2011 Silverado Hd Oil Selection

[Bravo1]

I am only at 73% oil life on my truck still have a ways to go,but I started to look into oil change cost and found in the owners manual 2 things.1) only 5-30W is to be used only. 2) Used only oil with the "Dexos 1" symbol on the oil container.This is the only oil allowed for Silverado HD 6.0L gas trucks now for 2011.The oil must have the Dexos 1 certification mark on the oil container as well. Found a GM website on Dexos that it is a certification program and have a list of approved oils. Also my owners manual also stated that failure to use this oil can result in engine damage not covered by the manufacture's warranty.Is there a reason that GM has set such a ridged oil certifacation program for it's approved oil for it's powertrains.And one more question when should I change the oil wait until the DIC indicator says "change oil" just curious as to when should I change the factory oil.

[Jsdirt]

......... Is there a reason that GM has set such a ridged oil certifacation program for it's approved oil for it's powertrains. .....

Probably because they're bankrupt & need money any way they can. There's nothing magic inside a GM engine that requires "special" oil - this is doing what it's supposed to do - scaring you into buying GM oil. This is just my .02 cents - your free to do as you choose.

 

When mine was new, I changed the factory oil as soon as I could - which ended up being quite a bit later than I had wanted at 2,000 miles. I would have preferred to dump it at 600 miles, but that's just me. I never go by that oil change monitor - I go by mileage. When running conventional oil, I still changed it every 3,000. When I switched to Amsoil synthetic it went to 25,000/1year whichever comes first. No, that's not a typo - it's good stuff, backed up by testing. Just my personal preference.

 

The way I figure it - GM isn't in the business of building vehicles to last 30 years. They're in the business of wanting you to buy one every 5. No matter what I'm driving or riding, the manufacture's oil is the LAST thing I use. Again, just my personal preference for the reason stated.

 

Here's the oil I run - read all about it: http://www.amsoil.com/catalog.aspx?code=AZOQT-EA (edit to say there are different viscosities available)

[markw8]

If you look at current lists there are many brands that meet the Dexos 1 spec. All GM did was come up with a single spec for their entire line. Dexos 1 is a semi-synthetic which is now good, even for the Corvettes and Caddys that called for full synthetics.

 

I'm sure you could use any quality oils without a problem. That said if you do have an internal engine problem, you want the correct oil in while under warrenty. This has likely been coming long before the bankruptcy.

 

Mark

[Bravo1]

I am looking at Mobil 1 5W-30 Dexos 1 fully synthetic oil,this oil also is on GM approved list of oils. Mobil claims it is a "15,000 mile guaranteed protection"it is on sale at Wal Mart for 6.68 a qt. AC delco pf48 at 3.74 a filter comes out to 43.82.Plus tax.I will continue to look for cheaper oil changes.Could not find the Penzoil Dexos 1 oil yet.Thoughts?