Volvo Cars Kelowna is Adjusting Service Intervals to 10,000 km
September 03 2024,
At Volvo Cars Kelowna, we're committed to ensuring your vehicle performs at its best, especially given the unique driving conditions we face in our region. That’s why we’re updating our dealer-recommended service intervals for oil changes and basic services from 16,000 km to 10,000 km. Here's why this change is important for maintaining your vehicle’s performance and longevity.
Understanding Extreme Weather Driving
Kelowna’s mountainous terrain and varying climate can create severe driving conditions that impact your vehicle’s health. Extreme weather driving encompasses several challenging scenarios:
- Mountainous Terrain: Steep inclines and declines put additional strain on your Volvo’s engine and transmission.
- Snow and Ice: Cold temperatures and icy roads can increase driveline load and accelerate wear on components
- Extreme Heat: High temperatures can cause engine, transmission, and driveline fluids to degrade faster.
- Smoke from forest fires can plug air and cabin filters and give a smoky odor in cabin
These conditions place more stress on your vehicle compared to ideal driving environments.
How Severe Weather Conditions Impact Your Volvo
In severe climates, your vehicle is subjected to greater loads, which can create increased heat and friction which accelerates the breakdown of fluids and wear items. The vehicle’s lubricating and hydraulic fluids plays a crucial role in lubricating and protecting internal components. Under extreme conditions, the vehicles lubricating and hydraulic fluids performance can diminish more rapidly than under normal driving conditions.
Factory Recommendations vs. Real-World Conditions
Factory service recommendations are based on ideal driving conditions, which are often not reflective of the demands of severe climates like ours. The standard 16,000 km oil change interval is designed for moderate environments where the engine operates under less stress.
Reasons for Adjusting Volvo Service Intervals
Adjusting our service intervals to 10,000 km aligns with the realities of driving in Kelowna’s severe conditions. This adjustment ensures that your vehicle’s lubricating and hydraulic fluids remains effective at lubricating and protecting vital components. Here is why this change is essential:
- Maintaining Optimal Performance: Regular interval changes of your lubricating and hydraulic fluids help keep your engine running smoothly and efficiently.
- Preventing Premature Wear: Fresh oil helps reduce friction and heat, which minimizes the risk of premature component failure.
How Oil Breaks Down in Extreme Conditions
Your vehicle’s lubricating and hydraulic fluids naturally degrade over time, but extreme conditions accelerate this process. In severe driving environments, oil viscosity—its ability to flow and lubricate—can break down more quickly. At the 16,000 km mark, oil may start to condense and lose its effectiveness, leading to reduced lubrication and increased friction. When engine oil breaks down, it can lead to:
- Reduced Lubrication: Less effective lubrication increases friction and heat, putting extra stress on powertrain
- Premature Failure: Components may wear out faster, leading to potentially costly repairs.
Benefits of Regular Maintenance
By adhering to the revised 10,000 km service interval, you will benefit from:
- Improved Longevity: Regular fluid changes help prevent premature wear and keep your engine running smoothly.
- Reduced Repair Costs: Proper maintenance can prevent costly repairs and extend the life of your vehicle’s components.
At Volvo Cars Kelowna, we have updated our service intervals to better match the driving conditions in our area, ensuring your vehicle remains in peak condition. Regular maintenance is crucial for preserving your vehicle’s performance and avoiding costly repairs. If you have any questions or need to schedule your next service, feel free to contact us. We're here to help keep your Volvo running at its best, no matter what the road throws at you.
