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Oil Change Interval

29K views 28 replies 20 participants last post by  Carzan 
#1 ·
Why have they put a system in to tell you when the oil needs to be changed and the GM mecanics say don't go by the system. Mechanics say still change the oil every three thousand miles. Wondering what everyone else who is using synthetic oil is running before an oil change. Thanks
 
#2 ·
I go between 3k and 5k, under normal driving. If I'm racing much, then I'll obviously change it a lot more often. I don't go by the Oil Life Monitor at all.
GM will warranty it if anything happens, and you follow the OLM, but I'd rather keep good, clean oil in all the time. Probably the biggest reason any car has a OLM with such long intervals, is it keeps cost of ownership down, which is huge for automakers to say.

-Jeremy :chevy:
 
#3 ·
I run Mobil1 full synthetic in my V6. Mine is not daily driver at this point. The car is only 1 1/2 years old with 8600 miles. I have done two oil changes so far. One at 4000 and 8000 mile mark. I want to say the oil life was at 55% used area on the gauge both times. Filter that I use is the NAPA Gold. The used oil both times was not that dark.

I have a bunch tech articles that the "Used oil life" gauge is very solid. Be sure to reset at each oil change. Also the 3000 mile interval is becoming a thing of the past. With modern oil technology and engine technology.

In my other cars, one being 2000 GMC at 160,000 and 2001 Ford at 135,000 miles. Standard oil at a 4500 miles change interval.

I feel the 3000 miles change interval is waste of money. Just my opinion .
 
#6 ·
So who do you think has a better idea of the life expectancy of the oil in your car, a mechanic, or the engineering design team at General Motors?
 
#14 ·
I use AMSOIL and change at 10K intervals. I'm at 36k right now, and will change it at 40K. Don't have to use the monitor, when mileage hits a 10K interval, its time to change. 8 quarts @ $10/qt is expensive enough. AMSOIL states right on the can that it is guaranteed to 15K intervals. I used to be a strict 3K nut.........
 
#15 ·
I run Royal Purple in all my Camaro's, and in my Tahoe. I've spoke to their Engineers, and just like AMSOIL, they recommend changing your oil once a year, or every 10,000 miles. The days of every 3,000 miles are long gone...... When you run synthetic oil, the life of the oil filter now becomes the issue, so I recommend a higher standard quality filter, like K&N.
 
#17 ·
I drop all my cars off every 5000 miles ... that's what I am comfortable with ... its easy to keep up with on the odometer ... that said the Camaro is currently showing my oil expectancy at 11000 miles

Currently have a 2003 RAV4 about to roll over 200000 and a 2007 Nissan Sentra at about 160000 ... zero issues with either (associated with oil or maintenance)
 
#19 ·
I run mobile one synthetic and change it every 5000 miles. Seen too many engines that went too long between oil changes.. It's the long term effects in my opinion that will effect the engine. If I wasn't planning to keep the car long I would go by the oil life system.. but since i want to keep it, I change it sooner.
 
#21 ·
I change about every 6k. Me its a time issue as I have to find a way to scheduel time with the dealer. I only have gm do mine while under warranty. I do find it funny that the dealer still puts the little sticker to remind me to change a 3k. I beleive that with the new oils that 3k is un-realistic. Just IMO...
 
#28 ·
Guapo,

If you conventional/dino oil then perhaps the 3K is understandable but like you and some others have said the 3K OCI is a thing of the past! Why not just use your built in "oil life monitor":confused: It's a proven method that's soild in it's usage and was designed for conventional oil. If you use a synthetic version then going the distance is a peace of mind for you:thumbsup:

Since your Camaro is still under warranty using the OLM monitor won't void your warranty. Or at least it shouldn't by an GM means.

Mail Clerk
 
#22 ·
I agree that 3k is a little early.. We had 2 trucks in here a couple weeks ago. Engine leak on one.. had 130,000 miles.. head gasket.. so had to tear it down.. he changed his oil every 4000-5000 miles and used mobile one, it was a very clean motor on the inside.. was impressed..

2nd engine.. running poorly.. diagnosed as valve in head most likely, he changed his oil regularly here according to the oil life monitor.. about every 7000 miles.. he had 65,000 miles on his.. it looked like 200,000 miles.. horribly carboned up and sludgy inside.

Not the first or last time we have seen it this way.. so there is my reasoning behind every 5000 with full synthtic.. :)
 
#23 ·
The shop I take all the normal cars to has told me they dont put the milage on the little stickers anymore, just the date. They said it was because the manufacturers all have stated intervals and someone took someone to court over the fact that there was nothing behind the recomendation that said a car should be in every 3000 miles.
 
#26 ·
jhofstra,

I don't have a Camaro yet but in my 08' Impala SS I use the "oil life monitor" exclusively. The monitor is designed for dino oil and so if you use any synthetic oil that's "Dexo" approved it should be fine. I use Mobil 1 synthetic and let the monitor do the job of telling me it's time for a service.

If your GM mechanic tells you to bring it in early and ignor the OLM then ask them to put in synthetic and begin to use the OLM like I do.

Take a look on "You Tube" and observe the GM's OLM system. It's all based on a scientific mathmatic formula. They do work and do it's job well. Like the others have said the 3K ooil changes are a thing of the past. Most oils produced today can go for an easy 6K.

Mail Clerk:thumbsup:
 
#27 ·
I do mine at 5k Mobil one fully syn like someone else said I've also seen an engine opened up with 5k oil changes with very clean internals
 
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