Hi guys! The first time i used Mobil 1 0W-30 for service in a 2008 Volvo xc90 3.2 i got a stop engine oil low warning on my instrument cluster after about 3000 miles but when i use 0W-40 the oil stays at the same mark until the next service. I have a theory as to why this happened but i would like to hear for you guys

Siena, GAZZUZZ, piyke, Kingrein. etc

What type of oil is written on your dipstick/ oilcap that is what you should be using

sultaan:
What type of oil is written on your dipstick/ oilcap that is what you should be using

there's none written

My theory is as follows; Ambient temperature regularly exceeds 104f/40c in my locality. The 0w-30 may not maintain certain viscosity which my engine requires at 100c and ambient temp at 40c, over time the engine burns the oil. But the 0w-40 is designed to maintain maximum viscosity at temps well above 100c and 40c so it can effectively lubricate and protect the engine.

The recommended viscosity for your car as contained in the owners manual is 0/5w-30 operating in temperatures below 86 degrees Fahrenheit and 0/5w-40 for temperatures higher than 86 degrees Fahrenheit.

I am pretty sure that the Volvo engine designers conducted tests over a wide temperature range and arrived at a viscosity that would work. These cars are tested in over 100 degrees and below 0 degrees temperatures before they are released to the public for purchase the world over. What is the present mileage of your car?

Below are a few of reasons why engines consume oil.

Your PCV is clogged,
Your piston rings are worn,
Your valve / stem seals are bad,
You have purchased the wrong oil viscosity,
you have purchased oil advertised as xW-30 or xW-40 but it is really lighter in reality.


I hope this helps.

LeQuadCore:
Hi guys! The first time i used Mobil 1 0W-30 for service in a 2008 Volvo xc90 3.2 i got a stop engine oil low warning on my instrument cluster after about 3000 miles but when i use 0W-40 the oil stays at the same mark until the next service. I have a theory as to why this happened but i would like to hear for you guys

Siena, GAZZUZZ, piyke, Kingrein. etc

Some degree of oil consumption is normal in engines.
You will need to find out what the numbers are for your car. For the 7th gen Accord (if my memory serves me right) a quart every 1500miles is considered normal and about 1/2 quart is the volume between the low and high mark on the dipstick. So if you prefer to check whether your consumption on 0w-30 is normal you will need such numbers, otherwise as Gazzuzz said, you may stick to what works. Does your car recommend full synthetic 0w-30?

owners manual specifies 0w-40 for 40c Temps, would stick with that from now.