[Z06] Oil changes by the DIC data?
Guest
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Oil changes by the DIC data?
I am a relatively new Z06 owner and I don't race or drive my Z06 hard. Every once in a while, I have to get on it a tad just to quiten some jackbutt in an eclipse or other rice burner. However, the DIC tells me 87% oil remaining after only about 450 miles or so. Do you guys go by the DIC or mileage? I'm guessing that an oil change from 3,000 to 4,000 should be okay with the way I drive. Your thought please guys!
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 69,020
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From: Bagpipes put the "fun" in "funeral"
Re: Oil changes by the DIC data? (Rick Church)
I am a relatively new Z06 owner and I don't race or drive my Z06 hard. Every once in a while, I have to get on it a tad just to quiten some jackbutt in an eclipse or other rice burner. However, the DIC tells me 87% oil remaining after only about 450 miles or so. Do you guys go by the DIC or mileage? I'm guessing that an oil change from 3,000 to 4,000 should be okay with the way I drive. Your thought please guys!
GM recommends approximately every 15k miles for 2001 and later vettes. Do it every 7500 and you're golden, well above and beyond what the manufacturer expects.
Most people change every 3k miles anyway, because that's what they're used to, and changing less frequently somehow feels somehow "wrong" I guess. But the engines don't care. Old habits can be hard to break but the technology is a lot better these days.
[Modified by Thud, 3:32 PM 2/1/2004]
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 3,141
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From: Charlotte NC
Re: Oil changes by the DIC data? (Rick Church)
The DIC is a good measure, however, depending on your driving style, oil changes may be needed more frequently. Good way to determine - check your oil level, and if the oil looks really dirty/dark, then change it :yesnod:
Pro
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 505
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From: Childersburg/Talladega Ala
Re: Oil changes by the DIC data? (Rick Church)
My 2 cents worth....The computer is supposed to figure oil change based on several variables such as oil temps, revs, water temps, miles and others. I have my doubts or thoughts on the matter.... I believe the scheduled change is based on a 10k mile unless a negetive situation occurs that could decrease the mileage...for instance, driving in a parade for an hour or so at high water temps and lower oil pressures. Or high rev driving on hot days. An example I have noticed is that when I change my oil and drive 500 miles on the interstate, my indicator shows 95% left, but if I change it and stay in town, the % drops considerable. I'm sure there are some "tech" guys here that can explain the inputs the computer is examining. I would almost guess that the oil not coming to temperature before shut down could affect the % also. It is my opinion that not reaching temp before shutting down can be the most damaging aspect of oil quality. I think the oil should be changed once a year as a minimum. But then again, I have a 98 roadster that has a total of 3 oil changes and it runs great! :grouphug:
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 5,555
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From: Indiana
Re: Oil changes by the DIC data? (Rick Church)
Trust your DIC, Luke. :) Seriously, it's a very smart algorithm that takes a variety of factors into account. If you're making a lot of short trips and seldom getting the car up to temp, your oil life will diminish. If you're doing a lot of longer trips, where your oil gets good and hot, you'll get more life out of it. As someone else noted, change it at least once a year, regardless of the DIC reading. I let my oil life get to about 30% before I change it. Choose your own safety margin.
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 165
Likes: 2
From: Saint Charles MO
Re: Oil changes by the DIC data? (Jerry Velders)
I'm still stuck in the change your oil every 3k miles rut. Every now and again I'll let it go to 5k which still has my oil life remaining at about 50%. I'm quite sure this is overkill.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 375
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From: Germantown MD
Re: Oil changes by the DIC data? (Cobra4B)
Mobil one tends to look dark anyway. I go by the DIC or every 6-7000 miles. I wouldn't take any oil filter over 8000 miles.
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