Ownership Verified: Lolvo S40 2.0T

Temp sensors are usually extremely cheap and easy to replace.
 
'tis going to be a fun weekend making the car all winter-y.

http://imageshack.**/a/img833/1106/img0097dd.jpg

The right blinker housing on it now is letting moisture inside so I bought a new one, was only 25eur :)
 
Try 225/45/R18. Going into year 4 of this set and I fear it will be the last, not looking forward to replacing them. 195 seems really narrow, but I suppose that is good for winter.

Back when I had my XJR I was dreading having to get the stock-size 255-40/R18 winters, but luckily a local guy had a set of wheels with near-new tires in that same size for a total steal. So glad that my MR2 rocks 175-65/R14 snows. Weirdly enough it was the rear brakes that were a much snugger fit, but that's the mid-engined layout for you. If I get a set for the Saab I'm definitely plumping for a set of 15s.
 
It's been quite a busy weekend fiddling around with the car. This is what I started up with:

http://imageshack.**/a/img210/2792/img0101lf.jpg

I changed the motor oil and filter, vacuumed the cockpit, changed the leaking blinker housing:

http://imageshack.**/a/img803/4590/img0102h.jpg

http://imageshack.**/a/img6/1323/img0103jg.jpg

The coolant level was low for a reason or another -> topped it up and have to follow if the level goes down again soonish. I also washed the car and applied two coats of wax. Should have deep-cleaned it before waxing so the result isn't perfect, but as the world's laziest James Mayer I'm surprised I did even this much. I think I really like this car. After everything I also greased the door seals and the antenna so they won't freeze.

While taking this photo I noticed the other parking light had gone, so I changed that too. Fingers bleeding and sleeves dirty but all lights work now. Volvo's owner's manual sucks at least when it comes to light bulbs. I've changed two sets of bulbs and two times I've bought the wrong ones thanks to the manual.

http://imageshack.**/a/img651/859/img0190vm.jpg

I kinda like the orange side lights, it makes it look like a..errm..a truck? :lol:

http://imageshack.**/a/img842/3322/img0191ud.jpg

In a week or two I'll change the winter tires on, then the winterisation project is complete :)
 
these fog lights must be a volvo thing?

new blinker housing looks nice, i wouldve changed both sides at the same time, but thats just me.
 
I almost never use fog lights otherwise, but now just turned them on while checking all the bulbs and snapping photos. Fog lights aren't always useless anyhow: last winter at night during very heavy snowfall fog lights+low beams was a really good combination.

I was considering changing both blinkers but didn't find it necessary: looking at them now there's not much of a difference after the wash.
 
last winter at night during very heavy snowfall fog lights+low beams was a really good combination.

Good for what? For seeing what's on the ground 1m in front of your bumper?


Edit: also, I'd get clear side marker lights just because I don't like yellow lights (indicators, etc) on cars. But that's just me :)
 
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Good for what? For seeing what's on the ground 1m in front of your bumper?

Umm..yeah. With high beams the visibility was absolutely 0, only a white wall in front. With low beams only the visibility was OK as not as much light bounced back from the snow and then added to this the fog lights distirbuted light more to the sides and close up front. They were of clear use in those conditions.

Edit: also, I'd get clear side marker lights just because I don't like yellow lights (indicators, etc) on cars. But that's just me :)

Not a bad idea, have to look into that :)
 
40-series Volvos burn bulbs like no-ones business. Nice work keeping up the S40 there. :)
 
http://imageshack.**/a/img651/859/img0190vm.jpg

I kinda like the orange side lights, it makes it look like a..errm..a truck? :lol:

Aika upea panssarivaunu.
 
Fog lights on - good man! :p
 
And this right here is why we hate Volvo-drivers.

Don't need no fancy hatred-threads about it.

If someone ever catches me with my fag lights on, I'll happily hand over my license and jump off the nearest pier.
 
And this right here is why we hate Volvo-drivers.

Don't need no fancy hatred-threads about it.

Dude, you ride in a bus. Some of those buses are Volvos. Think about it.

If someone ever catches me with my fag lights on, I'll happily hand over my license and jump off the nearest pier.

We'll have to get back to you during your next MOT :)
 
Some say winter's going to start by the end of this week -> studded rubber FTW! Except that now on dry tarmac it feels like driving on ball bearings instead of tires.

http://imageshack.**/a/img692/7152/img0192av.jpg
Lolvos...Lolvos everywhere!

The winter wheels have indeed seen better days
http://imageshack.**/a/img221/4480/img0194ce.jpg
 
Some say winter's going to start by the end of this week -> studded rubber FTW! Except that now on dry tarmac it feels like driving on ball bearings instead of tires

I had forgot how nice my Hakka 7's were. 16" instead of 17" and 205 instead of 225. Sure it's wobblier and noisier but the car rides a lot nicer and doesn't seek out ruts and stuff in the road surface. I'm almost considering trying to find some guy with a low-end V70 to trade wheels with. His 16" for my 17". I need new rubber for spring anyways.
 
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