How To Handle Book Time For Maintenance Volvo Message?

Encountering the “book time for maintenance” message in your Volvo might stir confusion and concern, leaving you wondering if it’s a precursor to some expensive servicing that you cannot avoid. But don’t worry, this isn’t something to panic about just yet.

The book time for maintenance in Volvo is nothing but a gentle reminder for users to schedule their next service appointment. This clever system is integrated to ensure your Volvo stays in good condition for a long time. 

In this guide, let’s delve deeper into this message, how to respond to it, and the significance of taking the reminder seriously. Plus, there will be more on Volvo’s maintenance protocols.

Understanding The Message “Book Time For Maintenance” In Volvo Vehicles

First thing first, exactly what does it mean if your Volvo says book time for maintenance? Well, “book time for maintenance” is a warning message in Volvo to remind the users to schedule their next service appointment. 

That does not necessarily mean it’s anything urgent. In fact, you don’t have to immediately book the maintenance service and work your way through that.

How does the system exactly serve this message? Let’s say for example you are getting this warning message for xc90 after you’ve changed the fuel filter due to a start prevented try again message initially. Perhaps the issue is still partially unresolved for improper fluid levels that you missed out on. 

In that case, the onboard computer on xc90 will track the fluid levels and give you the message for booking a regular maintenance schedule. 

This computer also tracks driving history information, engine health, and similar data to figure out when the vehicle requires maintenance. And based on that, it gives you the message. Amazing right?

What’s even more amazing is the fact that this message is triggered by two factors – Time & Mileage

After reaching a certain mileage, your Volvo system should prompt this message for maintenance to ensure the performance stays intact. It could be different based on which model we are referring to some vehicles trigger the message after it is used for a specific period of time.

If your Volvo is showing the message due to the mileage factor, you may try a reset. For that, you should check the manual and find out the proper instructions on how to reset book time for maintenance message in Volvo model that you own.

Generally, to reset the book time for maintenance message in a Volvo, insert the key and press the start button once. Next, you want to press hold the start and trip buttons at the same time. Wait until the information light flashes 3 times. The reset should be done and the message will disappear.

Above method may work for some models. You should check the manual to be sure. 

Something To Know – The reset is a crucial step after servicing for the mileage related maintenance reminder. However, an improper reset attempt may make the message reappear. Visit the dealer if this is something you are dealing with.

Responding To “Book Time For Maintenance” Message In Volvo

It is recommended that you respond to the reminder to keep longevity of your vehicle. Sure, you can postpone it. But keep in mind such a step will contribute to increased wear and tear. 

And at one point, you’ll bear a more expensive repair. It’s not just about oil changes or minor maintenance steps. Sometimes this reminder may be an early warning of an underlying issue ready to be discovered such as low beam bulb failure or inactive BLIS.

On that note, can you drive your car if it says maintenance is required? I mean, it’s one thing to postpone the service and another to drive after getting the reminder.

Well, you can drive your car if it says maintenance is required but consider not. This is because such reminders can also signify a low fluid level or too high temperature of the fluid. Perhaps more conditions indicate tricky engine problems and are not appropriate for driving. 

Reducing Overall Repair & Maintenance Cost

It might be tempting to consider maintenance as a hassle and something that would be exorbitant. But, Volvo’s maintenance costs are pretty reasonable. 

To book time for maintenance Volvo xc60, Volvo xc40, or any other similar model, you don’t have to spend a fortune. And through religious maintenance scheduling, you’ll have your Volvo remaining in its prime condition. This also saves additional repair costs in the long run.

Using Prepaid Maintenance For Volvo

Do you know what are the recommended Volvo maintenance schedules? Well, Volvo recommends booking for maintenance at least once every year. Alternatively, one should consider maintenance after 10,000-mile intervals. 

Ideally, you should consider booking time for maintenance in any of the both conditions, whichever comes first. Now this can be a bit hassling to handle out of nowhere. 

That’s when a prepaid maintenance plan can help!

It’s a deal between Volvo and you for a cost to provide basic upkeep to your car. You are not paying for each service separately, but upfront. It’s a great car financing means to give a go for busy individuals.

Here’s What You Can Expect From a Prepaid Maintenance Plan for Your Volvo

The coverage levels are going to be different for each model.

If You Own a Model Year 2016 or Newer:

• Expect maintenance plans extending up to 100K miles for comprehensive upkeep.
• The plans are available for users until reaching 80K miles or at the time of buying the car.
• Coverage for 7 years and the plans are quite flexible with 2,3,5 or 7 services. 
• All the services that are factory recommended according to manual will be included.
• Maintenance will be done with original Volvo parts.
• The key protection feature will allow enjoying repair reimbursement for a key with key fob replacement yearly. 
• The plans are available at all authorized dealers inside the country.
• Tire rotation is not included in the plan

Keep In Mind that you need to check the contract and evaluate any terms and conditions that may relate to the extensive coverage. 

If You Own a Model Year 2015 or Older:

• To maintain the older models, there’s an oil service plan included. 
• You can pick from flexible options of 3, 5, or 7 oil services. This is going to include replacing gasket, filter, and oil. 
• There’s a complete key protection.
• The vehicle will enjoy multiple point inspection.
• Enjoy maintenance at 7,500 to 10,000 mile intervals.
• It may require additional factory schedule maintenance suggested by the dealer upon inspecting your vehicle.
• 24-hour Roadside assistance will be available for 50 dollars. 
• Emergency towing coverage for the same price will also be available.

Pros and Cons of Volvo Prepaid Maintenance Plans:

• There’s no constant worrying about finding a repair shop or service scheduling making it convenient,
• You have an upfront cost to pay for the maintenance instead of unpredictable costs for each service otherwise.
• Occasionally there are discounts on plans and benefits that you will enjoy.
• Prepaid plan will increase the resale value of your vehicle.

• You will have limited network for repairing.
• Depending on the condition of your vehicle, sometimes you may need to pay hefty amounts for services recommended by dealers.
• Some services are excluded that will require you to get done separately for a cost.

Figuring Out the Cost

Is Volvo maintenance free? Are there any complimentary services included? Volvo maintenance is not free but some new models offer complimentary factory schedules maintenance. For the prepaid plans you will need to pay. 

prepare plans can cost between 900 to 3000 dollars. The cost will depend on:

• How many miles have been reached before your first service?
• How many service plan you want to get?
• What engine does your vehicle has?
• What are the year and model of your vehicle?

But, is Volvo maintenance plan worth it? According To Finn, Prepaid maintenance plans from Volvo can help owners to save up to 20% for maintenance. The significant savings can total into hundreds if not thousands, of dollars. 

Clearly, Volvo’s maintenance plan is worth it for anyone who needs the convenience of dealership maintenance and avoid unpredictable cost with the bonus of saving hundreds. 

Wrapping Up

Even though there’s nothing to worry about with the “book time for maintenance” alert from Volvo, this is not something you should avoid again and again. 

Overlooking maintenance and servicing needs can result in compromising the integrity of your vehicle. You will start noticing reduced performance, higher fuel consumption, and more issues gradually.

You would not take yearly doctor’s appointments less seriously for your family members despite them doing well physically, right? That’s quite the same with these annual servicing or maintenance schedules. So, if you can afford it and want to keep this car for a long time, you better start treating it well.

I will see you in my next content soon. Take care!