Oil Change Volvo Services in Palo Alto
The engine is the heart of your vehicle. Without a properly functioning engine, your car may struggle to get from one place to another or even fail to start altogether. If you notice your Volvo's engine is behaving unusually, you should have the problem diagnosed and fixed promptly so that it won't escalate into a costly issue. It's important to invest in high-quality engine repair services, which you can find at Volvo Cars Palo Alto. Read on to learn about the services we offer to help fix common engine problems. Feel free to give us a call at (650) 815-4477.
What Are the Most Common Engine Problems?
Volvos are some of the most dependable vehicles out there. However, similar to other vehicles, they may develop problems over time because of wear and tear. The engine is one of the hardest-working and most complex parts of your car, which makes it more prone to breaking down. Since it comprises many components, the potential problems it can experience are wide-ranging. The following is a list of common engine problems you should look out for and how we can help:
Lack of Lubrication
The moving parts of your Volvo's engine need proper lubrication to operate smoothly. A lack of lubrication can cause these components to experience excessive friction when they come into contact with one another, which can cause overheating or stalling. If left unattended, this problem may lead to damaged engine parts that need to be replaced. Following your oil change schedule is the best way to keep your engine well-lubricated.
Excessive Oil Deposits and Debris
When it's old and dirty, your engine oil may have a greater tendency to leave deposits and debris on certain engine fittings, such as the combustion chamber, intake valves, and spark plugs. Consequently, your engine may become more sluggish and less efficient. As part of routine maintenance, we can replace your oil filters to prevent deposits and debris from accumulating inside your engine.
Faulty Oil Pump
If your oil pump is weak or faulty, your engine won't get the lubrication it needs to function properly. Without sufficient lubrication, it has to work harder to keep your car running, which leads to increased wear and tear. If you want your engine to last longer, you can check your oil pump regularly to make sure it's in good shape.
Try to use only engine oil with the right viscosity. This ensures that the oil will be light enough to flow quickly through the pump. We're happy to help you check this at our service center and ensure you use the best engine oil for your Volvo.
Low Fuel and Air Compression
Your engine relies on the compression of fuel and air to produce the mechanical energy needed to move your vehicle. Wear and tear and overheating can lead to an array of problems that contribute to inadequate compression, such as a hole in a piston, broken piston ring, leaky valve, or a blown head gasket.
Low compression not only undermines your car's performance, but it can also cause your engine to misfire. Therefore, it's important to get the problem fixed as soon as possible, and our expert technicians can help diagnose and repair any of these issues.
Coolant Leaks

The culprit behind a low engine coolant level is more often than not a leak in the cooling system. The leak may occur in the radiator, along a coolant hose, or because of a bad radiator cap, making it difficult to locate and repair. If your cooling system is leaking coolant, it won't be able to remove heat from your engine as effectively as before, which can cause overheating. The team at Volvo Cars Palo Alto can help fix this and provide a coolant flush to keep your car protected.
Engine Detonation
If you notice a knocking sound coming from your engine while driving, it may be a sign of excessive heat in the combustion chamber. Too much heat and pressure can create engine detonation, which is also known as a spark knock. This problem may cause damage to the pistons, piston rings, and head gaskets if you allow it to persist. Bring your car to us for engine tune-ups to prevent this from happening.
Faulty Oxygen Sensor
A faulty oxygen sensor can cause your vehicle to run irregularly as it affects your engine's timing and combustion intervals. As a result, your engine may consume more fuel, deliver slow acceleration, hesitate, or stall. Another indication of a bad oxygen sensor is a rough engine sound when your car is idle. If this happens to you, our expert team can help replace your sensor and get your Volvo running efficiently again.
Worn Spark Plugs
You're more likely to experience this issue if you're driving an older vehicle. The function of spark plugs is to ignite the compressed fuel in your engine and get your car started. If they're old and worn, they may not be able to create a strong enough ignition to turn your engine over. Replacing bad spark plugs can help you avoid getting stranded and prevent long-term damage to your engine.