My car survived war and thousands of kilometers

[Tony17]

Hello everyone,I want to introduce myself and my car. I drive a Chevrolet Volt 2016 This Volt has been through an incredible story. I received it from the USA in 2020 with minor damage to the rear right side. But in February 2022, in Mariupol, Ukraine, the city became extremely dangerous. My car stayed in a garage while my family and I spent almost two months hiding in our basement during heavy fighting. When I finally went to the garage after two and a half months, I saw my Volt for the first time. The garage doors were broken or looted everywhere. My car was covered in dust, had slashed tires, broken rear glass, damaged interior, cut steering wheel, ripped ceiling, ripped Start/Stop button hanging on wires — it had been tampered with, and almost everything inside was stolen: the battery from the trunk, charger, jack, tools, even all the seats at the end. I managed to gather some parts and, on the third attempt, miraculously started the car. Despite numerous warning lights, it carried me and my family out of the destroyed city, through roads full of debris, sometimes literally off-road, even where tanks had passed. We eventually reached Germany, and the car has been reliable for nearly four years, traveling across Europe for 75,000 km more without major problems.
This experience proved to me how incredibly durable this car is, even in extreme conditions. But now I know that even a Volt needs proper service. That’s why I registered here. I urgently need help finding a workshop in Germany that can replace the coolant in all circuits (engine, battery, and power electronics). The car is 2016 and the coolant has never been changed. Local German workshops often refuse, as this model is rare here.
If anyone knows where this can be done — in Germany, or if necessary, in Luxembourg, Belgium, or the Netherlands — I would be extremely grateful.
Thank you so much in advance for any advice!

[HielkeHoeve]

Hi Tony. What an extraordinary story! Wonderful to hear you made it our alive and the car as well!

Have you tried asking at a Chevrolet or Opel dealer? In Europe the Opel Ampera is more common and the Opel equivalent of the Chevrolet Volt.

I hope you find what you are looking for in Germany. If not, I can ask in The Netherlands near the border at a dealer.

[Tony17]

Hi HielkeHoeve,

thank you very much for your kind words and for your reply, I really appreciate it.
Unfortunately, I am still looking for a suitable service in Germany. I have already sent more than a dozen inquiries to Opel dealers and independent workshops. Most Opel dealers politely refuse, usually explaining that they currently do not have the capability or ask me to contact a specialized hybrid workshop instead. In my requests, I always explain that the Chevrolet Volt is technically identical to the Opel Ampera and is essentially the same car from a technical point of view..

At this stage, I am contacting workshops that specialize in hybrids and high-voltage systems, but so far without success. Even a Bosch Service in my area has declined. It seems that the technical capability may exist, but because the Chevrolet Volt is not a common model in Germany, many workshops are reluctant to take the initiative or deal with something unfamiliar.
If you have the possibility to ask a dealer in the Netherlands near the border, I would be very grateful for that.

Thank you again for your willingness to help.

Kind regards,
Tony

[Small Paullie]

I only know a good workshop (Chevrolet dealer) in the middle of The Netherlands: https://www.auto-aantjes.nl/

[Tony17]

Thank you very much, Small Paullie!
I’ve already sent them a request and hope they won’t refuse. Especially since the Chevrolet Volt is also listed on their website.

[Small Paullie]

A phone call is the best way to contact them, I know from experience. They are very friendly and have Chvevy Volt customers coming from all regions in the Netherlands.

[Tony17]

Yes, I’ve already spoken with them on the phone and we’ve set up an appointment for the beginning of February.
Thanks a lot for your help here on the forum, I really appreciate it.

[HielkeHoeve]

It would be amazing they can help you.