Buying or Leasing a Volvo: Which One Is Right for You? To Buy, or Not to Buy? That Is the Question.

Here's an understatement: it's a good year to be getting into Volvo cars. Whether you're a total newcomer or a regular Volvo veteran, the brand's 2022 lineup is nothing short of all-star. Drivers can look forward to some incredible e-mobility breakthroughs on top of returning classics like the 2022 Volvo XC60.

A lot of considerations go into shopping for a new Volvo car. Different models are tailored to different walks (and speeds) of life. While there's definitely something for everyone in Volvo's 2022 lineup, there's also a daunting amount of options to choose from!

Once you've identified which model is best for you, there's still an important question to answer: buying or leasing? Depending on which option you pick, your cost of ownership-and long-term plans for your new car-might vary significantly.

Let's take a look! Buying a New Volvo Means You Get (Unsurprisingly) a New Volvo

Yes, let's get the obvious out the way: buying a new Volvo car means you now own a new Volvo car. Given how safe and reliable new Volvos are, buying one is an investment that will last a while.

When you buy a vehicle, it's yours. This means you're able to make any modifications you want to it, but it also means you're liable for the long-term health of your car. Simply put, if you want to see the full, long-term benefits of shopping for a Volvo, it's important not to slack on oil changes or tire rotations.

The biggest appeal in owning a car is the equity you get from it after the vehicle's loan has been paid off. Should you decide to upgrade to another Volvo, you're absolutely free to sell your current vehicle and apply that money towards something else. Even better, many dealerships have programs where they'll count the value of your trade-in against a discounted sticker price on new cars, so you'll be able to get even more mileage for your investment.

Leasing a Volvo: Lower Cost, Different Benefits

While leasing a Volvo doesn't come with the same cost and responsibilities as buying one, it also doesn't come with the same degree of benefits.

Let's zoom in on the positives: leasing a Volvo means you're generally paying less per month than the loan installments on buying your car. It also means virtually any driving you do is going to be covered by a use warranty, so you don't have to sweat as much about the cost of upkeep and maintenance for your new Volvo.

Of course, any discussion about leasing Volvo cars would be incomplete without mentioning Care by Volvo. This revolutionary service allows drivers to subscribe online and lease a Volvo car without having to worry about long-term commitments. Lease costs and maintenance are both included in a single (low) monthly payment, and Volvo even takes care of the insurance itself!

As drivers are able to skip negotiations and cancel after just five months, it's an increasingly appealing option for drivers on-the-go who want to experience everything that Volvo has to offer. Even better, this service also allows for an easy, intuitive drop-off service once you pick a new Volvo model!

As you can see, there's a lot to think about when you're deciding how to get behind the wheel of your new Volvo. All of the options we listed come with their own unique advantages, along with their own suite of considerations. Either way, one thing is for sure: regardless of which option you pick, you know you'll be getting a great car when you choose Volvo!

If you want to explore your options for buying or leasing a new Volvo car, then visit McDonald Volvo today!

Spoiler Alert: There Are a Lot!

Plug-in electric hybrid vehicles (or PHEVs) offer drivers the best of both worlds: the power and precision of a combustion engine with the efficiency and sustainability of an electric motor. These vehicles combine a battery-powered electric motor and an auxiliary fuel source-such as gasoline or diesel. 

If you want to see what this technology looks like in action, look no further than Volvo's all-star lineup of PHEV cars. Drivers can choose from a variety of cutting-edge classics, such as the Volvo XC90, XC60, and S90, along with the S60, V60, and XC90 Recharge. That's a lot of options!

All of the vehicles in this diverse lineup share a common set of benefits. Let's take a look!

The Benefits to Your Environmental Footprint Add Up FAST

It's no secret that switching to a PHEV motor reduces the amount of carbon dioxide you generate by driving. What many drivers don't realize, however, is how significant this reduction can be. Many drivers experience an incredible 50% reduction in their carbon emissions during their first year of driving. No other purchase lets you effectively cut one of your biggest carbon footprints in half.

You Spend a Lot Less Time (and Money!) at the Gas Station

Volvo's new 18.8-kwh batteries can comfortably offer 30+ miles per charge, meaning many commuters will be able to fit in a full day of driving on just the vehicle's battery charge. With a growing number of plug-in power stations around the country, there are also plenty of places to recharge your car while you're working. 

As a result, expect to spend a LOT less time and money at the gas station.

Prepare to Completely Rethink Vehicle Maintenance

Despite having multiple fuel sources, many plug-in hybrid vehicles actually feature fewer moving parts than their combustion counterparts. As a result, they have longer intervals between routine maintenance and they often have easier maintenance routines as well. Drivers who do most of their commuting on battery power will also notice significantly less strain on their engines, allowing their new Volvo cars to stay happy and healthy for longer.

Your Daily Cost-of-Use Goes Way DOWN

Here's a fact that won't surprise anyone: electricity is much cheaper than gasoline. As mentioned above, all these little reductions in gasoline usage add up FAST, and it's hard not to appreciate the effect this can have on your budget. 

As an added bonus, you'll also probably spend less money on gas station snacks as well. Both your wallet and waistline will thank you. 

Did We Mention the Tax Incentives?

Depending on what you buy and where you live, your PHEV could qualify for some seriously attractive tax credits. Federal tax credits alone can reach $7,500 worth of savings, and there are plenty of incentives available on a state-by-state level as well. If you count these incentives against the sticker price of the vehicle, it can make a new PHEV a lot more affordable than you might initially think.

Bonus Point: Hybrid Engines Make for a Smoother, Quieter Drive

It shouldn't be too surprising that battery propulsion is generally quieter and smoother than combustion propulsion. Simply put, this means that PHEV driving is generally a smoother experience than other forms of driving-and it's impossible not to appreciate the difference that makes! Although you won't get the satisfaction of hearing your engine roar as much, you'll also skip out on the ambient headaches that come from virtually every other engine sound. 

While these might be some of the main reasons to make the switch to a Volvo PHEV, they're hardly the only ones! If you want even more reasons to join the world of electric-hybrid driving, then visit McDonald Volvo today!

The 2022 Volvo C40 vs. the 2022 Volvo XC40: Which One Is Right for You?

Two Exceptional Cars, One Electrifying Brand

To put it mildly, this has been a good year for Volvo. Exciting changes are happening across multiple aspects of Volvo's lineup, especially where e-mobility is concerned. Two vehicles, in particular-the C40 and the XC40-have been generating incredible buzz over the past year. Both vehicles offer an SUV experience that's equal parts cutting-edge and refined. That said, they come with unique strengths that make them best suited to different types of drivers.

Let's Get the Big One Out of the Way: Fuel

The Volvo XC40 features a combustion engine, while the C40 Recharge sports an all-electric powertrain. Both of these vehicles offer best-in-class performance for their respective engines and chassis types, but highlight the strengths of different fuel sources. 

Drivers can look forward to a 184-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine in the 2022 Volvo XC40, which upgrades to a 284-horsepower engine at higher trims. For a spacious SUV, these are solid engine parameters-especially when you take the XC40's robust handling into consideration. 

On the e-mobility side of the aisle is the C40. This vehicle is the flagship of Volvo's pure electric lineup, and it shows. The C40's twin-linked electric motors can produce a mind-blowing 402-horsepower, which comfortably places it above most high-end performance vehicles. In addition to that, drivers can look forward to a 225-mile driving radius per charge; not bad when you remember this vehicle can go from "empty" to "full" in under an hour.

Interior: Comfort vs. Comfort

Drivers who want a spacious cabin with elevated seating and a panoramic sunroof will find these features in both vehicles. Both vehicles share a lot of interior design notes, with a few key differences.

One key difference is the availability of upholstery materials. The C40 Recharge is Volvo's first vehicle to be completely leather-free, which means you won't see the usual options for leather upholstery at higher trim levels. That said, it's the perfect opportunity to test out Volvo's cutting-edge vegan leather. Unique to the C40 is backlit paneling on the dashboard and doors, which adds a certain sci-fi flair to driving.

Meanwhile, the XC40 is a masterclass in everything drivers have to come to love and expect from new Volvo cars. This translates to a generous amount of passenger space, comfortable seats, and plenty of hidden cargo space. Mid-level trims come with a sleek metallic flourish on important fixtures, while higher-level trims come with a sleek driftwood finish. 

Let's Talk Safety

Any discussion about the safety of these vehicles ultimately centers back to one line: "It's a Volvo." No other brand comes with the same consistent and proven track record for safety as Volvo, and that cutting-edge engineering is present is both the C40 and the XC40. Both vehicles come with a variety of standard safety features that are designed to minimize both the chances and severity of collisions.

These features include blind-spot detection, automated emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. In addition, both vehicles feature top marks in NHTSA crash tests. 

Both vehicles offer cutting-edge design and best-in-class luxury, but the biggest difference stems from what's under the hood. Drivers who are willing to pay more for the C40's electric motors will be wowed by how well they perform, both on the road and at the charge station. Meanwhile, the 2022 Volvo XC40 is another all-star model in a lineage that's absolutely full of them.

If you're anything like us, learning about the awesome features in both cars may have made it even harder to pick a favorite! Visit McDonald Volvo today, and we'll help you find which one is best suited for your unique needs, budget, and lifestyle.

When Should I Get an Oil Change for My Volvo?

Never Miss a Volvo Oil Change Again!

To a lot of drivers, getting an oil change can feel like more of an arbitrary chore than an important part of car upkeep. If you're being proactive and getting your oil changed regularly, then you'll likely never see exactly what happens if you don't. Slacking on oil changes can be an expensive, eye-opening experience for first-time drivers, and there's a whole roster of nasty surprises (and expenses) you can save by staying on top of it.

Thankfully, there are only a few basic things you need to learn in order to keep your Volvo's engine running smoothly. Let's take a look! 

Why Do I Need to Get My Volvo's Oil Changed?

Simply put, the engine oil in your Volvo is responsible for keeping the engine lubricated so it stays cool, clean, and consistent. As combustion engines basically rely on controlled explosions within the engine chambers in order to propel a car, they generate a lot of heat. Without any oil whatsoever, the heat and friction produced by the engine's pistons moving could easily cause it to start shredding itself and collapse within a couple of hundred miles-even fewer if the engine is being overworked. 

Having fresh oil circulating properly in your engine system ensures that all of its complex parts can continue to operate at high speeds without having to worry about the dangerous effects of friction.

Beyond keeping your engine intact (which is pretty important on its own!), you'll also see benefits on both your car's emissions and your costs at the pump. 

Over time, oil starts to break down and get "dirty" as more and more particulates begin to circulate in it. In addition to producing thicker emissions (resulting in higher CO2 output from your car), this dirty oil will also negatively impact your Volvo's gas mileage. Given how "bulky" Volvo models like the 2022 Volvo V60 can still comfortably get 31+ miles per gallon, it doesn't make any sense to buy such a top-line model if you'll effectively be limiting the performance you can get from it.

When Should I Get My Oil Changed?

Thankfully, all of these potential problems are easy to avoid: you just need to be proactive about getting your Volvo's oil changed at regular intervals. Given how sophisticated Volvo engines are, it's suggested to only use Volvo certified oil to ensure your car is optimally equipped to handle any extreme temperatures or weather conditions.

You should be prepared to change your oil roughly every 10,000 miles; although, this can vary slightly depending on your vehicle and driving habits. If you've been doing a lot of driving-especially for long distances at a time-since your last change, it doesn't hurt to err on the side of caution and start thinking about an oil change around 8,000 miles or so. 

If you're ever unsure about the lifespan of your current oil, then visiting your local Volvo dealership is an easy way to take care of things. Your Volvo Dealership service center will be able to measure your oil and provide recommendations about when to change it next. Even better, your Volvo dealership will be equipped to replace your oil on the spot! Depending on your warranty, this might be completely free of charge!

Questions about when to get your oil changed? Is it finally time to get it replaced? Visit McDonald Volvo Cars today! 

McDonald Volvo Cars is your top-tier Volvo resource in Littleton, Colorado. We proudly service new and used Volvo cars in the Littleton, Lakewood, Highlands Ranch, Denver, Centennial, and Lone Tree areas with our staff of certified Volvo repair technicians! Keep your tires fresh and your car running in peak condition by visiting us today.

Is Your Volvo Ready for Winter? Find Out With Our Volvo Winterization Checklist.

Look, we get. It can feel like there's no way to truly be prepared for Colorado winter unless you're hauling around a set of snow tires and chains all 12 months of the year. Snowfall has been recorded during every month in Colorado over the last 30 years, meaning winter can often refer less to a season and more to a type of weather. 

That said, the weather in Colorado gets predictably worse during the last few months of the year, and that can translate to car issues if left completely unaddressed. Between surprise blizzards, ever-present slush, and the fact that every driver in Denver seemingly forgets how turn signals work whenever it snows, there can be a lot to react to once November rolls around. 

Properly winterizing your Volvo goes a long way towards de-stressing your winter driving. By taking just a few basic steps, you can protect yourself (and your new Volvo car!) from some of the most common complications and breakdowns that happen during Colorado winter driving. 

Let's take a look!

Always Check Your Battery First

Dead batteries are the No. 1 reason for AAA Roadside assistance calls for a reason. Most car batteries won't begin to show signs of damage until they're close to dying entirely, meaning you might not get much warning before yours causes problems. If that doesn't sound like a big deal, imagine trying to start your used Volvo car at 6:00 AM during a crisp Littleton December day. 

No thanks. 

Most car batteries are good for around three years, so it's a good idea to think about replacements if yours is older than two. At the very least, it's always a good idea to take your car into your Volvo dealership service center in order to get your battery tested before the weather gets too cold. 

Prolonged exposure to cold weather can also negatively affect your battery, which means it's especially important to get it tested if you've been parking outside. 

Check Your Fluids-All of Them!

This one can seem like a no-brainer. After all, if one of your car's components exists in fluid form, it's probably pretty important, right? Although staying on top of fluids like oil can feel like a no-brainer, there are equally important types you might not think about as often. 

For instance, you're going to want to make sure your coolant system is running smoothly, and your antifreeze levels are topped off. These two things affect both your engine's ability to stay cool, and your cabin's ability to stay warm-things you probably want to stay smooth in winter. 

Finally, make sure your windshield wiper fluid is completely topped off, and replace your windshield wiper blades if they're starting to look damaged. Both of these things are vital in keeping snow, ice, and sleet from building up and blocking your visibility while driving. 

Don't Forget Your Tires!

The best kinds of tire problems are the ones that don't happen at all. Seriously. There's no fun kind of tire problem.

Staying on top of your tire's health can help you avoid a lot of common causes for tire blowouts. As they naturally degrade over time, tires become more susceptible to damage from the road, especially if they've been wearing down unevenly. 

Each tire has something called a tread bar, which is a single rubber bar that's set inside its groove. If it's worn down completely, then it's time to replace your tires. It's also worth checking to make sure the bar is wearing down evenly, as uneven wear means there's a possible issue with your tire pressure or alignment-something your local Volvo dealership service center will be able to assist you with!

If you have any questions about getting your new Volvo car ready for winter, or need some help replacing parts, then visit McDonald Volvo in Littleton today!

The 2021 Volvo XC40 Will Completely Change the Way You Approach Driving

The Future of E-Mobility Is Here!

While the 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge may be Volvo's first electric car, it's made a strong enough impression to make many drivers completely rethink their expectations of e-mobility. This triumph of engineering shows that making the switch to fully electric driving doesn't come with any trade-offs in distance, performance, or refueling time. 

To that end, let's take a look under the hood to understand why making the switch to electric is an absolute game-changer for the way that you think about driving. 

Charging at Home Means Never Having to Visit a Gas (or Charging) Station Again

You read that correctly-getting behind the wheel of the XC40 Recharge means that you'll never have to visit a gas station again. While this means that you'll have to find a different go-to spot for energy drinks and Slim Jims, it also represents a massive quality-of-life increase to your driving experience. 

Volvo's at-home charging stations mean that you can charge your car with the same routine ease as charging a phone or pair of AirPods. These kits are easy to install by yourself, meaning that you don't have to worry about any expensive contractor bills when you make the switch to electric. Even better, you can optionally go for 150kW DC fast charging which allows you to maximize your recharge speed beyond some public charging stations! 

It's not hard to see the benefits of making the switch to electric. Think about all the time, stress, and money that you can save by charging your vehicle at home. If you want a sense of just how much time and money you save, then consider …

The Volvo XC40 Recharge's "Refuel" Times Are Fast Enough to Race Your Phone

If you plug in your 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge to a 150kW DC home charging station at the same time that you plug in your phone, there are good odds that your car will be charged first. 

When electric vehicles first drove off the assembly lines in the 2010s, drivers were rightfully concerned about long recharge times. After all, an electric vehicle can boast a good driving range and battery size, but those benefits don't mean much if they require a full weekend of charging. Some of these fears were realized, as early electric cars could see recharge times that lasted as long as 40 hours-effectively meaning that the car can only be driven 5 days per week. 

Meanwhile, the 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge can accomplish an 80% charge in just 40 minutes! You read that correctly-under the right conditions, this vehicle can easily recharge in under an hour! This is especially awesome when you keep in mind ...

You Can Measure the Volvo XC40 Recharge's Range in Days, not Miles

Of course, neither of the benefits mentioned above would mean much if a vehicle's pure electric range confined you to neighborhood drives. Thankfully, the 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge's range is so exceptional that you can easily fit an entire week of commuting on a single charge. 

Drivers can expect to get 260 miles out of a single charge. That's not a typo. Despite using a full-electric motor, this vehicle gets a better driving range than most of its combustion-engine competitors. Switching to the XC40 Recharge's electric power doesn't mean that you'll be making any sacrifices on performance-it actually means that you'll be able to accelerate to 60 miles per hour in under 4.9 seconds. 

These may be three of the bigger benefits to owning a 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge, but they're certainly not the only ones! In addition to all of the benefits provided by switching to full-electric power, you can also look forward to an incredibly luxurious interior and a full suite of next-gen driver assistance features. If you'd like to learn more about Volvo's groundbreaking push into the world of e-mobility, then visit McDonald Volvo today! 

McDonald Volvo is your destination for electric Volvo cars in Littleton, Colorado. We proudly sell new electric and PHEV Volvos to the Littleton, Lakewood, Highlands Ranch, Denver, Centennial, and Lone Tree areas. Make the switch to e-mobility by visiting McDonald Volvo to schedule a test drive!

Volvo Offers Free Tows for Life (and More) on Their App! Here's What That Looks Like

The Volvo Cars App completely transforms car ownership! 

Let's get the obvious out the way: if a car brand was JUST offering free towing for life, it would be pretty easy to draw some negative conclusions about the quality of their cars. Thankfully, this is Volvo that we're talking about. It's no secret that Volvo cars are incredibly reliable, boasting long lifespans, durable parts, and safety features that minimize risks of unexpected accidents. 

Volvo's Complimentary Tow for Life program is one of Volvo's ways of further guaranteeing the quality of their driving experience by completely removing the possibility of being stranded on the roadside should something unexpected happen. No matter what make, model, or vintage you own, your Volvo car qualifies for this benefit! 

In the event that your Volvo needs a tow-perhaps due to some roadside debris or a reckless driver-then you simply need to contact Volvo Customer Care, which can be done at 1-800-550-5658. Customers can also access this complimentary towing through the Volvo Cars app, which houses a variety of Volvo's driver support services. 

In fact, accessing Volvo's free towing services is only one of the many different ways that drivers can take advantage of the Volvo Cars App. This platform was originally known as Volvo On Call, and all of the functionality from that version has been brought over to Volvo Cars. In addition to older features such as service requests, towing, and customer support, the Volvo Cars App offers an incredible new suite of features that lets you optimize every aspect of your driving experience. 

The benefits start before you even open your car door. You can remotely adjust their Volvo's climate systems to preheat or pre-cool the cabin, meaning that you'll never have to shiver your way through a commute in Colorado winter driving again. 

Drivers who own full electric or PHEV Volvo cars will also see some awesome benefits related to charging their vehicle. The Volvo Cars App allows you to track both the charging status and electricity consumption of your vehicle. In addition to letting you check your new Volvo's charge percentage when you have it plugged in, you can also get insights into how your driving patterns utilize your car's battery power. 

The days of having to store a bulky owner's manual in your glove compartment are also over. In addition to storing the complete owner's manual for your car, this app also allows you to search Volvo's comprehensive knowledge base for any questions related to car ownership, maintenance, and financing. If you so choose, you can also use the app to create a driving log that can be consulted if you have any questions about repairs timelines or the effects that your driving habits have on your vehicle. 

As if it weren't enough to bundle together this many services and support functions, this app also allows you to remotely lock and unlock your Volvo's doors. 

In hindsight, it probably would have been faster to list all the features that aren't included in the Volvo Cars App. Any new Volvo car (with a model year of 2018 or newer) comes with a 4-year subscription to this amazing service. 

If you want to download the Volvo Cars app for yourself, you can get it on Google Play or the Apple App Store. In the meantime, if you want to learn about even more benefits of shopping Volvo's cutting-edge inventory, then visit McDonald Volvo today! 

McDonald Volvo is your top-tier Volvo resource in Littleton, Colorado. We proudly service new and used Volvo cars in the Littleton, Lakewood, Highlands Ranch, Denver, Centennial, and Lone Tree areas with our staff of certified Volvo repair technicians! Keep your tires fresh and your car running in peak condition by visiting us today.