Why does Volvo use 0w20?

[PresleyAnn]

0w20 engine oil has lower viscosity, and Volvo uses this type of oil to improve the fuel economy of the engine. Below are specific details about the use of engine oil: 1. Not all Volvo vehicles require 0w20 engine oil; models equipped with turbocharged engines cannot use 0w20 engine oil. The type of oil to use depends on the technical characteristics of the engine. Most turbocharged engines require 0w30 or 0w40 engine oil. 2. Engine oil not only lubricates the engine but also serves to clean, seal, cushion, prevent rust, and dissipate heat. When the engine is running, the oil forms a thin film on the surfaces of various components inside the engine, preventing direct contact and friction between them. If engine components directly contact and rub against each other, it can accelerate engine wear. 3. Over time, the performance of engine oil degrades, so it needs to be replaced regularly.

[ErinLee]

My S90 has been running for over four years, always using 0W20 engine oil. Back when servicing at the dealership, the technician said this was a formula meticulously developed by Volvo engineers—like putting a pair of air-cushioned running shoes on the engine. Its low-temperature fluidity is exceptional, ensuring smooth starts even at -20°C in winter, and it doesn’t thin out easily in summer heat. The most noticeable benefit is improved fuel efficiency, saving nearly 1L per 100km on highways. But a heads-up for new owners: post-2018 China VI models require 0W20 to protect the particulate filter, while older cars may risk engine damage if using it improperly.

[LaArianna]

A mechanic with over a decade of experience working on Volvos told me that 0w20 oil flows more efficiently through turbo crevices. Nowadays, the piston ring gaps in Drive-E engines are finer than a strand of hair, and using high-viscosity oil can actually lead to carbon buildup. Last time when changing oil for an XC60, we noticed the camshaft was shiny clean with 0w20, but had tea-colored sludge with 5w30. Especially for models with 48V mild hybrid systems, the oil pressure fluctuates during start-stop moments, and low-viscosity oil can lubricate cylinder walls faster. However, if oil consumption occurs after 80,000 kilometers, we would recommend switching to 5w30 as a buffer.

[CarsonAnn]

My friend's XC40 maintenance sheet always specifies 0w20 oil, and it indeed feels nimble to drive. The 4S shop's chief technician said this is Volvo's 'standard blood' across all models, calling it the engine's 'original spouse'. Low-viscosity oil provides instant response during cold starts – I get warm air immediately when starting up to pick up the kids. Once I forgot to turn off auto start-stop, and the restart vibration was barely noticeable. However, my neighbor's older V60 triggered an oil warning when using it – perhaps older engines can't digest this 'light porridge'.