Oil Change
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 28
Likes: 6
From: Roswell, GA
Oil Change
Hello. Inquiry regarding the frequency of oil changes. In my automotively uneducated mind, I think changing the oil when the indicator hits 50% is a good thing, regardless of the miles driven between changes. I own a 2015 Z51 with ~32k miles and I'd say my driving habits are 60/40 (drives under 30 minutes/over 30 minutes) and I drive it hard where possible and appropriate. I've read differing opinions on the subject, but nothing specifically to the C7, so I'm here for real answers. Am I doing more harm than good or change away? Thank you.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 19,952
Likes: 6,753
From: Bonneville Salt Flats
First and foremost, it's just another car. Treat it in the manner that works for you, or has until now... more for your peace of mind than requirements of the vehicle. I changed oil in my C7 every year like clockwork for 5-years just as the indicator dictated, because the drive-train was still under warranty. Since, I've been more "flexible," so to speak. All the best. 
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 1,290
Likes: 360
From: Iowa
Oil should be changed at least once per year regardless of miles driven. I personally will do it in the fall shortly before putting it up for the winter.
As far as how frequent outside of the one year rule? When the OLM hits 0% or whenever else you feel like it. The only thing you're going to damage changing it more frequently is your savings. Personally I'll change the oil on my daily drivers and Corvette when the OLM is between 20-30% or 1yr whichever is first. Really as long as you go by the OLM/1yr rule you should be fine.
As far as how frequent outside of the one year rule? When the OLM hits 0% or whenever else you feel like it. The only thing you're going to damage changing it more frequently is your savings. Personally I'll change the oil on my daily drivers and Corvette when the OLM is between 20-30% or 1yr whichever is first. Really as long as you go by the OLM/1yr rule you should be fine.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 62,145
Likes: 1,730
From: Athens AL
C7 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist 2021
C4 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
I let it get to 0%, and then had the oil tested once, and it was still fine. It doesn't even warrant thinking about changing until its below 20% (assuming you are not tracking it). Only needs 1 oil change a year, right before I put it up for winter.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 28,431
Likes: 3,284
From: Hartford WI
Ran it down to 0 and changed. This is the result. The "loss of oil life" seems to be equivalent to the number of months it was stored. Guessing about 6000 should be fine. I would say that you can reset it at 0 and change at 67% if you want. Assuming you store for 4 months.
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Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 28,431
Likes: 3,284
From: Hartford WI
Oil should be changed at least once per year regardless of miles driven. I personally will do it in the fall shortly before putting it up for the winter.
As far as how frequent outside of the one year rule? When the OLM hits 0% or whenever else you feel like it. The only thing you're going to damage changing it more frequently is your savings. Personally I'll change the oil on my daily drivers and Corvette when the OLM is between 20-30% or 1yr whichever is first. Really as long as you go by the OLM/1yr rule you should be fine.
As far as how frequent outside of the one year rule? When the OLM hits 0% or whenever else you feel like it. The only thing you're going to damage changing it more frequently is your savings. Personally I'll change the oil on my daily drivers and Corvette when the OLM is between 20-30% or 1yr whichever is first. Really as long as you go by the OLM/1yr rule you should be fine.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 11,139
Likes: 1,912
From: Missouri City, TX
As GM and the OLM require for the warranty validation. That is between 5000 and 6000 miles for me.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 28
Likes: 6
From: Roswell, GA
I appreciate everyone's thoughts and opinions. Some comments seem to focus on the money/cost component, which is simply not a concern. The only goal I have is to take the best possible care of my vette so it will take care of me, that's it. Sounds like there are zero issues changing the oil as frequently as I do, so good to go. Thank you.