I just paid $56 for an oil change. I've got the Volvo filters (and filter wrench) and have changed oil before. For that price I can go synthetic and change it myself.

What brand is recommended for this car? Does it make a difference to the Turbos? Anything I have to do when putting synthetic in that is different than with a normal oil change? How often should synthetic be changed? RIght now I change every 5000 Kilometres (3000 miles). We get very cold in the winter here - quite down to -30C and lower. Does that make a difference?

 

I would strongly suggest sticking with the synthetic oil. Valvoline is typically used for Volvo, but other brands you trust should work as well.

With regards to cold starts - consider getting an electricmotor warmer/heater with a timer - cold startsmight wear your engine faster. You probably have noticed all the odd sounds coming from the car when it is -35C/-30F outside...