From Spring Maintenance to Summer Tires: Getting Your Volvo Ready for Spring

As the snow melts and temperatures rise, it's time to get your Volvo ready for spring. The transition from winter to warmer months isn’t just about switching to summer tires—it’s about ensuring your vehicle is in peak condition after months of exposure to harsh conditions. Winter driving takes a toll on everything from alignment to fluids, and road salt can leave behind damage that requires attention.

Spring is the perfect opportunity to perform essential maintenance, change to summer tires, and refresh your Volvo’s exterior and interior with professional detailing. Whether you drive a Volvo sedan, SUV, plug-in hybrid (PHEV), or a fully electric model, a seasonal check-up ensures safety, efficiency, and a smooth driving experience in the months ahead.

Spring Maintenance: Why It’s Essential After Winter

Winter roads in Canada, especially in regions like Ontario, can be tough on vehicles. Potholes, road salt, and fluctuating temperatures can affect your Volvo’s performance and longevity. A thorough spring inspection helps catch any issues before they become costly problems.

One of the most important areas to check is wheel alignment. Hitting potholes or driving on uneven winter roads can throw your alignment off, leading to uneven tire wear and reduced handling. If your Volvo pulls to one side or if the steering feels off-center, an alignment check is crucial.

Brake inspections are also essential in the spring. Cold temperatures and road salt contribute to brake wear, and any squeaking, grinding, or reduced braking power should be addressed immediately. A certified Volvo technician can check the condition of your brake pads, rotors, and brake fluid to ensure your vehicle remains safe on the road.

Other critical areas to inspect include fluid levels, battery performance, and the undercarriage. Winter conditions can deplete essential fluids such as engine oil, coolant, and windshield washer fluid, while battery performance can decline in colder temperatures. A service visit at a Volvo dealership ensures all fluids are topped up and that your battery is in good condition. The undercarriage should also be checked and cleaned to remove any salt residue that could lead to rust or corrosion.

Summer Tires: When and Why to Make the Switch

One of the most important transitions for spring is changing from winter to summer tires. Summer tires are engineered for warm weather, offering better grip, handling, and efficiency compared to winter or all-season tires.

The best time to install summer tires is when temperatures consistently stay above 7°C. Below this threshold, summer tires can become too firm, reducing their ability to grip the road effectively. In Ontario, this typically means scheduling a tire change between April and May.

Before reinstalling last season’s summer tires, it’s important to check their condition. Tread depth is a key factor—if the tread is below 3 mm, the tires may no longer provide adequate grip, especially in wet conditions. Other signs of wear include uneven tread wear, visible cracks, or sidewall bulges. If your summer tires are more than six years old, even if they appear to have enough tread, the rubber may have started to degrade, impacting performance and safety.

If you need new summer tires, selecting the right type for your Volvo depends on your driving habits and model.

For Volvo SUVs like the XC40, XC60, XC90, EC40, EX40, EX30, and EX90, summer tires should provide durability and wet-weather performance while maintaining ride comfort. Electric SUVs require summer tires with low rolling resistance to maximize efficiency and range.

For Volvo sedans and wagons like the S60, V60 Cross Country and V90 Cross Country, summer tires should prioritize handling, comfort, and fuel efficiency. Hybrid and PHEV models such as the S60 Plug-in hybrid benefit from summer tires designed for low noise levels and efficiency, helping to optimize both fuel consumption and electric range.

For fully electric Volvo models, including the EX40, EC40, EX30, and EX90, choosing summer tires specifically engineered for EVs is recommended. These tires are designed to support the instant torque of electric motors while minimizing rolling resistance to extend battery life.

Visiting a Volvo dealership ensures that your summer tires are professionally installed, balanced, and aligned, maximizing both safety and longevity.

Spring Detailing: Protecting and Refreshing Your Volvo

Winter conditions don’t just affect mechanical components—they also take a toll on your Volvo’s exterior and interior. Road salt, grime, and moisture can cause long-term damage if not properly addressed. A professional spring detailing service helps restore your vehicle’s appearance and protects it from further wear.

One of the most important steps in spring detailing is an undercarriage wash. Salt buildup can lead to corrosion, affecting the vehicle’s frame and components. A thorough cleaning removes all residues and prevents rust from forming.

Exterior detailing should also include a high-quality wax or ceramic coating. This helps protect your Volvo’s paint from UV rays, road debris, and environmental contaminants, ensuring a long-lasting shine.

Inside the cabin, winter moisture can lead to musty odors and accumulated dirt. Professional interior cleaning includes deep carpet and upholstery cleaning, dashboard restoration, and leather conditioning. If you use rubber floor mats during the winter, switching back to carpeted mats for spring can also enhance the interior’s comfort and appearance.

Another often-overlooked aspect of spring maintenance is replacing the cabin air filter. This filter traps dust, pollen, and pollutants, and after a long winter, it can become clogged. A fresh cabin air filter improves air quality inside your vehicle, making spring and summer drives more enjoyable.

Why Visit a Volvo Dealership for Spring Maintenance, Summer Tires, and Detailing?

While there are many service centers that offer maintenance and tire changes, a Volvo dealership provides specialized care tailored to your vehicle.

Volvo-certified technicians understand the specific needs of your model, whether it’s a gasoline, hybrid, or electric. They use manufacturer-approved parts, ensuring compatibility and longevity. When installing summer tires, dealership technicians use advanced equipment to balance and align your wheels precisely, preventing premature wear and maximizing performance.

Dealerships also offer access to Volvo-approved summer tires, which are tested and certified to provide the best driving experience. Whether you need standard summer tires, high-performance options, or low rolling resistance tires for an EV, a Volvo dealership can recommend the best fit for your needs.

For detailing services, a Volvo dealership uses premium products that are safe for your vehicle’s surfaces, providing thorough cleaning and protection that helps maintain resale value. Seasonal maintenance packages often bundle inspections, tire changes, and detailing, making it convenient to get everything done in one visit.

By choosing a dealership, Volvo owners can have peace of mind knowing that their vehicle is being serviced by experts who understand its engineering and performance requirements.

Conclusion

Spring is the perfect time to ensure your Volvo is ready for the months ahead. From essential maintenance checks and summer tire installation to professional detailing, taking care of your vehicle now helps prevent future issues and enhances its performance, safety, and longevity.

Booking a service appointment at a Volvo dealership ensures that everything is handled with precision and expertise. Whether you need a comprehensive spring maintenance check, new summer tires, or a full detailing service, a dealership provides the specialized care that keeps your Volvo running and looking its best.

Schedule your appointment today and enjoy the road ahead with confidence.