My mech told me that it's about time to replace these items. What does this do to affect preformance? Are they really that detrimental if the car is running 100%? Will the lack of attention given to this matter harm the engine in any way (like the timing belt)? Thanks in advance!!!

Costas

IMHO the distributor car and rotor are best replaced on a schedule, I do mine at about 40k miles. (For me that is about every 10 months.) Or you should at least inspect and clean say every year. The wires I usually run until a problem, although they probably should be done on nice summer days and not cold winter nights - which is when the problems usual show up. If over 100k miles I'd say replace.

Neither is like timing belt, no engine damage if they fail. However, both can give problem starts, or no start, in cold or wet weather. And both give warning signs a upcoming failure (hard starts, rough running, etc) especially in bad weather.

Kenny,
I live in San Diego where we NEVER have cold days or freezing nights... I have never experienced a problem starting the Volvo. I am on a VERY tight musician/student budget, should I go for the replacement or should I wait?
Thanks for the response.

Costas Kotinopoulos

Don't bother - I changed cap. rotor, wires- and did not see much difference. A volvo certified mech. told me (after i did it)he changes them if the car has a problem

I your case you can probably wait. Your car will let you know when it needs attention. In upstate NY temps can get below zero and I found the hard way that even oil in need of changing can prevent starting at that temp.

Just be aware of any sputter or misfire - especially when wet out. You can get more from D cap & rotor by removing and cleaning deposits inside and inspecting for cracks (but they may be too small to see). A little steel wool or sharp knife will do the job - just scrape the rotor and cap where the spark marks as it arcs from the rotor to the cap. You don't even need to remove the wires to do this - although it is easier.

You can also clean and regap plugs to get more from them.

Good Luck!