Switch to synthetic in a V70 with 118K miles?

davidhperry · Post by **davidhperry** » 22 Apr 2012, 16:22

I just bought a 2004 V70 (non turbo) from my uncle, who maintains his cars very well. I'm wondering if it's too late for me to change from regular oil to synthetic. The engine doesn't leak oil, and I haven't owned it long enough to know how much it burns, if any.

I started using synthetic in my S60 when I bought it at 56K miles. I did it mainly for the turbo, but the engine is as tight and quiet as a sewing machine, even 150K miles later. Since I've had such a good experience with synthetic in the S60, I'm considering running it in the V70. I'd heard that putting synthetic in a higher milage car can cause problems since the thinner synthetic may leak in places where the normal oil wouldn't.

Is there any reason why I shouldn't do this? If I do switch, I'm probably going to change it after a few thousand miles, since the synthetic tends to dissolve gunky hydrocarbons that the regular oil leaves around. Other than that, I'm curious if anyone has used any other oil treatments/cleaners when switching, and what theirs experiences were.

EDIT: Ok, I should have read more of the previous posts, because this subject has been discussed a good deal. At this point, I'm fairly convinced that switching won't be harmful. However, I think the jury is still out on if this something worth doing on a non-turbo engine.

Post by **chrism** » 22 Apr 2012, 17:41

I purchased the same car a bit over a year ago with 155,000 miles on it. But in my case the service history was a total mystery. I change the oil to fully synthetic with no problems so far, (Like you, I was worried.)

Post by **MoVolvos** » 22 Apr 2012, 17:54

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The purpose of Synthetics has always been for temperature considerations and for vehicles with high/tight tolerances to pass emissions standards (EPA fuel mileage standards). I had a Service Manager with a 5.0 Mustang with 150,000 miles and used it exclusively and the Oil Cap and inside of the Valve Cover had absolutely ZERO stains as Synthetics are usually high in detergents. He is ex-Military so I know he is on time all the time in maintenance schedules however. Whether Synthetic or Reg Oil it is the Mineral and Additive packages that ultimately makes one Superior to the next as most oils are pretty good these days as long you change it regularly. Some brand of vehicles are prone to ticks here and there and that is where the Superior will stand out vs others.

Blessings,
BKM
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Post by **JRL** » 22 Apr 2012, 18:14

I would do it only if the brether box (PCV) has been replaced adn the system is 100% clean.
If this is not in the service records I would do that first then it's probably OK to switch.

I just bought an 07 XC with 110K. EVERY SINGLE service was done by the book, yet the breather was clogged!
Just finished up doing the breather work and will now do a synthetic oil change (after I Seafoam the engine)

davidhperry · Post by **davidhperry** » 23 Apr 2012, 15:50

Many thanks - I'm glad for all the feedback. I'm switching to synthetic and I'll probably use Mobile 1. I know it's not considered the ultimate in synthetic oil, but it's worked great in my S60, so I might as well use it in this one too.

JRL, I'll check out the PVC system before switching over.

Georgeandkira · Post by **Georgeandkira** » 25 Apr 2012, 07:14

Hello, Yes, this subject has been gone over and the main benefits of synthetics, I feel, are quicker circulation at startup, especially during colder weather, and reduced varnishes and crud. I have a non-turbo as well. Kira

davidhperry · Post by **davidhperry** » 25 Apr 2012, 15:32

Agreed, Georgeandkira. I'm in the habit of changing my dino oil at 3K miles, but I want the synthetic in there for startup and to keep the crud levels down. It's helped me put 200K mostly worry free miles on the S60, so I figure that it might be doing something right.

I'm s stickler for clean engines.

I even change my synthetic every 5-6K, but I'd rather change it too soon than too late.