Short answer
VDS-4.5 (Volvo Drain Specification) is Volvo’s engine oil standard for its heavy-duty diesel engines, launched with the arrival of API CK-4 in 2016. Volvo Trucks North America adopted VDS-4.5 oil as factory fill for its D11, D13 and D16 engines, and described the standard as exceeding CK-4. Volvo Penta also states VDS-4.5 oils can be used where earlier VDS grades were recommended.
What VDS stands for
VDS stands for Volvo Drain Specification. Each VDS level sets Volvo’s own engine testing on top of industry categories, and the number is tied to the drain interval guidance Volvo publishes for engines using that oil.
Earlier levels include VDS-2, VDS-3 and VDS-4. VDS-4 was the CJ-4-era standard, and VDS-4.5 succeeded it when API CK-4 arrived.
What changed with VDS-4.5
Volvo introduced VDS-4.5 alongside its move to CK-4 based oils and paired it with updated drain interval guidance for engines using it. Owners who stayed with VDS-4 oil were told the older, shorter intervals would continue to apply.
Volvo Penta product information states VDS-4.5 oil meets or exceeds API CK-4 and can be used where VDS-2, VDS-3 or VDS-4 is recommended.
Engines and related standards
VDS-4.5 applies to Volvo truck engines such as the D11, D13 and D16 and to many Volvo Penta diesels. Mack engines, which share Volvo Group engineering, use the parallel Mack EOS-4.5 standard.
The current Volvo service literature for your engine and model year is the deciding reference for which oil standard applies.
How to check an oil
Look for “VDS-4.5” on the oil’s current data or label. Volvo grants approvals to specific products, so a CK-4 claim alone does not confirm VDS-4.5.
Drain intervals depend on duty cycle, fuel use and oil analysis, so follow Volvo’s published intervals for the oil level you use.
Frequently asked questions
Can VDS-4.5 oil be used where VDS-4 is specified?
Volvo Penta states VDS-4.5 oils can be used where VDS-2, VDS-3 or VDS-4 is recommended. Check the manual for your engine.
Is VDS-4.5 the same as API CK-4?
No. VDS-4.5 is a Volvo approval that adds Volvo testing; CK-4 is the industry baseline it builds on.
General maintenance information. Always follow your vehicle or equipment manufacturer’s requirements and the current product data. Questions? Email [email protected].