Tips to Extend the Life of Your Vehicle

If you’re like most drivers in Roanoke, VA, you’d prefer to keep your vehicle running smoothly for as long as possible – without unexpected trips to the repair shop. Whether you're commuting downtown, heading out on the Blue Ridge Parkway, or navigating seasonal weather, how you drive and maintain your vehicle matters.

Here at Berglund Volvo of Roanoke, we’re committed to helping our customers get the most out of their vehicles – that’s why we’ve created this guide covering practical, actionable ways to improve your vehicle’s reliability and longevity. We’ll break down smart driving habits, routine maintenance must-dos, seasonal care tips, and the small things that make a big difference. The goal? Fewer breakdowns, better resale value, and thousands saved over time.

Let’s get into the habits that actually work.

Drive Smoothly – It Saves More Than Just Fuel

Quick starts, hard stops, and aggressive acceleration aren’t just tough on your MPG – they’re tough on your entire vehicle. These habits wear out brakes, transmissions, and engine components faster than necessary.

Better Habits:

• Accelerate steadily instead of flooring the gas.
• Coast to a stop instead of slamming the brakes.
• Use cruise control when driving on highways.

Driving like your vehicle is an investment – because it is – can add years to its lifespan.

Follow a Maintenance Schedule (Not Just When the Light Comes On)

Waiting for a warning light to take your vehicle in is like waiting for chest pain to visit a doctor. Most critical vehicle problems start small – and when caught early, they’re usually much cheaper to fix.

At Minimum, You Should:

• Get oil changes on schedule (check your owner's manual for specifics).
• Rotate your vehicle’s tires every 5,000–7,000 miles.
• Replace the engine and cabin air filters regularly.
• Change your vehicle’s brake pads before they grind.

For Volvo owners, Berglund Volvo of Roanoke offers service specials and Volvo-certified maintenance to help keep things on track affordably.

Let Your Engine Warm Up (Especially in Winter)

Virginia winters might not be brutal, but cold starts still put stress on your engine. When you drive off right after starting your vehicle, oil hasn’t yet circulated properly – leading to extra wear on the engine and transmission.

Instead, let your vehicle idle for 30–60 seconds before driving. It gives the engine oil time to lubricate internal parts and helps the transmission shift smoothly from the start.

Pro Tip: For turbocharged vehicles like the Volvo XC60 or XC90, this habit matters even more.

Keep Your Tires Properly Inflated

Under-inflated tires cause more than sluggish handling – they reduce fuel economy and wear your suspension out faster. On the flip side, over-inflated tires reduce grip and can lead to uneven tread wear.

Check your tire pressure once a month, and especially when the seasons change. That’s when temperatures swing enough to trigger the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

What to Aim for: Follow the PSI listed inside your driver’s side door, not what’s printed on the tire itself.

Wash and Wax Your Vehicle

A clean vehicle isn’t just about looking good on Franklin Road. Dirt, salt, and grime eat away at paint and metal, especially during snowy months when roads are salted.

Why It Matters:

• Regular washes prevent rust (especially on the undercarriage).
• Waxing helps protect the paint from UV damage and road chemicals.

It’s a good habit to wash your vehicle every two to three weeks during the winter months as well as apply a fresh coat of wax at least every three to four months.

Pay Attention to Dashboard Lights and Noises

That "check engine" light? It’s not a suggestion. Neither is that grinding noise when you brake. Addressing issues early – before they turn into full-blown problems – is the difference between a $150 fix and a $1,500 overhaul.

Common Warning Signs to Never Ignore:

• Check Engine Light
• Fluid Leaks Under Your Vehicle
• Brake Squealing or Grinding
• Slow Engine Starts or Electrical Glitches

Bring it to our certified Volvo service center at the first sign of trouble. Early diagnostics often catch issues before they get expensive.

Use Quality Parts and Fluids

Cheap parts might save you upfront, but they often wear out faster and don’t meet OEM standards. At Berglund Volvo of Roanoke, we always recommend using Volvo Genuine Parts and high-grade fluids – especially for things like oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, and coolant.

Why It Matters:

• Better Compatibility = Better Performance
• Longer Lifespan = Fewer Replacements
• Maintains Warranty Coverage

Don’t Ride on Empty

If you’re consistently running your fuel tank near empty, what can start out as trying to save some money short-term can actually lead to some serious issues. While it may seem like running low puts off that gas charge, you’re causing damage to your vehicle. When you run on almost empty, you run the risk of the fuel pump overheating and may increase risk of moisture buildup in the fuel tank.

Protect your vehicle and don’t drive below a quarter of a full tank. This is especially important when the weather turns cold, so you can avoid moisture build-up.

Keep Up with Routine Service

Not every service shop understands the finer details of a Volvo. That’s why drivers across Roanoke trust Berglund Volvo of Roanoke – not just for routine service, but for advice, preventative care, and Volvo-certified expertise.

Schedule Your Volvo Service at Berglund Volvo of Roanoke

Protect your investment and enjoy a smoother, safer drive – year after year. Whether you need routine maintenance or just want a second opinion on a noise you’ve noticed, the team at Berglund Volvo of Roanoke is here to help. Follow these tips and keep your vehicle running strong for miles to come. We’ll be here for help along the way.

Disclaimer: This content was drafted with AI assistance for initial drafting, reviewed by a subject-matter expert for accuracy, and edited by our team of writers and editors.