06 Maintenance and specifications
Engine oil
06
218
Checking the engine oil
The oil level should be checked every time the
vehicle is refueled. This is especially important
during the period up to the first scheduled
maintenance service.
•See page 276 for oil specifications.
•Refer to the Warranty and Service Records
Information booklet for information on the
oil change intervals.
Volvo recommends Castrol oil products.
CAUTION
•Not checking the oil level regularly can
result in serious engine damage if the oil
level becomes too low.
•Oil that is lower than the specified qual-
ity can damage the engine.
•Volvo does not recommend the use of
oil additives.
•Always add oil of the same type and
viscosity as already used.
•Never fill oil above the MAX mark. This
could cause an increase in oil consump-
tion.
Checking and adding oil
G021734
Location of the filler cap and dipstick
NOTE
Before checking the oil:
•The car should be parked on a level sur-
face when the oil is checked.
•If the engine is warm, wait for at least
10 – 15 minutes after the engine has
been switched off before checking the
oil.
G021737
The oil level must be between the MIN and MAX
marks on the dipstick
Checking the oil1. Pull out the dipstick and wipe it with a lint-
free rag.
2. Reinsert the dipstick, pull it out, and check
the oil level. The level must be between the
MIN and MAX marks.
3. Add oil if necessary. If the level is close to
the MIN mark, add approximately
0.5 US quarts (0.5 liters) of oil.
4. Recheck the level and add more oil if nec-
essary until the level is near the MAX mark.
06 Maintenance and specifications
Specifications
06
276
Engine oil
Engine oil must meet the minimum ILSAC
specification GF-4, API SL, or ACEA A1/B1.
Lower quality oils may not offer the same fuel
economy, engine performance, or engine pro-
tection.
Volvo recommends Castrol.
Depending on your driving habits, premium or
synthetic oils may provide superior fuel econ-
omy and engine protection. Consult your Volvo
retailer for recommendations on premium or
synthetic oils.
Oil additives must not be used.
Synthetic oil is not used when the oil is
changed at the normal maintenance services.
This oil is only used at customer request, at
additional charge. Please consult your Volvo
retailer.
Oil viscosityIncorrect viscosity oil can shorten engine life
under normal use. SAE 5W-30 will providegood fuel economy and engine protection. See
the viscosity chart.
G023491
Viscosity chart
Extreme engine operationSynthetic oils meeting SAE 0W-30 or 0W-40
and complying with oil quality requirements are
recommended for driving in areas of sustained
temperature extremes (hot or cold), when tow-
ing a trailer over long distances, and for pro-
longed driving in mountainous areas.
American Petroleum Institute (API)
symbol
G022917
The API Service Symbol "donut" is divided into
three parts:
•The upper section describes the oil's per-
formance level.
•The center identifies the oil's viscosity.
•The lower section indicates whether the oil
has demonstrated energy-conserving
properties in a standard test in comparison
to a reference oil.
