Oil change

[Proxybynature]

I'm the diy kind guy and like to do the regular maintenance myself. My 2018 XC40 has a bit more on this oil, but I plan to take a longer trip next month so I'll change it before that. My question is about the oil itself. Volvo recommend 0 20 which is practically water with a bit of color in it. I don't doubt manufacturers, but I'm hesitant about it considering how thin it is. Anyone switched to something thicker? 5 30 or 5 40?

 

[PlugIt]

Volvo's 0W-20 is for fuel efficiency and cold starts, but if you're doing longer trips or older engine, some switch to 5W-30 for better protection without much downside

 

[Stephiee]

Why not stick with 0W-20 if it's running fine, are you seeing high temps or burning oil that makes you think a thicker grade like 5W-30 or 5W-40 would help?

 

[BoxyButQuick]

That's a good point. If the 0W-20 is working well for you, there's no reason to change it. Have you noticed any temperature spikes, oil burning off, or a drop in pressure that made you think about switching to a heavier oil?

 

[interstellar7]

Yeah, same question about the temp. have you noticed any difference in engine temp or noise using it? Curious if anyone's had luck with 5W 30 without messing up warranty stuff.

 

[skydr1ft]

@Proxybynature Stick to the 0W-20 as recommended! Modern engines like those in your 2018 XC40 are built with incredibly tight tolerances and tiny oil passages requiring thin oil to lubricate properly, especially at startup.

 

[ActivatorHenry]

I'm the diy kind guy and like to do the regular maintenance myself. My 2018 XC40 has a bit more on this oil, but I plan to take a longer trip next month so I'll change it before that. My question is about the oil itself. Volvo recommend 0 20 which is practically water with a bit of color in it. I don't doubt manufacturers, but I'm hesitant about it considering how thin it is. Anyone switched to something thicker? 5 30 or 5 40?

Going with the recommendation is the best, but the 5 30 might not be such a bad choice especially for hotter climate or if you have a heavy foot.

Here's the deal with the 0 20 oil. A friend of mine had a 2015 IS 250 with the 2.5 liter V6 which Lexus said requires 0 20 engine oil. The thing is that the same engine was in the second gen IS with the same engine and everything but for those years it required 5 30. Same engine, different oil requirements. It's not the tolerances, its the emissions.

If you're really hesitant, ask your dealer.

 

[Proxybynature]

Well I did the service, took the trip and forgot to post back here. I spoke to a few local mechanics as well and they all said that whatever was recommended from Volvo, that's the oil I should use, unless I'm the million mile club and then to start considering something else. Anyway, I went ahead with the service and went with 0W-20. Thanks for the tips guys.

 

[safeswedespeed25]

Great decision to stick with Volvo's specs! 0W-20 is definitely the way to go for your XC40. The engineers really know their stuff, and following the manufacturer's recommendations also helps ensure your warranty stays valid.