Oil Change Interval

I normally change my oil approximately every three months or 5K. I had an oil change in October and the next is due at 86,000Km but the odometer is only reading 82K. Since it is regular Castrol GTX in the engine, should I still change it even though I have only driven 1500 Km?

I always go by mileage...3000 miles. I've got it to where if my mileage is divisible by 3.....then it due a change....ie, 153,000....159,000 etc. This way I don't need that annoying sticker in my window corner. ...and that's on all 3 of my vehicles (the other Grand Prix and GMC)

But that's just my technique.

I change at 4k...but I use a 3x5 spiral notebook in each vehicle, mainly for recording and tracking fuel mileage over time...but the oil change data goes in there too. I also record the standard air and oil filter part numbers so a trip to the auto parts store goes a little quicker as well.

should I still change it even though I have only driven 1500 Km?

1500 km is only 932 miles for us on the English versus Metric system.

Since you have driven only 1500 km or 932 miles to answer your question no.

Thanks for the advice!

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/images/icons/icon7.gifIT'S UP TO YOU,BUT MY 98 GRAND PRIX GTP CHANGE OIL EVERY 2500 MILES,ANTIFREEZE, PLUGS, WIRES, AND SUPER CHARGER OIL YEARLY. CURRENTLY HAVE 186,000+ MILES HAVE HAD NO PROBLEMS AT ALL. DURING SUMMER MONTHS DRAG EVERY WEEKEND. I DO THIS FOR ALL MY VEHICLES! GOOD LUCK! http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/images/icons/icon14.gif

To the OP, I agree with Bob. Since your mileage is so low, I would say no.

Everyone has their preferences on oil change intervals. In todays OBD-II vehicles, unless all your mileage is short trip/stop and go or you're a lead footed hot rod, 3000 miles is way too early IMO. OEM's are suggesting 5k mile intervals now for severe service, and up to 7500 miles for normal use.

Add me to the growing list of Bob and Rich who agree that 3000miles is too early. Car manufacturers use higher mileage figures and with the improvement in oil technology over the past decade, these oils can go the distance. There are websites out there that suggest the 3000 mile oil change interval was the idea of quick change oil places that wanted a continual revenue stream so they started telling their customers and putting on their little stickers the 3000 mile figure. Bottom line is you can go further than 3000 miles between oil changes ( with regular driving *) because the oil additive packages in modern engine oils have improved. And use a good quality oil filter.

* If you don't put many miles on your vehicle (i.e. show car, seasonal vehicle,etc.) then I would change it at least yearly, and definitely before putting it into storage for any length of time.

The 3000 mile interval was legit back in the days of carburetion. Carbs allowed much more raw fuel to get past the rings diluting the oil, especially during cold start up when you're pumping the pedal. It's definitely overkill with today's newer cars.

The 3000 mile interval was legit back in the days of carburetion. Carbs allowed much more raw fuel to get past the rings diluting the oil, especially during cold start up when you're pumping the pedal. It's definitely overkill with today's newer cars.

Good point Rich, I think the oil change places saw the writing on the wall when carbureted vehicles declined in numbers and the newer vehicles didn't need as frequent changes as their predecessors did.So they continued the notion to their customers that they still needed to change their oil every 3000 miles, and many customers not knowing, believed it as truth.

How else would they make there money. Most consumer's are still being taken advantage of by the quick change places.:banghead: IMHO especially the elderly, but they fly under the radar. How else are they still hanging around. They hire these flunkies that have no clue most of the time. I quit going to those places. :grinno:

I agree Tom. The oil change places have continued to push the 3000 mile interval. Many people still abide by this, and I wouldn't say they're wrong, but over-cautious.

One "negative" (for the lack of a better term) of the 3000 mile oil change is that it in a way increases our dependency on oil. If more people were to adopt a slightly longer change interval could you imagine the collective total of all the barrels of oil we would save on a daily/yearly basis? By using synthetics, one could even conserve more oil. Also the less oil used also equates to less oil needing disposal/recycling which is also good for the environment.

everthing i have read here makes good sense. but, i can't help but notice no one mentioned the cars' driver information center telling you, at what percentage your oil is at. that is what i have been using. is it wrong to trust it? ..thanks..

everthing i have read here makes good sense. but, i can't help but notice no one mentioned the cars' driver information center telling you, at what percentage your oil is at. that is what i have been using. is it wrong to trust it? ..thanks..

i would say so...that supposedly goes by "your driving habits". mine usually says to change the oil after 8 to 10K, and thats just horrible...in my eyes. guess i grew up around an ASE Certified tech that truly believes in the 3K or 3 month rule. I've never let any of my cars go past 3K on an oil change.

The DIC uses certain parameters in determining oil life such as number of times the engine has been started, and other conditions. There really isn't a sensor per se as many people think.
To clarify it a bit further here is an excerpt from GM about it's oil life system:
Oil Life System

What is the GM Oil Life System?
The GM Oil Life System is a computer based software algorithm that determines when to change oil based on engine operating conditions. There is no actual oil condition sensor. Rather, the computer continuously monitors engine-operating conditions to determine when to change oil.

How does it work?
In all internal combustion engines, the primary driver in oil degradation is the combustion event. Every time the engine fires, a small volume of oil is directly exposed to, and destroyed by, this high-temperature, high-pressure event. Furthermore, combustion gases containing acids, fuel, and water get past the piston rings and react with, and degrade the engine oil. In addition to the combustion event, oil temperature plays a role in oil degradation. As oil temperature increases the oxidation rate of the oil speeds up, which can lead to oil thickening over time. On the other hand, colder oil temperatures increase the concentration of contaminants, such as fuel and water in the oil. The GM Oil Life System comprehends these oil degradation processes, and using an algorithm, calculates the optimal time to change the engine oil. While the basic algorithm is the same for all GM engines, each engine gets its own calibration specifically tailored to its unique needs.
Link to whole page: http://www.gm.com/corporate/responsibility/environment/maintenance/simplified_maintenance_qa_040104.jsp
On one of my vehicles I can usually go about 3500 to 4000 miles before it gets to "0" in warmer weather and in some cases only 2200 to 2800 during our winter season.

One "negative" (for the lack of a better term) of the 3000 mile oil change is that it in a way increases our dependency on oil. If more people were to adopt a slightly longer change interval could you imagine the collective total of all the barrels of oil we would save on a daily/yearly basis? By using synthetics, one could even conserve more oil. Also the less oil used also equates to less oil needing disposal/recycling which is also good for the environment.

I never thought of that view point, the oil saved would be tremendous. You would have to ponder what the gas prices would be with the saved oil. Also with less oil needed recycling.

The other factor or variable to consider is the oil filter since that part normally goes hand in hand with oil changes. So at what point does a typical oil filter (not talking about extended life) start failing to do its job of proper filtration or when you see reduced oil pressure, of course if you have a gauge. Just food for more thought. :wink:

The other factor or variable to consider is the oil filter since that part normally goes hand in hand with oil changes. So at what point does a typical oil filter (not talking about extended life) start failing to do its job of proper filtration or when you see reduced oil pressure, of course if you have a gauge. Just food for more thought. :wink:

Yeah I ever so briefly mentioned that point back in post #8:
. Bottom line is you can go further than 3000 miles between oil changes ( with regular driving *) because the oil additive packages in modern engine oils have improved. And use a good quality oil filter.
.
Problem is it's harder these days to know what is a decent oil filter to go the distance. I have used A C Delco filters since Day One, but recently came across a revised test that was done on many brands of oil filters , which once ranked the A C Delcos at the top of the list. Now they are at the bottom of the list, a result of GM outsourcing the production.
A link to the study is found here:http://minimopar.knizefamily.net/oilfilters/index.html
I use synthetic in some of my vehicles and usually keep it in the engine for a year (or 12000 miles). I change just the filter and top off any oil lost during the filter change roughly halfway through the period of time the oil is in use. If you find a good quality filter it should be able to go the distance if you extend your change interval with conventional oil.

I had my bad experience with AC Delco oil filters. :twak: Now made by Champion Labs for GM. Bad anti-drain back valve but many reported cases on the Net. Talk about noisy lifters at startup. I now use WIX brand only in all my cars.

So what are our estimates or anecdotal data on how long an oil filter is good for mileage wise? Obviously there will be variables as the engine accumulates mileage and internal parts begin to wear. Also, there are more combustion byproducts that will get into the oil. The oil in an engine with 50K miles looks cleaner at for example 3K miles after the previous oil change versus an engine with 100K miles or more.

Yeah, it's a shame that AC-Delco is trying to run their name in the ground with all this outsourcing.

Never had any problems with various brand filters. AC-Delco, Purolator, Fram...

I keep a regular eye on my oil, I change it when it begins to get dark.

IMO, mileage has less to do with dirty oil than say operating hours

An engine can run / idle for hours without ever accumulating any mileage, ie: sitting in traffic for many hours a month, or State Vehicles that sit on the side of the road and idle for 8-10 hrs a day

Had A Subaru Outback before this and I would regularly go 6-8000 miles on oil, traded it @ 285,000 mi for this pontiac

The GM Engine Oil Monitoring System is new to me, Never had one before this GP

Shortly after I bought the car, I figured I'd try the system at least one time, the "change oil soon" light came on at pert'near 13,000 miles

Don't normally go that far but @ 8,000 mi the monitor usually reads about 40% oil life left and it's dirty so that's about when I change it, give or take a little.

Most of us learned a long time ago you cannot depend on the oil life monitoring system and the color of the oil like being black doesn't mean anything except the oil is doing its job with all the effective detergent additives. Where the system is totally irrelevant is when you use synthetic motor oil which really doesn't need to be changed out at 3K miles or earlier. And we are not talking about fleet/taxi/police vehicles, etc. but our daily drivers or whatever you use your Grand Prix for.

Some members used to send their oil to an oil analysis lab before changing oil. Many governmental institutions do the same.

Regardless, mileage is the benchmark and what we commonly use versus hours. Note: All GM service information refers to miles only.

Most of us learned a long time ago you cannot depend on the oil life monitoring system and the color of the oil like being black doesn't mean anything except the oil is doing its job with all the effective detergent additives. Where the system is totally irrelevant is when you use synthetic motor oil which really doesn't need to be changed out at 3K miles or earlier. And we are not talking about fleet/taxi/police vehicles, etc. but our daily drivers or whatever you use your Grand Prix for.


Exactly. That is one drawback to the system as it doesn't differentiate the different types of oil that could be in the engine and treats them all the same with the same set of parameters.

I change mine every 5000 miles and have since new. I also do an oil analysis about once a year. The analysis alerted me to bad intake gaskets on my mother's car and probably saved the engine. I also realize not everyone's driving situation is the same. If my commutes were shorter and the weather was colder, I'd probably change mine sooner. It's cheap insurance since I do my own. Rather than prolong oil changes to save the planet, it might work better to cut out unnecessary driving and save a tank of gas every month or two. That would keep more pollutants out of the air. Just food for thought.

I. Rather than prolong oil changes to save the planet, it might work better to cut out unnecessary driving and save a tank of gas every month or two. That would keep more pollutants out of the air. Just food for thought.

While that wasn't the original intent of my post,rather what I was trying to say was that one of the benefits of extending oil change intervals is that we decrease our dependence on oil.That isn't a "one action fits all" idea, rather everyone needs to look at their driving situations,habits, etc and determine if increasing the interval could be accomplished. Of course those who live in colder climates, do a lot of short distance driving, increased idling times, etc need to adjust their "comfort zones" when it comes to an individualized number between changes. It was hoped by my comment that people would analyze that info rather than fall behind everyone else who don't give it a second thought and automatically change their oil every 3000 miles whether it needs it or not.
With the recent "scare" of $4.00 + gallon of gas I think we have seen a change in many driver's habits resulting in a decrease of the consumption of fuel. Now that the price is hovering in the low $2.00/gal I still see people keeping many habits they adopted last year to conserve fuel such as combining trips, cutting back on unnecessary driving, carpooling, buying more fuel efficient vehicles to name a few. The real test will be the next few months, including the upcoming summer driving season to see whether or not we have learned form last year' s experiences.

I've always changed my oil every 3,000 miles no matter what. I've heard plenty of times that when you use synthetics, you can go longer. I've always used conventional and figure sticking with that and the 3,000 rule, I'm ok. That's all my fam has ever done and it has seemed to work well. Pop got a new Suburban and traded in his old one that had 370K miles on it and the engine was still purring like a kitten - didn't burn or leak any oil. He justed wanted to get the new bodystyle more or less.
I've never sat down and done the math, but what would the savings be (if any) using conventional oil and changing at 3,000 intervals versus synthetics and 5K intervals (as an example). Probably wouldn't be too difficult to figure out - just need to go price some syn. oil.

I've never sat down and done the math, but what would the savings be (if any) using conventional oil and changing at 3,000 intervals versus synthetics and 5K intervals (as an example). Probably wouldn't be too difficult to figure out - just need to go price some syn. oil.

Probably zero since synthetic costs more than dino. :lol:

I don't use Mobil 1 synthetic in my GTP for the miles I can get but because it is a better oil for racing applications so it doesn't make any difference to me.

Technically, staying with the 3K mile guideline is reasonable and makes it easier. But in the end it is up to the owner of the car. In contrast to my GTP I stay with 3K miles to include oil filter in my Regal GS. I use good ole Castrol GTX 10W-30 in it with a WIX filter.

I've never sat down and done the math, but what would the savings be (if any) using conventional oil and changing at 3,000 intervals versus synthetics and 5K intervals (as an example). Probably wouldn't be too difficult to figure out - just need to go price some syn. oil.
Probably zero since synthetic costs more than dino. :lol:

I don't use Mobil 1 synthetic in my GTP for the miles I can get but because it is a better oil for racing applications so it doesn't make any difference to me.
.

For the intervals quoted in 00GTP4ME's post it really isn't much like Bob says, but if you increase the interval for the synthetic, then you can see some positive figures. Also take into account other factors, not necessarily money driven such as different protection qualities between the oils, the environmental impact and associated costs,added time and labor for more frequent changes , to name a few. But in the end it is important for the individual to have all the facts to make an informed decision on what they feel is best for their vehicles and circumstances.
BTW, I read a post on AF a week or so ago claiming that Wal Mart's store branded synthetic oil was actually a older version of Mobil 1. The member I guess worked at the plant that packaged the oils and said that was occurs. I've been buying the WM version for my small engine equipment that I use around my property, and it costs about $5 to $7.00 less a gallon than Mobil 1. It does a good job. Something to keep in mind if you are trying to cut costs and are looking for less expensive alternatives.

BTW, I read a post on AF a week or so ago claiming that Wal Mart's store branded synthetic oil was actually a older version of Mobil 1. The member I guess worked at the plant that packaged the oils and said that was occurs. I've been buying the WM version for my small engine equipment that I use around my property, and it costs about $5 to $7.00 less a gallon than Mobil 1. It does a good job. Something to keep in mind if you are trying to cut costs and are looking for less expensive alternatives.

I heard it varies Tom on who supplies the Wally Word oil whether dino or synthetic and the region of the country. I guess we are referring to the Supertech brand? At least two different companies supply the stuff or package it for Walmart. Specialty Oils and Warren Distributing.

On Supertech full synthetic I heard packaged by Warren but actually made by Royal Dutch Shell Corp. the makers of Quaker State, Pennzoil, and Rotella lubricants. Supposedly identical to Pennzoil Platinum. I have seen a material data sheet that stated Exxon/Mobil but it referred to the dino/mineral oil all grades and not synthetic.

Just turned 3000 mi on most recent oil change.

Last Changed @ 107,670 mi @ 3.7.09
Current Miles @ 110,794 mi @ 4.7.09


3124 miles
31 days
54 engine hrs

Dinoco 5W-30
Oil Life Monitor is @ 77%
Oil is light tea colored still very clean and quiet