Sep 27, 2022 | Maintenance and polishing |
The Volvo XC40 is 1 of the best-selling cars in 2021. This page aims to provide important information you need to know about servicing the Volvo XC40. Find out about service intervals, what work is carried out and what costs you can expect.
Regular maintenance is the best guarantee for long life, high performance and driving pleasure without breakdowns. Also, a neatly maintained service record is necessary to maintain the vehicle warranty and can make reselling the car easier.
Service interval Volvo XC40
According to the maintenance schedule, every Volvo XC40 should usually be serviced after 30,000 kilometres or after 12 months (whichever comes first).
It does not matter whether the car has a combustion engine or whether it is a hybrid or electric model. However, the individual maintenance tasks are sometimes different depending on the powertrain.
Based on driving conditions, the on-board computer determines exactly when the inspection is due and displays it on the vehicle display.
Maintenance booklet to be completed
Although all maintenance work carried out by the Volvo garage is stored in the database, you should still remember that maintenance, inspection, MOT, repair, oil change, etc are noted in the service booklet by the garage.
So you get a personal service record, which can be very useful in case of warranty or goodwill. Also, when reselling your Volvo XC40, a well-maintained service record helps in getting the right price for the car.
What work will be carried out?
- Engine oil change with Volvo-compliant oil, oil filter replacement (internal combustion engine and hybrid)
- Functional control of the brake
- Checking brake fluid
- Check and correct different fill levels (coolant and windscreen washer fluid).
- Visually inspect engine and transmission for oil or fluid leaks (internal combustion engine and hybrid)
- Visual inspection of all major components such as: chassis, suspension, shock absorbers, springs, tyres, tyre pressure, exhaust system, bottom plate, discs,
- Checking lighting, bodywork and paintwork
- Read out error memory, repair error and then clear memory
- Checking engine emissions (combustion and hybrid)
- Check battery starter
- Resetting maintenance indicator in on-board computer
Additional maintenance not required at every turn
- Change brake fluid every 2 years
- Replace cabin filter every 2 years
- Change air filter and spark plugs every 90,000 km (combustion engine and hybrid)
- Fuel filter change after 90,000 km (combustion engine and hybrid)
- Carry out a detailed chassis check with shock absorber test every 90,000 km
- Replace timing belt according to inspection plan (after 150,000 / 240,000 km or after 10 years at the latest for internal combustion engines and hybrid)
- Checking the high-voltage battery or individual battery cells with special diagnostic software (electrical version)
- Update software if necessary: disconnect high voltage battery, with some safety measures to be taken (electrical version)
- Replace worn parts if applicable
- Navigation system update, if required
What does maintenance cost?
Expect maintenance costs for the Volvo XC40 to be between €350 and €500, including engine oil. Often, with every second inspection, more maintenance is carried out and things are replaced, which can make the price higher.
Over the years and with increasing mileage, the likelihood of parts wearing out and needing replacement/repair grows. Of course, this can potentially drive up the bill further. If you want to know the exact price for maintenance, contact your local Volvo garage!
How can I save money?
A simple way to save money is to buy the fluids yourself and replace them in advance. Think about engine oil, windscreen wiper fluid, etc.
Also compare the labour costs of several garages. Sometimes big differences are possible while the work is the same. So it often pays to look further and compare.
Replacing timing belt Volvo XC40
As the engines in the Volvo XC40 are fitted with a timing belt it should be replaced together with the water pump according to the specifications in the maintenance schedule. It is very important to replace the timing belt on time, if the belt snaps you are further from home and repair costs are very high. The replacement interval for hybrid and combustion engine models is after 150,000 / 240,000 km or after 10 years at the latest. So have this checked regularly!
Want more information about Volvo and its service intervals? Then take a look at the following page.
Sep 23, 2022 | Buying advice, Maintenance and polishing |
The 5-door Kia Niro is a crossover made by South Korean carmaker Kia. The Niro is a mid-range car that does well as a family or business car. In 2021, it was the best-selling car in the Netherlands with 10,812 units at spot 1. And if we are honest, we do think it is a very nice car to look at! On top of that, Kia is known for its reliable cars with an appealing design.
Three different powertrain options are available: a hybrid, a plug-in hybrid or the all-electric Kia e-Niro. Because the car is a great success, the range of 2nd hand models is also quite large.
Kia Niro a good choice?
Popular SUV class models are actually not known for being particularly efficient and economical. The Kia Niro is markedly different. The compact SUV, available as a hybrid or 100% electric car, is popular with its owners because of its low fuel consumption.
The Niro also makes a good impression in other respects. However, there are weaknesses too. Whether it is problems with the charging process, uncomfortable seats or empty starter batteries, we have tried to list the problems and weaknesses on this page.
The Kia Niro has only been available for a few years, so feedback and experiences are still limited. Perhaps you own a Kia Niro and can report first-hand positive and negative experiences? Feel free to leave a comment at the end of the article.
Niro Type SG2 (since 2022)
The 2nd generation of the Niro has been on sale since 2022. The model is available as a hybrid and as a pure electric car (Niro EV). In the hybrid, an inline four-cylinder engine with 105 hp and an electric motor with 44 hp or 84 hp work together. Power is transmitted via a six-speed dual-clutch transmission. The electric version delivers up to 204 hp.
Currently, there is still a lack of experience with the problems, weaknesses and teething problems of this generation. Do you have experience with this model? If so, feel free to let us know!
Kia Niro Type DE (2016 to 2022)
In February 2016, the compact SUV Niro was presented, designed to fill the gap between the Kia Soul and Kia Sportage. During development, the South Korean carmaker paid attention to maximum efficiency at low consumption. Therefore, the vehicle is only available with front-wheel drive.
A four-cylinder in-line petrol engine, backed by an electric motor, initially provided propulsion. The Niro was initially available only as a hybrid, before a pure electric version followed in late 2018. The hybrid models are equipped with a six-speed dual-clutch transmission.
Few weaknesses?
Researching the Niro's weaknesses has not been easy, as little information is available so far. Is it because the compact SUV really has no weaknesses? It seems so. Numerous owners of the Niro say they are completely satisfied and have been driving trouble-free for a long time.
Still, the starter battery is a (possible) weak point. The ANWB had to pull in several times because the Niro could no longer be started in the morning. The problem was solved with a simple jumpstart, but the cause remained unknown. Crashed control units or forgotten interior lights could cause the battery to discharge overnight.
Difficulty loading
One of the few weaknesses we could find is charging problems. Several car owners tell us about these problems, which can be very different. Sometimes the vehicle is not recognised by the charging station at all, in other cases the light on the display is on but the charging process does not start.
The good news: apparently, some problems could be fixed with car software updates or charging stations. If you experience charging problems, you should visit the responsible Kia workshop to read out the error memory.
Sometimes the plug is also responsible for the problems. If the latch is not correct, the charging cable may not be connected properly. In addition, some owners are annoyed by the quality of the plug, as damage can quickly occur if used incorrectly.
This is what owners say about the Niro
First-hand experience is valuable, this is what owners say about the Kia Niro. Plus points are the seat ventilation, the good sound quality of the music system and, of course, the low consumption that characterises the compact SUV.
Among other things, the automatic cruise control, which is meant to keep the distance to the car in front constant, has been criticised. However, reliability seems to be lacking, as some motorists said the safety distance was questionable at times. Therefore, you should also not let attention wander.
The seating position is described as uncomfortable during long journeys. Not only do the headrests extend too far forward, the backrest also starts to pinch as driving time progresses.
Many motorists find it annoying that the combustion engine kicks in in many situations. Pure electric driving with the hybrid model is only possible when no consumers are activated and the accelerator pedal is only lightly depressed. Once heating or air conditioning is active, operation is only possible with a combustion engine.
Recalls
The first Niro was hit by several recalls. Among them was a defect in a plug connection for the power steering, which could cause the support to fail. The internal leak in the control for the hydraulic clutch could lead to a short circuit and thus a fire in the vehicle.
A faulty relay also caused a short circuit, increasing the risk of fire. The motor's faulty electrical connection forced several owners into the workshops, as a drive failure was possible.
Update September 2022: Gluing spark plugs (hybrid)
I have been driving a Niro Hybrid (EZ 10/2018, mileage so far 40,000 km) since May 2019. Since then, individual spark plugs had to be replaced about 6 times.
Dealer's explanation: Since I mainly commute to work and almost never drive an internal combustion engine, the spark plugs 'stick' (because the engine is only run for heating in winter, for example).
Solution: Drive on the motorway more often and turn on the combustion engine. This can be seen as a weakness for the Niro.
Listing
The Kia Niro's problems in a row:
- Sporadic problems at the charging station
- Starter battery empty (control units may be responsible)
- Cruise control system (safety distance)
- Seating position uncomfortable during long trips
- Pure electric driving only possible without consumers (hybrid)
Sep 21, 2022 | Timing chain, Timing belt |
If you drive a Lexus, chances are it uses a timing chain instead of a timing belt. Only older models of Lexus used timing belts, but that was usually before 2005 or 2006. Since then, almost every vehicle Lexus makes is equipped with a timing chain instead of a timing belt. Depending on the model, it may be a slightly later year when the switch was made, but for the most part, you can expect that every modern Lexus currently uses a timing chain.
Replace Lexus timing chain?
This is a tricky question to answer, a timing chain is meant to last the lifetime of your engine, but what exactly does that mean? The lifespan of an engine on paper is not necessarily the lifespan in practice. What that means is that a timing chain is designed to last up to around 300,000 km without any problems. But it is possible for the chain to fail at an earlier point due to circumstances.
The problem with faulty timing chains is that they usually don't have as many signs and symptoms as a timing belt when it breaks down. A timing belt can stretch and lose teeth, but you are less likely to see that with a timing chain. The chain can become too stressed over time and not fit properly, but otherwise it usually gives very few visual signs before it breaks completely. If you have already driven more than 300,000 km with the timing chain, it won't hurt to have a mechanic look at it in case something is wrong with the chain. Want to read more about the pros and cons of a timing chain? Then read on in our blog.
Which Lexus models have a timing belt?
As mentioned, mainly the older Lexus models have a belt. In the overview below, we have listed some models equipped with a belt:
LEXUS IS (XE10) 1st generation (1998 - 2005)
- Lexus IS 200 114 kW / 153 hp / 155 PS | 1988 cc | 6 | 1G-FE
- Lexus IS 300 157 kW / 211 hp / 214 PS | 2997 cc | 6 | 2JZ-GE
LEXUS RX
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LEXUS RX (MCU15) 300 AWD 148 kW, 2995 ccm, 01/1998 - 05/2003 (for VVT-i engine)
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LEXUS RX (_U3_) 300 (MCU35_) 150 kW, 2995 ccm, 05/2003 - 12/2008
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LEXUS RX (_U3_) 400h AWD 155 kW, 3311 ccm, 05/2003 - 12/2008 = every 150,000 km
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LEXUS RX (_U3_) 400h (MHU38_) 155 kW, 3311 ccm, 05/2003 - 12/2008 = every 150,000 km
LEXUS SC
- Lexus SC 430 210 kW / 282 hp / 286 PS | 4293 cc | 8 | 3UZ-FE V8
Lexus GS
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LEXUS GS (_S19_) 430 (UZS190_) 208 kW, 4293 ccm, 04/2005 - 11/2011 = every 150,000 km
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LEXUS GS (_S16_) 430 (UZS161_) 208 kW, 4293 ccm, 08/1997 - 03/2005 (for VVT-i engine)
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LEXUS GS (_S16_) 300 (JZS160_) 163 kW, 2997 ccm, 08/1997 - 03/2005 (for VVT-i engine)
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LEXUS GS (_S16_) 300 (JZS160_) 161 kW, 2997 ccm, 08/1997 - 03/2005 (for VVT-i engine)
Lexus LS
Sep 21, 2022 | Timing belt |
Do you own a Mercedes and wonder if it has a timing belt or timing chain? Almost all Mercedes cars have a timing chain and therefore no timing belt. However, there are some models that do have a timing belt. Which models these are we highlight below.
Which Mercedes has a timing belt
The following Mercedes models have a timing belt. For convenience, we have also directly listed the replacement interval so you know every how many kilometres or years the belt should be replaced:
- MERCEDES-BENZ A-Class (W176) A 160 CDI (176,011) 66 kW, 1461 ccm, 06/2012 - 05/2018 = Every 200,000 km / or every 10 years
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MERCEDES-BENZ B-Class (W246, W242) B 180 CDI (246,212) 80 kW, 1461 ccm, 11/2011 - 12/2018 = Every 200,000 km or every 10 years
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MERCEDES-BENZ B-Class (W246, W242) B 180 CDI (246,212)
80 kW, 1461 ccm, 11/2011 - 12/2018 = Every 200,000 km or every 10 years
- Mercedes CLA 180 CDI 80 kW / 107 hp / 109 PS | 1461 cc | 4 | OM 607 DE 15 LA = Every 200,000 km or every 10 years
When to replace a Mercedes timing belt
Do you have one of the aforementioned Mercedes models with a timing belt? Then remember to replace the belt on time. If the belt wears out and snaps, you are further from home, so always replace the belt on time! Check the service booklet of your Mercedes to see if you can find information about the last replacement date. If this is not filled in, see if there is a sticker under the bonnet showing the last date or mileage at which the timing belt was last replaced.
If you do not know when the belt was last replaced and cannot find a sticker, it is wise to have a garage check if the belt needs replacing.
When to replace Mercedes timing chain
Good news for Mercedes drivers who have a timing chain. The timing chain is maintenance-free, while the timing belt has a replacement interval. If you want to be sure, we always recommend consulting the owner's manual, which will tell you whether your car has a timing belt or a timing chain.
Is a timing chain better?
That a distribution chain lasts a lot longer than a belt should be clear, but a chain can also cause problems. In general people say that a chain can last up to 300,000 km but in practice it can happen that the chain stretches which can cause a rattling noise. So it is important to have the car checked regularly and to inspect the chain properly during the maintenance to prevent possible problems and damage.
Want to know more about the timing chain and the pros and cons? Then read further here.
Sep 19, 2022 | Financial |
Did you know that you can also take out a lease as an individual? You don't even definitely have to do this for a brand new car, leasing a used four-wheeler is also possible nowadays! By doing this, you normally have low monthly payments. You also have no initial investment at all, although it is possible to make a down payment so that your monthly costs are reduced by the leasing company. Would you like to lease a used car? If so, it's smart to use the following tips so you don't regret your choice.
Calculate monthly costs
Before you actually sign a leasing contract, you obviously want to know how much you will have to pay monthly. One of the websites you can use to calculate the cost is the site of Private Lease Used. Before calculating this, however, it is wise to set a budget. This will allow you to reject many used leased cars beforehand purely because they are outside your budget. After you have chosen a vehicle, use a car lease calculator so you can calculate what you will actually pay the leasing company each month. Does this fall higher than your budget? Then opt for a lease car that is just a bit cheaper.
Watch the mileage
In the case of a leasing used occasion you need to determine several things. These include the used car you want to lease, but also the term and form of the contract. Moreover, you need to include in the lease agreement how many kilometres you will drive the used car annually. This should be seen a bit like a limit. If you drive more than is included in the lease contract, you will probably have to pay extra, so of course you should avoid this. Therefore, think carefully when deciding on the number of kilometres and make sure you have extra space so that you hopefully don't have to pay more to your leasing company.
Look beyond costs
It is only natural that when leasing a used car, you look at the monthly costs in particular. Yet it is wise to look beyond your nose. Many leasing companies will try to tempt you with low monthly costs, but you should not easily fall for that. Instead, it is important to go through the whole agreement; you really need to understand every detail before signing the lease contract. So, for example, also look at the term and what happens if you return the car damaged.
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