I had the PCV system in my 850 replaced a few weeks ago (no more smoking dipstick!), but I need to get an oil change this week and was wondering what type of oil should be used. I've been reading a bit and some say that synthetics help prevent clogging in the valves (which would be nice since the PCV system is brand new), but I also read that 10w30 is what should be used as it's better for older engines.

I am basically illiterate when it comes to cars, which is why I'm asking this here. Also, is it okay to get an oil change at a local chain shop for Volvos? Do they carry the proper filters and whatnot?

I was considering taking it to the dealership downtown just to make sure everything gets done right, but then again that seems kind of like overkill since the car is seventeen years old. I've just heard some horror stories about places like Jiffy Lube and whatnot. I live in Oregon and we have Oil Can Henry's here, which is a local chain. I was thinking about taking the car there, but I'm not sure. I just want to make sure everything gets done properly.

 

definitely go synthetic. i use 5-20 personally but 1030 is fine. as for having it done at the shop, just ask around and get a feel for reputation

 

Hey Scott, to ensure you get the proper filter and a new crush washer, I would go early morning to the dealership and get it done. Our cars require a superior filter than the regular off the shelf filters you see on sale at a parts store. Most of us here do our own oil changes which in these cars are....well...simple.

The difference in price of the oil filters is very minimal and if you do it yourself you can benefit on buying a good quality synthetic. An oil change at a local garage may have synthetic oil but a generic brand and the filter might NOT be Volvo or Mann filters which is what most of us use. The filters for our cars have a spring inside, I guess to hold pressure better.

I buy my filters 3 at a time on ebay for less than 20 bucks, take my old crush washer to the parts store when I buy the oil so I can match it with a new one.

More research here will give you more insight. Searching up old threads on this subject would indeed be beneficial to you.

Good luck

 

Hi Scott, you are in Portland OR which is the home of iPd (Volvo Parts, Accessories and Performance Specialist Since 1963). They are great source of Volvo parts and I believe they have a service center.

Personally, I would use full synthetic but it is not as necessary if your car is NOT turbo. I believe the owners manual states 10w-30.

How many miles do you have on your car? Actually, the older a car is the more important it is to have it serviced at a place that properly knows how to care for it.

In fact, I have been thinking about making a YouTube video about "where should you have your oil changed". A oil quick lube place may be glad to change your oil but not warn you about pending issues like a good service center would. Some places change your oil and push the car out. Others will change the oil, and check several other things to let you know if the car needs more attention like brakes or a bad motor mount.