Volvo VDS-4.5
Volvo’s Proprietary Oil Spec for D11, D13, D16 and Mack MP Engines
VDS-5 is not the same as VDS-4.5. VDS-5 is a lower HTHS specification for specific 2021+ engines only. Using VDS-5 oil in pre-2021 Volvo or Mack engines will cause oil pressure fault codes.
VDS-4.5 Overview
- VDS = Volvo Drain Specification — Volvo’s proprietary oil approval program
- VDS-4.5 introduced 2016–2017 alongside the API CK-4 category
- Applicable engines: Volvo D11, D13, D16 and Mack MP7, MP8 engines
- API equivalent: CK-4 | Mack parallel: EOS-4.5
- Low-SAPS formulation — compatible with DPF and SCR aftertreatment systems
- Extended drain capability when using approved oils
- Backward compatible with VDS-4 and VDS-3 engines
- VDS-5 (FA-4 equivalent) is a separate specification — only for 2021+ fuel-efficient D13 and MP8 platforms
VDS-4.5 Specification Requirements
| Requirement | VDS-4.5 |
|---|---|
| API equivalent | CK-4 |
| Mack parallel | EOS-4.5 |
| HTHS viscosity | ≥3.5 mPa·s |
| SAPS level | Low-SAPS |
| Applicable engines | Volvo D11/D13/D16, Mack MP7/MP8/MP10 |
| Extended drain | Yes |
| Backward compatible | Yes (VDS-4, VDS-3) |
| VDS-5 compatible engines? | 2021+ FE D13/MP8 only |
AMSOIL Products with VDS-4.5 Approval
VDS-4.5 vs VDS-5: Full Comparison
Frequently Asked Questions
What engines require VDS-4.5?
Volvo D11, D13, D16 and Mack MP7, MP8, MP10 engines. All production years through 2020 require VDS-4.5. 2021+ fuel-efficient platforms can use VDS-4.5 or VDS-5.
Is VDS-4.5 the same as CK-4?
They are equivalent in performance category. API CK-4 is the industry standard; VDS-4.5 is Volvo’s proprietary specification that uses CK-4 as its foundation and adds Volvo-specific requirements. Not all CK-4 oils carry VDS-4.5 approval — Volvo maintains its own approved product list.
What is the difference between VDS-4.5 and VDS-5?
VDS-4.5 is CK-4 equivalent — standard HTHS viscosity (≥3.5 mPa·s). VDS-5 is FA-4 equivalent — lower HTHS (2.9–3.2 mPa·s) for specific 2021+ fuel-efficient engines only. The two specs are not interchangeable. VDS-5 in a pre-2021 engine causes oil pressure faults.
Does AMSOIL make a VDS-4.5 approved oil?
Yes. AMSOIL Signature Series Max-Duty 15W-40 (DME) and Heavy-Duty 15W-40 (ADP) both carry VDS-4.5 approval. Both are available through vyscocity.com.