Should I top up?

Scotia64 · Aug 6th, 2020, 14:22

Car is in for a service at the end of September, it turned 5000 miles today. We’re going on holiday in 3 weeks (car won’t be going far until then) towing a caravan for about 1000 miles. I was going to top up the oil but after seeing the price I’ve had second thoughts.
What do you guys think?
3 times I’ve tried to add a picture , oil level is about 1/2 way down.

Karl Bobs D5 · Aug 6th, 2020, 14:53

I’d top it up with 500ml of oil if I was going to tow a caravan for 1000 miles last thing you want is seizing or damaging the engine towing and then being stuck on the side of a motorway with family waiting for recovery.

Roosterb · Aug 6th, 2020, 14:56

The price of a litre of oil has to be less than the alternative inconvenience. Especially if it spoils your holiday.

skippyfox · Aug 6th, 2020, 16:20

I personally would top it up, only if for peace of mind. 1ltr of oil is a lot cheaper than the possible expensive sounds coming from under the bonnet if something goes bang. Better safe than sorry.

68plate V90 R Design D5 awd, Bursting Blue.

Scotia64 · Aug 6th, 2020, 16:22

I get where you guys are coming from , I’ve also read that you shouldn’t top up until the car tells you too.

V8XCV · Aug 6th, 2020, 17:37

A car will normally only alert you to low oil when it’s too late (in my experience) so I always top up if I see any change on the dipstick.

cassell · Aug 6th, 2020, 18:36

Presumably your B5 is a Diesel mild hybrid? The minimum and maximum marks on the sensus screen denote the 'topping up range' not the sump level. Volvo have instructed their service dealers to only fill halfway between the two marks to prevent sump/oil overfill after aborted DPF regeneration cycles.

The car will alert you to top up well before any critical low level is reached, similarly it will alert you of an 'overfill' if the oil level rises as above.

Mention to your dealer that you have concerns about making a long journey whilst towing, they are best placed to advise you of the situation, I would!

Scotia64 · Aug 6th, 2020, 19:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by cassell

Presumably your B5 is a Diesel mild hybrid? The minimum and maximum marks on the sensus screen denote the 'topping up range' not the sump level. Volvo have instructed their service dealers to only fill halfway between the two marks to prevent sump/oil overfill after aborted DPF regeneration cycles.

The car will alert you to top up well before any critical low level is reached, similarly it will alert you of an 'overfill' if the oil level rises as above.

Mention to your dealer that you have concerns about making a long journey whilst towing, they are best placed to advise you of the situation, I would!

Yes it’s as you described.

Scotia64 · Aug 6th, 2020, 19:19

Hopefully this picture works

Baconbaronen · Aug 7th, 2020, 08:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scotia64

Hopefully this picture works

As mentioned by others, I would also recommend talking to a dealer - I have a B5 2020 (delivered late april), with around 8500 km on the odo - the oil in mine is still at a 100 %.

Aug 6th, 2020, 14:22	#1
Scotia64 Member Last Online: Yesterday 11:42 Join Date: Jul 2019 Location: Hamilton	Should I top up? Car is in for a service at the end of September, it turned 5000 miles today. We’re going on holiday in 3 weeks (car won’t be going far until then) towing a caravan for about 1000 miles. I was going to top up the oil but after seeing the price I’ve had second thoughts. What do you guys think? 3 times I’ve tried to add a picture , oil level is about 1/2 way down. __________________ Winter pack ,xenium pack, bliss, tinted rear windows , retractable towbar, mud flaps , Apple car play all wrapped up in Pebble Grey XC90 B5 Last edited by Scotia64; Aug 6th, 2020 at 14:25.

Aug 6th, 2020, 14:56	#3
Roosterb Senior Member Last Online: Apr 11th, 2023 16:37 Join Date: Aug 2017 Location: Wigan	The price of a litre of oil has to be less than the alternative inconvenience. Especially if it spoils your holiday. __________________ MY20 XC60 B5P Inscription Pro Denim blue. With B&W.

Aug 6th, 2020, 16:22	#5
Scotia64 Member Last Online: Yesterday 11:42 Join Date: Jul 2019 Location: Hamilton	I get where you guys are coming from , I’ve also read that you shouldn’t top up until the car tells you too. __________________ Winter pack ,xenium pack, bliss, tinted rear windows , retractable towbar, mud flaps , Apple car play all wrapped up in Pebble Grey XC90 B5

Aug 6th, 2020, 17:37	#6
V8XCV Member Last Online: Today 16:37 Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: Scotland	A car will normally only alert you to low oil when it’s too late (in my experience) so I always top up if I see any change on the dipstick. __________________ Current V70III 2.4D (163) SE Sport 4C (2008) V70 T5 (1996) V70 P2 D5 EUIII (2002) XC90 V8 4.4 (2007)

Aug 6th, 2020, 18:36	#7
cassell Member since 1988 Last Online: Yesterday 19:28 Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Middlewich	Presumably your B5 is a Diesel mild hybrid? The minimum and maximum marks on the sensus screen denote the 'topping up range' not the sump level. Volvo have instructed their service dealers to only fill halfway between the two marks to prevent sump/oil overfill after aborted DPF regeneration cycles. The car will alert you to top up well before any critical low level is reached, similarly it will alert you of an 'overfill' if the oil level rises as above. Mention to your dealer that you have concerns about making a long journey whilst towing, they are best placed to advise you of the situation, I would! __________________ 2017 V90 D4 Inscription, Mussel Blue, Amber perforated leather and lots of technology! 1973 1800ES, Gold, Black leather and very little technology! 1969 144, California white, Red vinyl and even less technology!

Aug 6th, 2020, 14:53	#2
Karl Bobs D5 2012 S60 D5 R Design Last Online: Mar 3rd, 2024 01:37 Join Date: Aug 2020 Location: Pilning	I’d top it up with 500ml of oil if I was going to tow a caravan for 1000 miles last thing you want is seizing or damaging the engine towing and then being stuck on the side of a motorway with family waiting for recovery.

Aug 6th, 2020, 16:20	#4
skippyfox VOC Member Last Online: Mar 29th, 2022 15:52 Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: rossendale lancs	I personally would top it up, only if for peace of mind. 1ltr of oil is a lot cheaper than the possible expensive sounds coming from under the bonnet if something goes bang. Better safe than sorry. 68plate V90 R Design D5 awd, Bursting Blue.

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