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Maintenance Tips

Winter Survival Guide 2007-2008
Snow Tires
Four snow tires are best on all cars. You will need good tires in the front to help steer the car and two good tires in the back to assist with traction so the back doesn't pass the front. All wheel drive (or four wheel) cars and SUV's can usually get by with a good set of all season tires that have an open, fairly deep, tread pattern. Some all wheel drive Volvos (S60R/V70R and S60/V70 T5 Models) come with high performance summer tires, which do not work well in the snow despite the all wheel drive. The wide shallow tread sits on top of the snow rather than digging in for traction.
The best approach is a dedicated set of snow tires on their own set of wheels that can be put on for snow season. The Nokian snow tires we sell are one of the best snow tires on the market. We have sold them for many years and our customers really love how confident they feel in slippery conditions. These tires are great in the snow, but they also ride and drive extremely well when it's not snowing. Best of all, they come with a road hazard warranty so you're covered if you happen to get a flat.
Studded snow tires are the ultimate, get through any winter weather condition, tires. The studs are very effective on ice and hard pack snow. If you live where you encounter these conditions often, studs are the best way to go. The downside to studs is the noise, and dry weather traction is not as good. The only time studded tires are not noisy is in the snow.
Our service department will be glad to make recommendations as to what tires set up would be best for you and your car.
Tune Ups
 Tune ups are essential to the maintenance of your Volvo. If you are in need or overdue for a tune up (every 30,000 miles) you are more likely to have trouble starting in cold weather. The 93-00 model 850's and S/V 70's especially don't like being started for a few seconds and shut off. For example; moving your car in/out of the garage and shutting it off right away in the cold weather. Some of these models (especially the ones overdue for tune ups) will foul the spark plugs after doing this, causing hard starting or not starting at all the next time you go to leave. If you have to move the car across the driveway, let it run for 30-60 seconds, this will minimize the chance of this problem happening.
Keep your car tuned up! Make sure your Volvo is running smooth and getting the best fuel economy possible. 
Coolant
Your coolant (antifreeze) should be a 50/50 mix of antifreeze and water. This protects the car to -34 degrees Fahrenheit and keeps your engine running at optimum temperature. Antifreeze in an anticorrosive also, when it gets old and dark in color it should be flushed and replaced.
Batteries
Batteries have a difficult time in extreme cold or heat. Have us check your battery next time you are in for regular service.

Thank you for your continued business from all of us at Performance Motoring. We hope to continue servicing your Volvo for many safe miles down the road.

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