Scared to rev the car...

[adrian198]

Hello Volvoforums!!

I have a 2005 XC90 D5 163hp geartronic aut. and I LOVE the car. It is my first real car, and I've developed a relationship with it like no other car. But there is a fear...

I am simply too scared to rev it... I'm afraid to damage the drivetrain of the now 14 year old car. I have NEVER floored the car and the max rpm I've hit is like 3500 rpm. My parents haven't revved the car over 2500 rpm because they just didn't, but I love the engine and turbo sound.

I'm afraid that revving above 3000rpm will damage the car. My dad and I takes good care of it, changing the oil etc. but I want to give it some gas.

Can I safely floor the car without being scared something will break?

Regards, Adrian

[XC90Mk1]

Originally Posted by adrian198

Hello Volvoforums!!

I have a 2005 XC90 D5 163hp geartronic aut. and I LOVE the car. It is my first real car, and I've developed a relationship with it like no other car. But there is a fear...

I am simply too scared to rev it... I'm afraid to damage the drivetrain of the now 14 year old car. I have NEVER floored the car and the max rpm I've hit is like 3500 rpm. My parents haven't revved the car over 2500 rpm because they just didn't, but I love the engine and turbo sound.

I'm afraid that revving above 3000rpm will damage the car. My dad and I takes good care of it, changing the oil etc. but I want to give it some gas.

Can I safely floor the car without being scared something will break?

Regards, Adrian

I use kick down in mine which sees 4500 revs often. Bought at 68k, now 95k no damage.

I change oil every 6k and air filter every 20k. Auto box fluid each 40k.

I would leave the car to warm to operating temperature and ensure you don’t leave the engine Regina in a gear however an wnwmgine run to maximum speed whilst under load is not likely to give trouble.

[adrian198]

Originally Posted by XC90Mk1

I use kick down in mine which sees 4500 revs often. Bought at 68k, now 95k no damage.

I change oil every 6k and air filter every 20k. Auto box fluid each 40k.

I would leave the car to warm to operating temperature and ensure you don’t leave the engine Regina in a gear however an wnwmgine run to maximum speed whilst under load is not likely to give trouble.

Mine has 242.000 miles on the clock, so I Think the parts are a bit more worn than yours... How old is yours?

[XC90Mk1]

Originally Posted by adrian198

Mine has 242.000 miles on the clock, so I Think the parts are a bit more worn than yours... How old is yours?

Mine is 2012 so yes a lot newer. With all new fluids, a good service, cam belt, tensioner and idler and aux belt I would feel safe provided it was up to temp.

244k is high mileage isn’t it.

[S60D5-185]

Originally Posted by adrian198

Hello Volvoforums!!

I have a 2005 XC90 D5 163hp geartronic aut. and I LOVE the car. It is my first real car, and I've developed a relationship with it like no other car. But there is a fear...

I am simply too scared to rev it... I'm afraid to damage the drivetrain of the now 14 year old car. I have NEVER floored the car and the max rpm I've hit is like 3500 rpm. My parents haven't revved the car over 2500 rpm because they just didn't, but I love the engine and turbo sound.

I'm afraid that revving above 3000rpm will damage the car. My dad and I takes good care of it, changing the oil etc. but I want to give it some gas.

Can I safely floor the car without being scared something will break?

Regards, Adrian

Adrian, I would just relax and enjoy the car. Stretching it's legs now and again will almost certainly benefit it, especially the Turbo BUT remember that there is a huge difference between "giving it a bit of gas " and mechanical abuse and I'm pretty certain that you know the difference between the two.

You obviously maintain it well but have you changed the gearbox fluid and the haldex filter + fluid?

If not do it as that will ensure longevity particularly if the gearbox is already performing correctly. Plenty of videos on youtube .

[Dastardly Diesel]

Why are you driving a 2 and 1/4 tonne SUV if youre worried about putting strain on the drivetrain?

[S60D5-185]

Originally Posted by Dastardly Diesel

Why are you driving a 2 and 1/4 tonne SUV if youre worried about putting strain on the drivetrain?

Primary reason perhaps?

Originally Posted by adrian198

Mine has 242.000 miles on the clock, so I Think the parts are a bit more worn than yours... How old is yours?

[skippyfox]

My old XC90 was on a 06 plate and knocking on the door of 180.000 when I sold her on. It did it no harm to let it stretch it's legs every now and again, just don't go down the floor it away from the lights route, it's a hefty lump to get rolling. Hope you enjoy your car.

[Tannaton]

You are probably running a higher risk of problems by not revving the car occasionally - there are a number of valves, solenoids and actuators that operate to maintain turbocharger boost levels and engine speed. One of the biggest issues on older, lightly driven cars is these start to sieze and stiffen up and can result in erratic engine power and limp home mode. It benefits from a good blow-out every so often - aka an "Italian Tune Up".

In any case your engine will be revved hard to its governed RPM limit a number of times at every MOT test - you don't want that to be the first time since the last MOT...

With regard to the drivetrain, if there was anything about to let go you would be getting all sorts of noises and/or vibrations.

Mine is a one of the very first to be sold in the UK (Feb 2003) has done over 180k and I regularly use it to two 2+ tons up some hills which means full throttle for 2 mins or more... it just takes it in its stride.

[owenfackrell]

Mine is on 251k but a manual. I normally keep the revs lower for fuel economy reasons but will still rev it when needed with out worry.