[alderaan]

My 2004.5 S40 T5 only has 2,000 miles, but I'm wondering about using synthetic oil when I get to the 7,500 mile service. Also wondering about changing oil more frequently. My Volvo service rep says it makes no difference whether I use synthetic oil or not. Volvo's on-line tech service recommends synthetic oil for severe loads or conditions. Both say I should stick to 7,500 mile intervals. I have heard good things about synthetic oil and I am willing to spend the extra $$ if it improves performance or extends the service life of the engine. I have also heard from turbo owners that more frequent oil changes are a good idea. Has anyone done research or heard from experts on these questions? By the way, the car is awesome. Thanks for any help.
alderaan

 

[Tech]

Do you have the free factory service till 30k?I would use the synthetic oil.You will be ok with doing the services every 7,500.You can do then eariler if you want.

 

[alderaan]

QUOTE(Tech @ Nov 26 2004, 06:02 PM)Do you have the free factory service till 30k?I would use the synthetic oil.You will be ok with doing the services every 7,500.You can do then eariler if you want.

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Yes, I have the free service till 30k, but I don't think that covers synthetic oil. So I guess I will pay the difference between dino oil and synthetic. Thanks for the advice. How did a Mustang guy wind up moderating a Volvo board?
alderaan

 

[Tech]

Because fixing Volvo's is my day job.

 

[alderaan]

QUOTE(Tech @ Nov 26 2004, 08:18 PM)Because fixing Volvo's is my day job.

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Does your experience lead you to recommend any particular synthetic oil? Are there any negatives besides the cost? Would I have to worry about leaking seals when my Volvo hits middle age? I've heard that could be a problem in older cars using synthetic, but maybe that's only after switching from dino oil. Thanks for your help and for doing this forum.
alderaan

 

[Tech]

At work all we use is semisynthetic or synthetic oil.Haven't had any problems yet.Seals will leak with age no matter what oil is used.

 

[Stereo]

I've got to tell you Tech...

I just found out about this forum. I've been using a bunch of the other Volvo forums for a few years now. Anyway, your advice is great. No other forum has such technical advice...it's very helpful to have a certified volvo mechanic to answer our questions.

Thanks...and glad I joined.

 

[Tech]

Your welcome I do what I can.

 

[niko05]

If you choose non-synthetic oil it seems that it would be a good idea to change the oil at about the 3500-4000 mark depending on your driving habits, but with the synthetic oil Volvo swears that 7500 is the magic number. I am going to go with the synthetic but may change the oil more often...we'll see at about 3k.

By the way, I second the "thanks for all of the advice" sentiment. It is very good to have a mechanic on the board