I have a new XC 60 which has synthetic oil in the engine, of course but the dealer and Volvo recommend an oil change at 10,000? I am wondering if this is wise with a new engine? Also, typical oil change for synthetic is 7,500 not 10,000. TO complicate things the dealer is saying if I plan on keeping the car I should change the oil at 5,000. Can anyone clear this up for me? Thanks

 

Maintenance schedules are not a one size fits all deal. How long do you plan to keep the car? Is this a one night stand or a 50 year marriage?

 

Till death do us part. Seriously, I typically keep my cars 10 years or 100,000.
The first 3,000 have been highway miles but the remainder will most likely be mostly local. Thanks

 

JMO, but in the case of 10 years or 100K miles just follow the 10K schedule. Anything you spend beyond that is not going to benefit you, but the next guy who buys it. The quality of the oils today are drastically better than they were even just 10 years ago. I am still old school with 5K full syn changes, but my Volvo @ 198K on the odo is still driving 100+ miles a day and the Ody that has 163K is typically 20-25K a year and needs to get to 250K+. I would like the Volvo to get to 300K, so that is my excuse, but in reality I am probably draining perfectly good oil. If I were smart I would spend the $20 to get an oil analysis done and see where 5K puts me then adjust accordingly.

 

Just to note, my 2012 VW CC (2.0 turbo) scheduled maintenance is at 10K mile intervals for oil changes as well. the VW takes Castrol Syntec which goes for $8 a quart... I don't see a logical reason for suggesting something more frequent than the factory guidance unless you live in a harsh climate, drive dusty roads, tow with the car etc. New cars are manufactured to very tight tolerances vs 10 years ago and the OEM synthetic oil is better as well. For the money you'll spend on oil changes you'd be better off buying an extended warranty.

 

You would be wise to follow the manufacturers (Volvo Dealership) recommended servicing mileages especially with a basically brand new 2015 vehicle.
Deviation may void your warranty cover.

 

Thanks everyone. I have always heard that the oil must be changed sooner on a new engine than you would normally, in this case normal being 10K? Thoughts?

 

Most manufacturers have eliminated that special interval for the first oil change, so just go the 10K miles. Years ago engines were shipped with special "break in" oil and they didn't want that run for more than 500 miles, but my first new car in 1987 already didn't have that in it.