What fluids/oils should I use?
 

Hello community!

I am planning to replace various fluids in my car and would like to get input on what to use. I am sure this has been posted here before, but I could not find all the answeres.

My car is a 2011 s40 D3 (D5204T5) with TF-80SC transmission.

• antifreeze (coolant)
• automatic transmission fluid
• power steering fluid

Here is where I stand:
- The manual has no information on what kind of antifreeze to use, so I really do not know what to get.
- The automatic transmission fluid has to be rated AW1, however this is an older classification and I am having trouble finding it's equivalent on today's market (except for a few, mostly unknown brands). Also, I can not find the part number for the filter, does anyone know it
- The power steering fluid is rather similar. It should be rated WSS M2C204-A, but again, finding this is rather difficult.

Of course I know there is still the option of getting the fluids from a Volvo dealer, however there may be better and/or cheaper alternatives.

Thank you in advance!

I'm using genuine Volvo coolant, you can get the concentrated stuff reasonably priced.

Actually similar situation here - OEM fluids in my car only. I found out those are actually pretty resonable priced and coolant concentrate+destilled water price combined was only few quid more expensive than local motor factor replacement, but also keeping peace of mind and not worried about matching the parameters. Not sure about D engines, but T5 with alu block is very fussy for proper coolant and the "savings" just wasnt worth it.

Power steering - I also used OEM volvo one, flushing it is done once per 10years probably and again cost difference was marginal.
Cant help you with AT oil - Im on manual. (but yes, I also used OEM oils for MT, angle gear, diff and haldex so you can sense a pattern here ;P)

Well that is the easy way. I have yet to go to a dealer to get the price list, what I found online was on pair with the quality brands like Motul and Castrol.

Dont get me wrong, its not like I am putting Volvo Engine Oil or Volvo Screenwash :) I use good oil of correct spec, but for more specialised fluids that are replaced once per decade (ie rear diff or haldex oil) I decided to take guesswork out of the equasion and just get OEM.

As for coolant - does your manual not specify anything related to it? (ie must not contain glikol/whatever) A bit odd especially that on most cars using wrong one can carry some nasty consequences. What colour is your current one, just out of curiosity?

Add me to the list of "volvo coolant " user
ATF i havent Yet done ,but i have a different box to you
Engine oil isnt "volvo can" its correct spec (castrol i think)

Like LoB says for the coolant its really not worth the tiny cost saving when stacked against the "risk factor"

brake fluid = oem spec


But,, i do use gen volvo screen wash, :D

To be honest, I was expecting most replies to go with custom products, this is a surprise. I guess I too will just stick with Volvo's stuff.

One thing for sure there is nothing better quality and a lot of items are almost as cheap as the sub standard stuff out there , batteries and coolant are certainly affordable .