Magnatec OK ?

[ushes]

Hi chaps,
Just got a 2005 D5 185bhp S60 at the weekend 80K miles, and today changed the oil with Halfords own brand Fully synthetic A5/B5. It's only an interim oil change and 7K since last service done. I understand that the oil specified by Volvo is A5/B5 must run 18K between services but if I were changing oil every 7-10K could I use Castrol Magnatec instead ? The reason I ask is that I have approx 20litres unopened in my garage, left over from my 1998 Audi 1.9TDI

Many thanks
Steve

[jor]

If the castrol magnatec is not the grade specified by Volvo it's best not to use it. Synthetic oil protects for longer than mineral, so there is little to be gained from changing more frequently than recommended.

jor

[lamlash]

I had the exact same question and asked Castrol. I got this reply:

"Thank you for your enquiry requesting a recommendation for your Volvo V70.

The Castrol SLX range of products are dedicated to professional use and are only available to the dealer network. As you have already identified, the vehicle needs a performance specification of ACEA A5/B5 with a preferred viscosity of 0W-30, however, Volvo will accept a range of viscosities for use within the UK ambient temperature range. I would therefore recommend the use of Castrol Magnatec 5W-30 A1 which carries the specs of ACEA A1/B1 & A5/B5."

In the end I also used Halfords Fully synthetic A5/B5 like you did (and got a nice free screwdriver set).

[ushes]

Thanks,
Th Halfords stuff should be OK as it will only be inthere 7-8k. I Foolishly.... only bought 5ltrs fully synthetic at Halfords and picked up my free screwdriver set. I then had to go back for another can and..... another set of screwdrivers !

Steve

[lamlash]

snap! I've never had so many screwdrivers.

[philharris]

Originally Posted by ushes

Thanks,
Th Halfords stuff should be OK as it will only be inthere 7-8k. I Foolishly.... only bought 5ltrs fully synthetic at Halfords and picked up my free screwdriver set. I then had to go back for another can and..... another set of screwdrivers !

Steve

halfords full syn is in fact esso ultra in a halfords can

[chopper_harris]

There is an exhaustive thread on oils here http://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showthread.php?t=92247

Several of us have used the Chevron Diesel 10-40 oil available from Costco at around £35 for 20 litres, and no shipping costs.

0-30 is rated for beyond -30'C, temperatures we are unlikely to encounter in the UK any time soon, and Volvo list a 10-40 as quite acceptable for cold starting down to -20'C.

[ramon1222]

UK place to buy - £11.65 / L

http://www.volvopartshop.com/castrol...itre-775-p.asp

[Gazdok]

If you read up about oil properties and specification you find that a A5/B5 is the same as A3/B3 with properties of an A1/B1 oil, which means it has got some low friction additives to reduce fuel consumption. This is a UK or EU requirement for car, engine and oil manufacturers. Also A5/B5 will allow 18000 mile oil change intervals where A3/B3/B4 would be changed around 8000 - 10000 miles.
The thinner your oil the easier the engine will run at cold temperatures.
The lubrication and protection will not be worse with "thicker" oils like 10W 40. Most sensitive people will probably not rev a cold engine high anyway.

Volvo also specify that it should be an ACEA SM which contains some camshaft protective ingredients to reduce oil residue baking on engine parts like camshafts over an ACEA SL...

If you are not after some - to me - dubious claims that the oil reduces your fuel bills massively you can use more readily available and cheaper A3/B3/B4 as long as it is fully synthetic. There are semi synthetic A3/B3/B4 oils out on the shelves.