How Many Liters of Engine Oil Should Be Added to the S60L?
3 Answers
The Volvo S60L requires 3.6 liters of engine oil, and it should not be overfilled. Below are the steps for changing the engine oil: 1. Run the engine until it reaches operating temperature. Then, use a jack to lift the vehicle, engage the handbrake, and secure the front wheels with wooden wedges. 2. Place an old oil container under the oil pan, locate the oil drain plug, and slowly loosen it. Be careful to avoid contact with the hot oil. Allow the oil to drain for a while. Inspect the drain plug, then reinstall it, ensuring not to overtighten to prevent damage to the oil pan. 3. Move the oil container under the oil filter. Use an oil filter wrench to loosen the filter, then unscrew it by hand. If the filter is still hot, remember to wear gloves. Even if the filter was previously tightened securely, there’s no need to worry about damaging it during removal, as long as the filter’s mounting threads and surrounding components remain intact. 4. Refer to the user manual to select the appropriate oil filter. 5. Apply a thin layer of new oil to the gasket of the new filter. If the filter is installed vertically, you can pour some new oil into it to reduce dry startup wear during the next engine start. Hand-tighten the filter, then tighten it further as specified (usually an additional 3/4 turn after hand-tightening). 6. Pour the new oil into the oil pan, following the instructions in the user manual. Use a funnel to avoid spilling oil on the engine exterior. Check for leaks underneath the engine. If there are no leaks, lower the vehicle, check the oil dipstick, and start the engine. The dashboard warning light should turn off immediately after startup. 7. Turn off the engine and recheck the oil level. Dispose of the used oil and filter according to local regulations.
As a seasoned Volvo repair veteran, I must say the oil capacity for the S60L depends on the engine model. Take the common 2.0T B4204 engine for example—during maintenance, it typically requires between 4.8 to 5.2 liters. My experience suggests starting with 5 liters after draining the old oil, then running the engine for two minutes before checking the dipstick to ensure the level sits midway between the min and max marks. Overfilling can cause oil foaming, leading to poor lubrication or increased fuel consumption; underfilling risks cylinder scoring and premature engine wear. I recommend using the factory-recommended 5W-30 oil and checking the level every 5,000 km. If doing it yourself, don't pour all the oil at once—add it in stages to avoid waste. Proper oil addition can extend vehicle lifespan by over 10%.
My S60L has been in use for over three years, and I always pay attention to the oil quantity during each oil change. The 2018 model's manual specifies approximately 5.1 liters, but during actual maintenance, the repair shop starts by adding 4.5 liters and then tops it up to just above the max line. I recommend that car owners develop the habit of checking the vehicle's year and engine type before adding oil to avoid a one-size-fits-all approach. A digital dipstick is more accurate, while the older mechanical ones have larger errors. Correct oil addition ensures quiet engine operation, reduces daily noise, and can slightly improve fuel efficiency. Don't delay regular maintenance, as the condition of the oil directly affects the driving experience.
