Low oil Level message

mwilliams43 · Post by **mwilliams43** » 07 Jun 2013, 20:39

I am new to the site and I apologize if this topic was covered. I have a 2008 XC90 3.2L. I normally do routine maint. Myself. As I approach the 7K mark between oil changes I get a message on the message center. Low Oil Level. I check and find that I add half a quart or so and the message goes away. Is it normal for this motor to use oil? I have about 50K on it. I don't notice it burning any oil, no leaks, etc

I normally use the Walmart Synthetic. Used it in our XC70 turbo with out a problem.

Thank you for any insight....

Post by **jimmy57** » 07 Jun 2013, 20:58

1/2 Quart in 7000 miles is very low oil consumption.
The industry standard for warranty repair due to oil consumption is 1200-1500 miles per quart or worse.
The cylinders and valve guides are lubricated with oil that is lost. Some of the lost oil is replaced by combustion byproducts the piston rings wipe off cylinder that makes the oil get darker colored with accumulated miles. An engine that runs clean and goes a long time without discoloring oil is not putting the byproducts in oil and will have a declining oil level.
Vehicles without low oil level warning system show up at dealers and oil change shops every day for 5000 mile oil changes with the engine 2 quarts low.

mwilliams43 · Post by **mwilliams43** » 08 Jun 2013, 04:31

Thanks for the reply. I was curious that my choice in oil was not good, as Volvo "recommends" Castrol. Sounds like this is a normal issue and not the fault of the "Walmart" oil. I may try the Castrol this time around to see if I end up with the same message.

mwilliams43 · Post by **mwilliams43** » 27 Jun 2013, 15:04

Had it to the dealer today for warranty work and mentioned to look into this message. They told me to check the level every thousand miles and log what the level is, how much added, etc.