Oil change I was wondering how often do I have to do an oil change when using full synthetic oil on my volvo s60? My car has 70k miles. Also when is it recommended to change the transmission oil?? Anyone knows whats included in the 60,000 miles service? thanks a lot J.

If it calls for synthetic, that's what it needs. Period

its mostly personal preferance.. your trailblazer doesnt call for synthetic so if you dont want to spend the extra cash i would just get a decent brand 5w30 or 10w30

Some people change oil at 3000 miles,most people don't really care or keep track
I would say 3 times a year,if you drive less than 10,000 per year
4 times a year ,up to 20,000 miles per year driven
Use at least semi or full synthetic oil

Oil filter is provided by year,make, model of your vehicle at the parts store. ---
Oil and fluids Oil quality
Engine oil must meet the minimum ILSAC specification GF-2, including ACEA A1, API SJ, SJ/CF and SJ/Energy Conserving.
Your Volvo has been certified to standards using ILSAC oil specification GF-2 5W-30. Volvo recommends use of oil with a quality rating equal to or higher than ILSAC GF-2. Equivalent and better oils include ACEA A1, API SJ, SJ/CF, and SJ/Energy conserving. Lower quality oils may not offer the same fuel economy, engine performance, or engine protection.
Volvo Cars recommends Castrol. Depending on your driving habits, premium or synthetic oils may provide superior fuel economy and engine protection. Consult your Volvo retailer for recommendations on premium or synthetic oils. Oil additives must not be used. NOTE: Synthetic oil is not used when the oil is changed at the normal maintenance is carried out. This oil is only used at customer request, at additional charge. Please consult your Volvo retailer. Operation in hot climates.
When temperatures exceed 86° F (30° C) in your area, Volvo recommends, for the protection of your engine, that you use a heavier weight oil, such as SAE 10W-30. See the viscosity chart below. Oil viscosity (stable ambient temperatures)
Operation in temperate climates
Incorrect viscosity oil can shorten engine life. Under normal use when temperatures do not exceed 86° F (30° C), SAE 5W-30 will provide good fuel economy and engine protection. See the viscosity chart above. Extreme engine operation
Synthetic oils meeting SAE 10W-30 and complying with oil quality requirements are recommended for driving in areas of sustained temperature extremes (hot or cold), when towing a trailer over long distances, and for prolonged driving in mountainous areas. Changing oil and oil filter
Oil and oil filter changes should be made at 7,500 mile (12,000 km) intervals. Volvo does not recommend the use of oil additives.
Synthetic oil is not used when the oil is changed at the normal maintenance intervals except at ower request and at additional charge. Please consult your Volvo retailer.

every 12 months / 18000 miles wichever is soonest
use 0w30 long life oil check level weekly

To avoid foaming and get the best longevity from your power steering unit, I would use "Automatic: Volvo transmission oil 1161540-8" which is Mobil 3309. It is a synthetic and will work well.

Semi- has less additives then full, not as expensive as full but can't go as long between oil changes as full. Do you need it for your car and will it be better then conventional oil? Not really,only if you don't change your oil regularly.

If we're talking about motor oil, I would play it safe and change every 3,000 miles. I've changed oil on cars that had little over 4,000 miles on it and it look nasty. Just play it safe, 3,000.

yes but make sure its a semi-synthetic oil

Yes you can use conventional oil, but it will mean more frequent oil changes at least every 3,000 miles, also engine wear is much less with synthetic oil, almost zero in fact, but if you change cars before 100,000 miles that is not an issue. I have a car, a Chevy Corvette that uses synthetic oil, I watch ads for sales and rebates, got 3 cases (18 quarts) for $18.00 US after rebates, these are major brands like Mobil 1