GM oil life monitor

[JTrujillo86]

Does anyone go by the Oil Life Monitor or do you guys all stick to the ol change-every-3K thing? Also, the cap on the 3400 engin says 5W30 oil...is it okay for me to run 10W30 in the summer?

Jeremy

[PotIsYourFriend]

1. Dont go by that sensor, Gm programmed it to lie so you would blow your engine if going by it..

2. Yes

[oldmike]

Jeremy,
I continue to believe in the 3 mo/3000 mi theory. If you read owners manuals very carefully you will see that under "extreme" driving conditions, they still recommend more frequent oil changes. And, the extreme conditions they quote are more like pretty normal to me. Metal rubbing metal has not changed in the last 50 years, it causes heat and wear. I have heard too many good mechanics say that the key to long engine life is regular and frequent changing and monitoring of oil, oil filter, air filter, transmission fluid and filter, and the cooling system. As for the oil weight, I finally changed from 10W40 some years ago, but continue to use 10W30, again after reading and listening to mechanics.
Just my opinion,
Mike

[JTrujillo86]

On a few other forums I've heard people swear by the monitor, but just to be safe, I think the most I'll go is 5K with the Mobil 1 Synthetic 10W and 5W 30.

Thanks for your replies,

Jeremy

[DamienZ28]

Originally Posted by JTrujillo86

On a few other forums I've heard people swear by the monitor, but just to be safe, I think the most I'll go is 5K with the Mobil 1 Synthetic 10W and 5W 30.

Thanks for your replies,

Jeremy

I agree! One exception... If its the good ol organic oil then I live by 3/3000! Im a believer in Castrol GTX for the organic oil.

Is it just me or does it seem the synthetic oil "feels" smoother and helps gas milage?

[JTrujillo86]

Originally Posted by DamienZ28

Is it just me or does it seem the synthetic oil "feels" smoother and helps gas milage?

It must just be both of us because I agree.

Jeremy

[ugsrich]

This is some interesting commentary on the oil-life monitors in GM automobiles. I am the original owner of a ’95 Aurora (120K), a ’97 Regal (60K), and a ’01 Alero (15K). The Aurora and the Regal both present oil life as a percentage remaining. This is displayed on the Driver’s Information Center (D.I.C.). We know on the Alero that if you get to the 10% remainder it turns on the change oil light. In reading the owner manual of both the Aurora and the Regal it indicates that engine operation is monitored and used in the calculation of remaining oil life. These may include engine velocity, duration of operation, changes in engine speed, engine temperature, etc.

I commute 20 miles one-way in the Aurora each day to my office. Three-fourths of my commute is on interstate highways where I am able to typically maintain a speed of at least 50 mph. The D.I.C. will usually indicate that I have 10% remaining oil life at around 5,500 miles from the previous oil change.

My lovely spouse drives the Regal. For the first four years of ownership she used the vehicle for very short commutes, typically less than 2 miles one-way. Speeds on these short trips, to schools, to the grocery store, whatever, would never exceed 40 mph and were always on secondary or tertiary streets. During this phase of driving the Regal’s D.I.C. would reach the 10% remaining oil life level at about 3,000 miles.

Now that my lovely spouse has re-entered the professional working world she commutes about 10 miles one-way to her office. About half of that commute is on interstate highway where she too is able to drive at least 50 mph. Over the course of the last 2.5 years of her working the Regal’s D.I.C. will typically reach the 10% remaining oil life point in about the 5,000 mile mark from the previous oil change.

So, what’s the point of all this? I use the D.I.C. as my indicator of oil change time. I find it VERY difficult to believe that any auto manufacturer would have any sort of conspiracy to cause engines to fail through programmatic manipulation of oil life. This would almost be the equivalent of how cigarette companies hid what they knew about the negative health effects of cigarette smoking.

In fact, if there’s any place that one might think there’s an overstatement of the need it’s the 3,000 mile “thing”. Who is it that promotes that? The oil change depots and the oil bottler’s….right?

Overall, I don’t thing there’s ANY conspiracy. On average, the 3,000 mile “thing” is probably what most people “should” do to protect their engines. For me, since I pay close attention my mileage, oil level, and vehicle usage I have confidence in the D.I.C. For the Alero, I watch the mileage and do it at 3,000 since there is no remaining life percentage provided.

Finally, GM’s North American Operations President spoke at a commencement exercise 3 years ago where he was quoted as saying that wearing sun-screen is a good thing to do to protect your skin, and that if you do no other maintenance on your automobile change the oil as specified by the manufacturer to increase its longevity.

In the end...we're all correct. Keep it fresh and keep it at the correct level and do what you believe is best for you.

[jamcllw]

I have to agree with you on the 3000 mile intervals. I think its bs. Honda's recommend going 6000 miles between oil changes. I change my oil every 3000 to 3700 miles and I have yet to have my change oil light come on.

[DamienZ28]

Lots of opinions going on here. I hear alot of people say they will use synthetic for more miles than organic also. I know theres someone out there that wants to jump on this one right?

[cutlassjmk]

almost any respectable oil will be fine well past 3000 mi in a decent engine. most are actually as good at 6000 as they were at 3000. it's just a thing they tell you to sell more oil. too long will leave deposits but you don't have to set your watch by it either. if you go 4500 miles a time or two it will make no difference. if that oil goes bad that quick you should deffinately change brands. i always use castrol and valvaline.