Synthetic Oil vs. Regular Oil, which is better?

[polskamafia mjl]

Change to synthetic and don't add magic solutions, lubricants etc. Modern oils are more than capable of lubricating all parts of the engine, including seals. Also, change your oil frequently, especially if you have a turbo. On my NA 850 I change it every 3 -5 K miles.

[FlyingVolvo]

3000 miles is really unnecessary almost no matter what your driving is like. It's a myth, long debunked. All the brand name synthetic oils can do at LEAST 5K with no issues. Most can do 7.5K easily and 10K depending on the oil. Even if you punch your turbo a lot, 5-7.5 K is just fine.

Also, synthetic oil does not "dry out" seals. The only case where a car might leak after switching to synthetic is because the engine is in POOR shape to begin with. If you really want a seal conditioner in the oil, just buy oil that already has that sort of formula in the add-pack (usually the "high-mileage" products).

[850 Turbo1]

ALWAYS go with synthetic for a Turbo


Dyno oil is great for a non turbo Volvo

[polskamafia mjl]

ecbsykes, I know it might be considered overkill. I guess I see it this way, just because I can do something doesn't mean I should. I can run my car until it runs out of gas and then refill it, but it is much easier to fuel up before I run out. I like to change the oil every 3k since it doesn;t hurt anything and the engine loves it. Win-win in my book. I got into a debate with a BMW service manager when he tried to tell my gf to let her bimmer run 18k before changing the oil. I guess you could do it if you want to but it doesn't do any good for the engine and $25 3-4 times a year really isn;t a big expense. My 2 cents...

- Marcin

[850 Turbo1]

ecbsykes, I know it might be considered overkill. I guess I see it this way, just because I can do something doesn't mean I should. I can run my car until it runs out of gas and then refill it, but it is much easier to fuel up before I run out. I like to change the oil every 3k since it doesn;t hurt anything and the engine loves it. Win-win in my book. I got into a debate with a BMW service manager when he tried to tell my gf to let her bimmer run 18k before changing the oil. I guess you could do it if you want to but it doesn't do any good for the engine and $25 3-4 times a year really isn;t a big expense. My 2 cents...

- Marcin

Those service managers...really should be trained in something other than deceiving customers into getting unnecessary services. They don't have a clue ...half the time...about what they are talking about (or trying to talk you into).

Oil changes (if you want to be VERY kind to your car)...should be done every 3000 Kms.

Hey what better way to kill your bimmer... than delay an oil change by 15000 miles.

[volvomileage]

some engine designs will tolerate extended oil changes with specific syth oils

as for these volvos the manual recommends sythetic oils, i use a syth oil in my high mileage brick, i have no leaks and i am pretty shure the engine runs much cleaner also,with better lube especialy in winter on startup, synthetics have come a long way, i wouldnt use a syth in a 60's american v8, but in recent volvo engine its a great choice, combined with a mann or volvo filter you are only helping out your engine for more mileage,but synthetic dosent last forever either regular oil changes are needed also you can stretch but d ont exagerate my 2 cents

cheers !

[mcp]

There does not seem to be a way to delete a post. I was trying to reply to a question on spark plugs, but after I logged in it brought me to this thread instead. I posted without checking the subject line and now I am trying to delete this post.

While I am here, I will say for the record, I use Mobil 1 10W-30 in all of my Volvos.