When talking about Volvo vehicles, people often mention how they are safer than other cars. However, it is also an expensive vehicle that incurs equally costly maintenance costs, especially for oil changes.
While Volvo oil changes are expensive, it begs the question, “Why are they so expensive?” Here’s what I found!
Why Are Volvo Oil Changes So Expensive?
Volvo oil changes are expensive because they are a service performed by Volvo, a company known for producing costly automobiles. Furthermore, Volvo oil changes have substantial labor expenses due to the labor-intensive nature of the operation. Volvo oil changes also require expensive synthetic oil and the replacement of other parts.
Keep reading to learn more about what makes Volvo oil changes so expensive!
1. Volvo’s Reputation Dictates Its Oil Change Costs
Volvo is a luxury automotive company; thus, people are unsurprised when they have to spend a small fortune to own one of the automaker’s vehicles.
Because owning a Volvo is expensive, aftercare and other services for the vehicle are also quite expensive.
As a result, Volvo oil changes typically cost well over $100—much more than what it would cost for a more affordable vehicle.
2. Volvo Oil Changes Ensure Good Engine Health
Oil changes are necessary for vehicles to remain in good health and run in good condition.
That said, one of the benefits of an oil change is that it provides sufficient lubrication to the engine and its parts.
Furthermore, oil changes are essential for temperature regulation and keeping the engine in good condition.
Also, oil changes involve removing debris and build-up from the engine’s lubricated parts before replacing the oil and filter.
As a result of the time and money required for the completion of the procedure, Volvo oil changes are costly.
3. Oil Changes Improve Volvo Gas Mileage
Oil changes provide the added benefit of enhancing gas mileage and maintaining engine health. Fresh engine oil offers ample lubrication, which improves engine performance and efficiency.
Additionally, oil changes reduce the amount of work the engine has to do and the amount of gasoline consumed.
So, while oil changes are steeply-priced, many are ready to pay a premium for higher gas mileage in a Volvo.
4. Volvos Prefer A Specific Type Of Engine Oil
Volvo oil changes cost more because of the engine oil used.
For example, most Volvo models perform best when synthetic oil is used, which is more expensive and stable than traditional motor oil.
As such, this results in Volvo oil changes costing more money.
5. The Oil Filter Needs To Be Replaced During Oil Changes
In addition to replacing the engine oil, the oil filter also needs to be replaced.
Essentially, the oil filter removes contaminants in the oil and blocks debris from getting into the engine, preventing engine damage from these particles.
Also, some oil filters are available for as little as a few dollars, but pricier ones are preferred because they are more durable and don’t break down as quickly as their cheaper counterparts.
Volvo provides its standard oil filters during oil changes, which results in a higher price for oil changes.
6. Labor Costs Drive Up Volvo Oil Change Prices
In addition to the cost of materials and parts, labor costs account for a significant portion of the cost of an oil change, as they do with most services.
That said, oil changes are time-consuming and laborious, especially if the engine has accumulated a large quantity of build-up through daily use.
Further, oil changes are generally done by Volvo’s team of mechanics or specialists with years of experience.
As a result, the cost of labor factors into the pricing of Volvo oil changes.
7. Volvos Have Longer Oil Change Intervals
Another reason for the high cost of Volvo oil changes is that, compared to more affordable vehicles, you may go longer between oil changes.
In fact, Volvo recommends having your car serviced for an oil change every 10,000 miles.
On the other hand, more affordable mass-produced automobiles require oil changes after 3,000 to 5,000 miles.
While Volvo oil changes are more expensive, the ability to go longer between oil changes offers considerable value that many people are willing to pay for.
8. Courtesy Checks Are Done During Oil Changes
Volvo oil changes are costly because diagnostic inspections are performed at the same time as the oil change.
During an oil change, the Volvo technician will inspect the vehicle’s other components and create a report detailing any parts that need to be fixed or replaced.
Therefore, this increases the value of Volvo oil changes, adding to their high cost.
9. Oil Change Prices Are Impacted By Your Location
Depending on where you live, the price of an oil change may also be higher.
For instance, getting an oil change from a Volvo dealership in a highly-urbanized city like New York will likely set you back more money than in an area with a lower cost of living like Houston.
Furthermore, the cost of importing engine oil and other materials needed for an oil change can contribute to the high price of a Volvo oil change.
To learn more, you can also read our posts on why Subaru oil changes are so expensive, why Mini Cooper oil changes are so expensive, and why BMW oil changes are so expensive.
Conclusion
Volvo oil changes are expensive for many reasons, including Volvo’s brand reputation and the high cost of materials and parts involved during the oil change process.
Also, oil changes are time-consuming and labor-intensive, with the cost of labor in more expensive urban locations being greater.
As a result, Volvo oil changes are unavoidably costly.