i heard recently that volvo recomends that you use synthetic oil instead of regular because its better for the turbo at least thats what the mechanic that changed my oil told me. is that true or will regular work instead?

 

I've owned turbo Volvo's since 1985 and I have never used synthetic oil, and I have never had problems with a turbo. One of my engines did go at 206K though, and who's to say it would not have lasted longer had I used synthetic oil? I know they used synthetic blend in the T5R I just bought and I might switch to that in that car.

 

You can go over 200K with regular oil but synthetic really helps. It has less tendency to lose its quality

 

This is from one of the latest Volvo Owner's Manuals, and has been in every one I have read.Seems like your mechanic was trying to sell you more expensive oil.

 

I personally use synthetic oil in all of my cars.

Most high performance vehicles use synthetic in the factory.

If you think that your mechanic tried to sell you more expensive oil, then you can get 6 quarts mobil 1synthetic for 30 dollars.

That's about two timesmore expensive than regular ones but it's worth it.

I feel that my engines run better with synthetic.