Best oil for V70?

rollingon · Post by **rollingon** » 06 Apr 2012, 13:21

Hi, I have a 1998 V70 XC AWD 2.4 turbo. Can anyone tell me what they think the best weight of engine oil is for this car in summer, and also in winter. What brand would you recommend? Until now, I have been using 10w-40 in summer and 10w-30 in winter.

How about using synthetic oil in this car?

The car has done 162,000 miles.

Thank-you.

Post by **MoVolvos** » 06 Apr 2012, 15:07

Assuming Maine weather is what I think it is and having a Turbo this would be my preference:

5-30W Winter & 15-40W Summer
http://www.paragon-products.com/Swepco_ ... /sw306.htm

Good Discussion and Information
https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums ... =1&t=47714

Titled: Question for Oil Experts
https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums ... =1&t=47935

Blessings,

BKM

Post by **jblackburn** » 06 Apr 2012, 16:01

Run a 5W-30 year round.

Post by **JRL** » 06 Apr 2012, 16:19

10-30 summers, 5-30 winters, do not go with a 40 w

rollingon · Post by **rollingon** » 07 Apr 2012, 10:14

Thanks all for your replies, but now I am confused. I'd been inclined to the heavier oil for the summer, and have never really understood why an oil as thin as 5w-30 is good in summer, when it has a viscosity akin to water. Our engine still runs very well, but I'd been thinking that the higher viscosity of 10w-40, which we've used previously, or 15w-40, would be better considering age and miles. Or is this way off? I understand the value of 5w-30 in a cold winter, but in Europe, for example, it is virtually unheard of to use 5w-30 in any season.

Is there a best make of oil to use, or doesn't that matter?

In terms of promoting engine life, would you use Slick 50 on this engine? I've had good luck with it before on other marques.

Thanks for your thoughts.

Post by **Pauloil** » 07 Apr 2012, 13:07

I have a 99, same car. 5/30, 5/40, and 10/30 are the only ones listed in owners Manuel. It also says " do not use oils with other viscosity ratings. the use of incorrect viscosity oil can shorten engine life". I use synthetic 5/30 or 10/30, and I see above 86 degrees the heavier oil is shown to be good to 104 degrees. I still feel ok with syn 5/30. The book also says 15/40 should not be used under normal operating conditions.

instarx · Post by **instarx** » 07 Apr 2012, 14:09

rollingon wrote:Thanks all for your replies, but now I am confused. I'd been inclined to the heavier oil for the summer, and have never really understood why an oil as thin as 5w-30 is good in summer, when it has a viscosity akin to water.

It is the oil's viscosity at its operating temperature that is important, not its viscosity as it comes out of the bottle. The SAE ratings are measured at 210F, so all 30 weight oils (SAE 30, 0w30, 5w30, etc.) have the same viscosity at 210 degrees no matter what their viscosity at 70F. A modern multi-grade oil like 5w30 can therefore flow freely at room temperature (and below) while retaining the proper viscosity at its operating temperature. Trust the numbers, not your eyes.

Post by **MoVolvos** » 08 Apr 2012, 00:09

Pauloil wrote: The book also says 15/40 should not be used under normal operating conditions.

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Being CA only goes below freezing several weeks a year in the wee mornings of winter I've found the 15-40W has been the most flexible out of the other weights. Volvo's warm up very fast and the Turbo's get very hot so I prefer not to use the multi-weight X-30W's.

Blessings,

BKM
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Theshagginwagon · Post by **Theshagginwagon** » 01 Jun 2018, 15:04

What about a 5w40 or mobil 1 newish 0w40 Euro formula. I have a 2004 v70 ( 2.5t) I've been using 10w30 in summer in texas. ( winter in Houston lol). I noticed in my owners manual for my car the accepted oils for the temp range I'm in are 10w30 and 5w40. Any pros and cons between the two or is there another oil to use

Post by **June** » 01 Jun 2018, 15:42

10w30 full synthetic when the stable ambient temperature is above 86degrees 5W30 winter. That is what I have always used. Use heavier oil like 15w40 and you will notice a decrease in gas mileage. I live in Florida where it is really hot and traffic is miserable and 10W30 during summer per the Volvo warranty booklet has never been too thin. Last year I switched my car from dealer Castrol synthetic to Redline 5W30 and 10W30. The difference is amazing in how quiet the engine runs as well as my two turbo chargers are silent now. My engine was quiet to begin with, it is quieter with Redline. Also the oil stays clean between oil changes now. With Castrol synthetic the oil would be nasty at 3000 miles. Products like Amsoil (group 4) and Redline (group 5) oil are 100% synthetic oils. Do your own research rather than believe what any of us say. Just change it regularly. By all means no longer than your Volvos factory maintenance schedule requires. Earlier is fine later is your mistake... June