what brand oil? Other Maintenance recommendations?

deltonaS60 · Post by **deltonaS60** » 09 Mar 2013, 11:42

Hi everyone, I an a new Volvo owner and want to get the most out of this car. I would like to know what brand and grade oil people are using have having good mpg and performance with. I live in Central Florida so it is hot most of the year here. ALso I was wondering what type of Air filter you are using. I was think of looking for a K&N as I have used them in the past with other cars and got good results,but I here Mann makes an OEm filter and wasn't sure if it is as free flowing as the K&Ns. I was also looking at the Bosch sparks plugs are they the best or maybe the E3s?

Thanks for your input.

kiss4afrog · Post by **kiss4afrog** » 09 Mar 2013, 11:55

I'm just warning you that you have opened a very ugly can of worms.

People argue over which brand and weight oil all day long. MHO stick with synthetic and don't use a Fram filter on a Volvo. If cost is an issue look for auto parts stores house brand on sale with a filter. It's usually very affordable.
For a daily driver I'd stick with a name brand quality paper, Mann would be good. I do have a K&N on three of my vehicles but not the volvo. I trust the paper to filter better and I have a turbo. I can't back that up with exact data but from what I've read it seems the K&Ns will flow better but may not filter as well. The cars I have K&Ns on are NAs.
Most people will tell you E3s aren't worth the $$$

deltonaS60 · Post by **deltonaS60** » 09 Mar 2013, 17:16

Thanks for your input. I guess I should have narrowed my question regarding the oil.

I was wondering if I should go with Mobil 1,royal purple or or spend the extra cash and get Amsoil. I just want the car to run well for years to come. I have an 11 year old and would like to pass it on to her when she is 16 (to put it in perspective). I think you may have a good point about the K&Ns. Do you have any suggestions about Transmission oil? BTW I have an NA as well.

Post by **JDS60R** » 09 Mar 2013, 17:28

My opinion for min wear and durability based soley on personal experience.

Amsoil signature series oil 5w-30 and Amsoil ATF
Mahle filters for air
Mahle filter for element type (stick filter in black plastic housing).
Mahle or Mann for canister (metal) type filter.
Place adequate slag magnets in each lubricant system.

Post by **JRL** » 09 Mar 2013, 19:06

I use Mobil 1 10w30 with never an issue on any of my Volvos

Post by **vtl** » 09 Mar 2013, 19:13

I too had K&N in my 2002 V70 for couple of years, recently went back to paper (Mahle). First, engine gets less dust with paper filter, second, it's a PITA to clean and lubricate properly K&N filter.

Amsoil 5w30 Signature series as well, Mahle oil filter, NGK Platinum spark plugs. Recently put Idemitsu Type-TLS ATF, shifts are a piece of cake.

Post by **vtl** » 09 Mar 2013, 19:15

JDS60R wrote:Amsoil ATF

I had pretty negative experience with Amsoil ATF in two Volvos. I wonder what is so different in them, because so many people like Amsoil in their trannies...

slione · Post by **slione** » 10 Mar 2013, 23:42

kiss4afrog said it right. I belong to a few forums for different cars an your question about oil is a hot topic in all of them.

Read this... http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/motor-oil-101/

Bob is referenced often on car forums and gives a good education on all things oil related.

Japedo · Post by **Japedo** » 12 Mar 2013, 05:50

I run synthetic castrol syntec edge 5 w20 in both the Volvo and our nissan Altima.

I know 5w20 isn't recommended for either car, but i don't burn any between oil changes, and it stays looking clean
Longer.

Planning to switch to 5w 30 for the summer tho!

With the synthetic I go 14k kilometres between changes.