The S adds revised intake, carbon front splitter and rear diffuser, with recalibrated eight-speed Touchtronic III.
Ownership overview
Confirm the second-generation build year and six-/eight-speed automatic specification; specialist inspection is appropriate for carbon bodywork and ceramic brakes. Inspect the folding roof, seals and drainage with the correct handbook; do not force a roof that reports a fault.
Best fit
Volante road use
Big risk area
Correct generation, build specification and campaign eligibility
The S adds revised intake, carbon front splitter and rear diffuser, with recalibrated eight-speed Touchtronic III. The open-top body has its own roof mechanism and sealing requirements. Confirm the second-generation build year and six-/eight-speed automatic specification; specialist inspection is appropriate for carbon bodywork and ceramic brakes. Inspect the folding roof, seals and drainage with the correct handbook; do not force a roof that reports a fault.
Open-top road touring with the correct weather and storage precautions
Strengths
The S adds revised intake, carbon front splitter and rear diffuser, with recalibrated eight-speed Touchtronic III. The open-top body has its own roof mechanism and sealing requirements.
Volante body with 5.9-litre naturally aspirated v12
What to watch
Confirm the second-generation build year and six-/eight-speed automatic specification; specialist inspection is appropriate for carbon bodywork and ceramic brakes. Inspect the folding roof, seals and drainage with the correct handbook; do not force a roof that reports a fault.
Confirm the vehicle’s factory build record, market and current VIN campaign status; catalogue years alone do not establish applicability.
The sources below were checked on the dates shown. They support what this page says about the car. They do not show how often a fault occurs, or the condition of one particular vehicle. Where a build year, production total or service figure is still uncertain, confirm it against the factory record and the VIN.
Parent-model reference. Applicability to this edition has not been verified.
Use second-generation Vanquish information only. Identify six- or eight-speed transmission; S and Zagato intake, calibration and bodywork differ. The S adds revised intake, carbon front splitter and rear diffuser, with recalibrated eight-speed Touchtronic III. The open-top body has its own roof mechanism and sealing requirements.
The Vanquish benefits from annual service, strong battery habits, and regular brake, tyre, and suspension inspection. It is happiest when exercised properly rather than stored indefinitely.
Keep using this edition’s guidance. Check the exact handbook and VIN before applying parent-model intervals.
Battery care is one of the most useful ownership skills on any modern Aston Martin. Whether you are replacing the battery or simply setting up a tender routine, the goal is stable voltage and fewer false faults.
Brake fluid age matters on every Aston Martin, and especially on the heavier or faster models. A fluid change is simple in principle, but it should only be attempted if you can guarantee a clean process and a firm pedal afterwards.
Regular brake inspection is one of the simplest ways to prevent expensive Aston Martin running-cost surprises. This guide focuses on safe visual checks, wear patterns, and when inspection should turn into a specialist visit.
An oil change on the second-generation Vanquish is a sensible annual service task and a good opportunity to inspect a halo car honestly. Keep the job clean, methodical, and manual-led.
Repeated flat batteries on an Aston Martin are often caused by a tired battery or low-use pattern rather than a dramatic parasitic drain. Start by proving the battery and charging system before hunting for obscure faults.
Rear-end clunks on Aston Martin cars are usually mount, bush, or driveline take-up issues rather than something instantly catastrophic. Even so, the noise should be diagnosed before tyre wear and drivability degrade.
Misfire complaints on Aston Martin cars usually start with ignition service items, low voltage, or age-related air and vacuum issues. The risk rises quickly if the warning light flashes or the engine is obviously shaking.
If an Aston Martin starts running hotter than normal, the safest assumption is that something real has changed. Cooling-system issues are rarely made cheaper by continuing to drive and hoping they settle down.
Steering shake or pedal pulse under braking is usually a brake-condition problem before it is a mysterious chassis issue. The question is whether the root cause is deposits, wear, heat, or suspension support.
Frequently asked questions
Which version does this guide cover?
Aston Martin Vanquish S (2016–2018) Volante, 2016-2018, Volante. The S adds revised intake, carbon front splitter and rear diffuser, with recalibrated eight-speed Touchtronic III. The open-top body has its own roof mechanism and sealing requirements.
Can I use the model family’s workshop procedures?
Only when the procedure expressly covers this exact vehicle, year and equipment. A parent-page link is not confirmation of mechanical or campaign applicability.
