Many of us have questioned the wisdom of following the computers recommendations on oil changes .... as the Fram add of old said:
(showing a picture of your local freindly mechanic) .......
"You can pay me now or pay me latter"

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ +

"General Motors is revising in-car oil change warnings for 778,956 vehicles. The change affects vehicles sold with the company’s 2.4-liter I-4, including the 2010-2012 Chevrolet Equinox, GMC Terrain, Buick Regal, and Buick LaCrosse models.

Late last year, GM decided to update the software to shorten oil change interval warnings after noticing warranty claims for worn-out chains linking the crankshaft and the balance shaft in affected vehicles. The automaker found that changing the suggested oil change schedule could extend the life of those chains.

The revised oil change schedule isn’t dramatically different and will depend on driving style and conditions. “It might be 5000 miles, it might be 7000 miles,” Adler told the Automotive News. He also said the “need for shorter intervals is independent of the type of oil used.”

GM will adjust the oil change monitor (that indicates the oil’s remaining life in percentages) and warning lights in those vehicles free of charge, as long as owners visit the dealership by February 28, 2015. Owners of those vehicles should receive letters from GM. The software change should only take about 30 minutes at the dealer, GM spokesman Alan Adler told us in an email. “The visit may take longer depending how busy the dealership is.”

Source: Automotive News (Subscription required)


Read more: http://rumors.automobilemag.com/gm-s...#ixzz2RUAFjPan
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I use Mobil 1 and change it as the car reads 50% oil life because I was under the impression that the C6 oil life was set at 5,000 miles. I have subscribed to the earlier oil change philosophy and have not had any engine issues and my cars have gone 150,000+ miles.

 

It doesn't go by miles. There are many factors that determine the oil life remaining and mileage is low on the list.

 

Why do you think the C6 oil life was 5,000 miles if they DIC still reads 50%?


I change mine when it's at 0% left. Car hasn't blown up in 75k hard miles.

 

I had read that the 100% oil life according to the DIC was 5,000 miles. I change my oil at every 3,000 miles and no a mile more. At 50% I figured I was getting 2,500 miles per oil change. Nothing wrong with being conservative is there?

 

and since I dont know that computer formula I change my oil at 50% oil life.

Now I'm going to use a trip odometer to find out what that mileage is to satisfy my OCD. Thanks

 

 

For anyone who is curious about how the oil life is determined by the car's computer...

 

I never get anywhere near a mileage limit(usually 2-3,000 miles a year).I just do the annual oil change as per the manual.

 

I have 6k miles in the first 5 months and the dic shows 28%.

 

Nothing wrong with it, but the days of needing oil changes every 3,000 miles are many many years behind us. It's a lot of wasted money and time for nothing but "peace of mind" and no actual benefit.

I usually change my vette between 10,000 and 12,000 as most of it is highway miles to and from work.

My SRT8 Charger gets a change at 10,000

The oil monitoring systems are very intricate, and if you're curious about how your oil is doing after 10,000 miles send it in for an oil analysis. Many have found that the oil is good to 15,000 miles depending on driving conditions. You need to be sure to get a filter to match though.

 

HERE is another good read about OLM.

 

As I have said 100 times before in C5 and C6...this is one time when you can listen to your DIC ....The oil Life Monitor bases oil life on a variety of factors to determine oil life....I have changed my oil on my C5 and C6 by the OLM since new frequently going to 5% or even the CHANGE OIL NOW message OMG!!!! and no issues....if you change it more frequently you are wasting your time and money IMO as the oil that comes from these cars at the "end of their life" as deemed by the OLM could in fact probably go much longer. I have NEVER EVER EVER seen 10K miles between oil changes like some folks who apparently live in a magical world outside of mine seem to get. I never track my car or beat on it aside from the normal spirited driving and I probably get about 4500-5K between oil changes on my C5 but then again it is a blown and cammed car.

I suppose I could go back through my OnStar records and see how many times I have changed oil on my 07Z06 since new and get an average as it has 77K on it now....hell lets look just for fun....

Purchased new July 06

1st change 11/28/06 with 20% remaining
2nd change 04/24/07 with 13% remaining
3rd change 10/23/07 with 19% remaining
4th change 06/16/08 with 18% remaining
5th change 04/16/09 with 12% remaining
6th change 10/15/09 with 27% remaining
7th change 07/07/10 with 14% remaining
8th change 01/02/11 with 16% remaining
9th change 07/31/11 with 19% remaining
10th change 02/12/12 with 12% remaining
11th change 09/23/12 with 20% remaining


latest data 4/23/13 currently at 77% remaining 76,794 miles on the clock

now based on my math using 76000 miles that is 6900 miles on avg between changes which is still several hundred and in some cases a couple thousand miles before many manufacturers are recommending oil changes. I think this illustrates how much oil life is being wasted by changing well before the OLM tells you.

YMMV

 

I spoke to a tech at Mobil 1. My question was based on the fact I don't drive the car that much. I might put on 1,000- 1,500 a year. They told me the oil should be changed every year even with very low miles on it.

 

that is true....alternatively you could just drive it more

 

Do the math gang........not happening here.





You guys will spend $5,000 per wheel or $7,000 for a seat for a car that already came with 2 seats but won't spend $50 on an oil change???

 

No, I won't WASTE $50 on a needless oil change, because that's exactly what it is, a waste of $$$ for no good purpose. I didn't get where I am financially by throwing money away.

As for the OP, what does an issue with a 2.4-liter I-4 have to do with a Vette???

 

I still go by miles. Having said that, I typically don't drive the vette more than 5,000 - 6,000 miles/year anyway, so I change it once/year, right before I put it to bed for the winter.

 

Mileage has nothing to do with it. Engine revolutions is the key factor, adjusted for load and temperature and a couple other things. But it isn't mileage.

High-revvers who drive around town in 2nd and 3rd might see a change needed every 4,000 miles and guys mostly driving in 6th on interstates might see it every 8,000 miles.

 

I change mine once a year per the owners manual since I do not put all that many miles on it each year. However, if I did drive it more, I would follow the oil life monitor and change it as I got really close to zero (probably at 10% or less$.