mind that exploded the cost? I have wasted entire days in the car buying process.

What does “factory invoice price” really mean? The price that you see on the car is the manufacturers suggested retail price. You dont want to pay this over-inflated price. Supposedly, the “factory invoice price” is what the dealer paid the manufacturer for the car. The dealer will have an invoice with this price on it.

When you hear a dealer say that hell sell to you below invoice, you wonder how on earth he could make any money. You may think that youre getting the bargain of the century.

Well, not so fast. See, the factory invoice price probably isnt what the dealer had to pay for the car.

Dealers get all sorts of incentives on top of this base price. Carryover allowances and other special discounts added in make the actual cost of the vehicle less than the price on the invoice. This can add up to the tune of $500-$2000 dollars.

So you could buy a car at $100 below the factory invoice and still be fattening the salesmans wallet more than enough.

Ask if the car manufacturer offers a factory-to-customer rebate. You have to get this straight from the manufacturer, but every little bit helps!

The more you know about factory-to-dealer incentive payments, “holdbacks,” and other allowances the dealer will receive, the better off you’ll be. Do your research so youll know the best prices cars like yours have recently been selling for.

Now, you dont want to get a great price on a car, and then lose out by paying too much for financing, for an extended service contract, and for unnecessary add-ons.

Also, check to see what the market value is of your current car if youre considering a trade in. Dont talk about a trade in until you have agreed on a price.

Before going car shopping, check the annual percentage rate currently offered by banks in your area. Sometimes credit unions offer good rates.

Many new cars are very reliable and often carry long manufacturer warranties. An extended service contract may be a waste of your money. If you do want one, make sure you check over it with a fine-toothed comb to see what it covers and what it doesnt. Nothing like being surprised by a repair bill.

If your car already has rust-proofing, paint sealant, or fabric protection, make sure you dont end up paying more than $50 for it. Any more than that will be pure profit and mark up.

A good deal on your new car can be negated if you get a lousy price on your trade-in. Go ahead and take your car to a few dealerships beforehand and ask what theyd pay you for it straight out. Explain that youre selling your car and getting offers from different dealers.

If the dealership where youre buying offers you a ridiculously lower price, you may as well sell your car outright to one of the dealers you checked with.

You do want to get the true wholesale value for your trade-in. A dealer who offers some extraordinary trade-in allowance is likely making it up on the new car price.

It takes a little extra time to ensure a great deal on your new car, but your savings can be substantial. You just might find the whole process fun!

Thinking about buying a used car? How do you know which car is right for you? Its all in asking the right questions.

First, ask yourself what you really need in a car. Who will be driving it most of the time? Where will you be driving in? Over what sort of terrain? Do you need a lot of storage space and lots of seating? Are you going to be traveling back and forth over long distances?

What features are an absolute must? Air conditioning, adjustable controls, cruise control?

What safety features you are looking for? Anti-lock brake systems, head injury protection, or child protection equipment?

How much are you willing to spend?

What kind of down payment can you make?

Realistically, what can you afford to pay monthly?

Its important to know this amount before you even start looking. Then do your research. Check websites, dealerships, and Consumer Reports magazine. Look for reliability and repair ratings as well as safety advice. The website www.edmunds.com offers pricing information and advice on buying a used car.

Go exploring for that perfect car. Gather as much info as you can on the different makes and models. Check out the retail value, available options, performance, and track record for repairs.

No matter where you buy your used car, be prepared to stand firm. There are a bazillion other cars you could fall in love with. Be willing to walk away from the car if the deal doesn’t meet the criteria you laid out earlier. Your ability to negotiate a great deal will increase by leaps and bounds.

Always know the market value of any car you’re considering and make your first offer lower. You want a little room to negotiate.

Ask for a detailed vehicle history report and service records from the seller. This report can identify major problems including past accidents, flood damage, and odometer discrepancies. When you decide to buy a car, make sure you get it checked out by a trusted mechanic before you hand over any money. Thats absolutely crucial.

Buying a used car can be one of the most exciting purchases you ever make. Following a few guidelines will ensure that its also one of the wisest!

The new Volvo C30 is a cool car. A car that aims for a group of young singles, or couples, with an intense urban lifestyle.

These were the words given out by Fredrik Arp. Arp is actually the president and the chief executive officer of Volvo Cars. And he is talking about the sporty Volvo C30. The Volvo C30 looks sporty and performs like a sports vehicle. Though it only holds two doors, it has got four seats in its interior. Although the production of this vehicle would be starting by the end of this year, the Volvo C30 would be actually sent out to the motoring public come the following year, 2007.

Arp further expresses, These people (those who live an intense urban lifestyle) prioritize excitement in design and driving characteristics, and this car is designed to suit their taste and lifestyle. Just like how Volvo V70 dashboard parts perfect fit all V70s, the Volvo C30 would be the car for those who live the urban life to the fullest.

If you are interested to meet the Volvo C30 firsthand, you can rush to the Paris Motor Show which would be happening this December. After all, everybody would not be able to see just what kind of power and what kind of design this car has. And being able to see it upfront and in the flesh would be something worth the long wait.

According to Volvo, they are targeting a production of 65,000 units of the Volvo C30 in a year. They are also expecting a huge amount of buyers of this vehicle to hail from the continent of Europe. Those who have already set sight on the Volvo C30 concept vehicle which was shown off at the Detroit Motor Show early this year would find not a lot of changes to the production version of the Volvo C30.

The more you notice about your vehicle, the more likely you’ll be able to head off repair problems. Yep- even if you’re mechanically challenged. You can detect many common vehicle problems by using your eyes and nose.

See No Evil

Is there a little stain or a drop of fluid under your vehicle? It may mean absolutely nothing. But you do want to check the wet spots immediately – just to make sure.

What color is the fluid under your car? Yellowish green, pretty blue or neon orange colors indicate an overheated engine or an antifreeze leak caused by a bad hose, water pump or leaking radiator. Not good. I remember the yellowish green ooze from my Chevette as the tow truck took it away to its final resting place. Get to a repair shop while you still can!

A dark brown or black oily fluid means the engine is leaking oil. A bad seal or gasket could cause the leak. This is how my first car met its demise.

A red oily looking spot indicates a transmission or power-steering fluid leak. Also, not good.

A puddle of clear water usually isn’t a cause for concern. It may be normal condensation from your vehicle’s air conditioner. Whew!

Smell no Evil

Take a whiff, and you may detect your vehicle’s problem.

Do you smell burned toast? This odor often signals an electrical short and burning insulation. Have someone come look at your car. Don’t drive it anywhere until the problem is diagnosed.

How about the smell of rotten eggs? This usually indicates a problem in the catalytic converter. Get to a repair shop! Pheee-yew!

A thick sharp odor usually means burning oil. Look for the sign of a leak. This problem needs to be addressed immediately if having transportation is important to you. You may also notice a bluish smoke coming from your vehicle. Ask me how I know. Ahh memories.

The smell of gas after a failed start may mean the engine is flooded. Wait a few minutes and try again. If the odor continues, there may be a leak in the fuel system – a potentially dangerous problem that needs immediate attention.

A chemical odor may mean overheated brakes or clutch. Check the parking brake. Stop and let the brakes cool after repeated hard braking. Light smoke coming from a wheel indicates a stuck brake. Call a tow truck.
Do you notice a sweet odor? This may indicate a coolant leak. Watch your temperature gauge and warning light and drive to a repair shop. Now, if you see steam from under the hood, stop and pull over. If you keep driving an overheated vehicle, your engine will be seriously damaged. Call a tow truck.

The basic rule of smell is that if you do notice an unusual odor – get to a mechanic or get one to come to you. Pretty simple!

A little extra attention to whats coming out of your car or truck could save you the cost of a new vehicle payment! Keep those eyes and that nose on the job!