Best oil for V70?

[tryingbe]

Read the owner manual then decide. I like AMSOil.


Meeting API specification SG, SG/CD, SH or Energy Conserving (EC) II
For best fuel economy and engine protection, consult with your authorized Volvo retailer for recommended oils. Oil with a different quality rating may not provide adequate engine protection. Synthetic oils complying with oil quality requirements are recommended for : driving in areas of sustained temperature extremes (hot or cold), when towing a trailer over long distances or for prolonged driving in mountainous areas.
Extra oil additives must not be used unless advised by an authorized Volvo retailer.


NOTE: SAE 15 W-40 oil should only be used in extreme operating conditions such as trailer towing in sustained ambient temperatures over 104° F (40° C). However, SAE 10W-30 synthetic oil would be a better alternative in such conditions.
SAE 15W-30 should not be used under normal operating conditions.



https://volvo.custhelp.com/app/manuals/ ... /om_id/952

[oragex]

As I understand, the OP is running mineral oil. Switching to synthetic at 170K miles is tricky because there is a lot of sludge that will break free and clog the oil filter fast. If switching, replace the filter after only 500 miles, and again at 1-2K miles. The engine will also start consuming a lot of oil, measure it every week.

10W-30 in winter is too thick at start up. At least 5W-30 mineral in winter. 5W-30 in synthetic for a turbo engine is a better choice, the best would be 0W-30 or 0W-40 (it's always synthetic in 0W) for winter and actually for summer time as well. I run 0W-40 all year round. But if you have always used mineral, I'd stay with 5W-30 mineral Castrol for example.

[June]

As I understand, the OP is running mineral oil. Switching to synthetic at 170K miles is tricky because there is a lot of sludge that will break free and clog the oil filter fast. If switching, replace the filter after only 500 miles, and again at 1-2K miles. The engine will also start consuming a lot of oil, measure it every week.

10W-30 in winter is too thick at start up. At least 5W-30 mineral in winter. 5W-30 in synthetic for a turbo engine is a better choice, the best would be 0W-30 or 0W-40 (it's always synthetic in 0W) for winter and actually for summer time as well. I run 0W-40 all year round. But if you have always used mineral, I'd stay with 5W-30 mineral Castrol for example.

I agree, why switch to synthetic this late in the game! My 2004 S80 T6 has always used synthetic from new. June

[Rattnalle]

When the oil is hot only the second number counts really. 10 or 5w30 doesn't matter if it isn't really freezing, - 20ish C.

A 30 is a bit thin for my taste especially for heavy driving when it's hot but it works.

I use 5w40 all year round and have done so on both the P80s and the P2s. Proper synthetic. The list of viscos look very different in the euro owners manual.

[redc70]

Just came across this while bummin' around on the 'net:
https://www.minimania.com/Motor_Oils_-_ ... understood
Probably the easiest to read and most comprehensive article on this topic I have seen. Sorry if it has been posted somewhere else!

[Rattnalle]

Just came across this while bummin' around on the 'net:
https://www.minimania.com/Motor_Oils_-_ ... understood
Probably the easiest to read and most comprehensive article on this topic I have seen. Sorry if it has been posted somewhere else!

I thought it was quite a hard read simply because there's too much text for too little content. A bit like some US course literature we had I business school

[Theshagginwagon]

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

Why not a 5w40. I am curious what the issue would be. In my owners manual it calls for 10w30 and 5w40 in temps above 86f, I have been running 10w30 since I have been towing but since I am done towing would a 5w40 be better for fuel economy and general use? Also the owners manual says oil additives shall not be used, how true is that/ would mmo or seafoam hurt the engine?

[FlyingVolvo]

xW-40 is fine. Been running it for years. Currently using Liqui Moly 5W-40. There are no issues with it, other than maybe some lost MPG compared to the "Energy Conserving" oils. With my engine at 260K+ miles, I can use all the help I can get to keep the oil where it's supposed to be.

In theory, you actually would have wanted to use the 40 weight oil for towing, and 30 weight for daily/efficiency. Realistically, there are so many other variables, I doubt you'd ever note an actual difference.

As far as additives, most are probably just a waste of money if you run any decent oil.

[June]

Just came across this while bummin' around on the 'net:
https://www.minimania.com/Motor_Oils_-_ ... understood
Probably the easiest to read and most comprehensive article on this topic I have seen. Sorry if it has been posted somewhere else!

According to this I should use 5W20 likely. I wonder if th as t is true? June

[Rattnalle]

Just came across this while bummin' around on the 'net:
https://www.minimania.com/Motor_Oils_-_ ... understood
Probably the easiest to read and most comprehensive article on this topic I have seen. Sorry if it has been posted somewhere else!

According to this I should use 5W20 likely. I wonder if th as t is true? June

How'd you get to that conclusion? Did you actually measure the oil pressure like suggested there?

You should probably stick to a 30 or a 40 since that's what Volvo says is OK. Doesn't matter what the first number is really since you don't have winters in Florida.