Volvos are known for their safety, reliability and longevity. With routine maintenance and repair, Volvos can top the 250,000-mile mark easily. Dealer repairs are often very expensive on these luxury vehicles, however, so it is wise to have a few do-it-yourself repair tips under your tool belt.
Acquire a set of basic tools over a period of time. Every Volvo do-it-yourself mechanic should have an assortment of ratchets and sockets, and a set of wrenches and hex keys. Pliers, screwdrivers, grippers and prybars also come in handy, as well as an oil-filter wrench, a hydraulic floor jack and a set of jackstands. Many repairs will also require a torque wrench.
As you become more skilled as a do-it-yourself Volvo mechanic, you might want to add a timing light, a compression gauge, and some clamps for larger, complicated jobs. Volvo factory tools are very expensive, so don't expect to acquire more specialized tools overnight.
Overtorquing or undertorquing is the most common do-it-yourself repair mistake, especially when it comes to installing spark plugs on a Volvo. Overtorquing can damage the threads or distort the plug, while too little torque can lead to overheating of the plug and engine parts.
Crossthreading is another mistake made by home mechanics. Because access can sometimes be difficult in a Volvo engine compartment, a bolt can be cast at the wrong angle. Never force a threaded part into place.
Keep a fire extinguisher and first aid kit near your work space. Make sure to apply the parking brake and block the wheels if you are doing work with your Volvo running. Volvo's secondary electrical system can exceed 50,000 volts, so disengage the negative battery cable when performing repairs on the electrical system. In addition, use the proper tools for the job and clean and maintain them.
Do not run the engine without proper ventilation. Carbon monoxide poisoning takes a long time to leave your body. Tie your long hair back and make sure not to wear loose clothing or smoke when you are working on your Volvo. Always use jackstands to support the vehicle if you are working beneath it.
Do not attempt to work on a Volvo's air conditioning system. Volvo climate control systems are intricately designed and require not only an EPA-certified technician to work on them, but also a well-experienced, certified Volvo mechanic.
