baby141

I have been changing the oil religiously per the oil life monitor. When it indicates below 5, I have been taking it in for an oil change. Is this necessary? What will happen if it goes to 1 and still no oil change? What exactly does it indicate, no oil?
thanks

'97ventureowner

It is a good idea to take it in soon after the system indicates the oil needs to be changed. GM says that you should have it done as soon as possible up to 600 miles thereafter. If you don't change it when the system directs you to, it means that the oil in the engine isn't providing the best protection as it did when it was new, as the additive package is being depleted and the oil is breaking down. If this were to happen frequently, then you run the risk of engine damage over time due to the oil not doing it's job of protecting the critical components inside your engine and not providing "optimal" lubricating possibilities. It does not indicate "no oil" but rather the quality of the oil currently in the engine is in a state of decreasing quality as time goes on. What you are doing now is great, and knowing that by following those guidelines you are ensuring that your engine has the proper lubricating characteristics and can last a fairly long time because of that practice of regular oil changes.

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jrdwyer

I'll add that if you drive in very dusty conditions, then you should change the oil more frequently than the monitor suggests.

For reference, a Blackstone Labs analysis of the used Mobil 1 synthetic oil in our van at a 6,021 change interval showed a TBN (total base number) of 3.6, which is still considered adequate. TBN is a measure of the active additives left in the oil. When they run out, the oil is in a very acidic state and that's not good for the engine parts.

Potassium was also found in our oil sample (from the leaking intake manifold/antifreeze) and that resulted in us getting a new gasket under warranty from GM. It was nice to take the lab report in to the dealer to show the problem developing.

There is another oil level monitor at the bottom of the oil pan that will light up a indicator on the dash if the oil level is too low. Not that anyone should rely on electronic indicators to know where the oil level is, that's what a dipstick is for.

cdru

If anyone else wants to have their oil checked, here is Blackstone Labs website. I'm no way affiliated with them, just a happy customer of their service.

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