Oil change today

[2000 GMC]

Well during the winter here my "change oil" lights comes on about 3500 and 4200 miles.  I just went over the 4400 mile mark and it' hasn't gone on yet.  I just couldn't stand it any longer to I changed the oil.     Guess I'm going to have to do the oil at around 4000 miles from now on.  I use Moble 1 so I should be ok.  

[RyanbabZ71]

I am at 3 months (tomorrow) and only 2500 miles.  I am still running the techron so i am going to change it next wk along with the fuel filter

[Shaners]

From what I've read, tests have proven that the oil change monitor is very accurate.  I know it's hard to continue to drive when your gut feeling tells you to change the oil.

 

Also from the analysis that has been done, it seems that with the quality of todays oils and the quality of todays engines, we change our oil way too often.  Mercedes reccomends every 10K (I think) and my wifes Honda says every 7K under normal conditions (although I think I'll change it at 4K).  ;)

[bscottb]

My wifes Volvo S60 recommends changing every 10,000 miles.  

 

I don't trust GM's oil change light. If they can't design an engine that doesn't knock they can't create a complicated mathematical formula!

[brax71]

sounds screwy but when i pointed out to my salesman that the owner's manual didn't have a recommended interval he said every 5000.

[MarkD]

I change all of our vehicles at 5k intervals.  It is easy to keep track of on the odometer.

 

We bought an Accord (4dr LX, 4cyl) new in 96.  Changed the oil at 1k,3k,5k and then every 5k after.  Currently 160k miles with NO repairs (knock wood).  It uses NO Oil.  It gets 28 mpg city/33 mpg hwy(80 mph).

 

BTW, Mobil 1 10W-30 is all I use

[GnatGoSplat]

I trust the oil change indicator.  GM has been using these systems since 1988.  My Cutlass Supreme has one and it's an '89.  Even though it was an early attempt at an accurate oil change indicator, I've followed it religiously, NEVER changing the oil until it tells me to.  The car has 197k miles and runs like brand new.

I'll trust the oil change light in the truck too.

[Beaux Duke]

I change my oil and filter every 3k miles.  I use Castrol GTX 5W30.  

 

So far I've changed the oil at 500, 3k, 6k, and 9k.  The Oil Monitor came on at 7,200 and 10,400.

 

Looks like the Oil monitor is coming around to my way of thinking!

 

Beaux

[Speide]

I change all of our vehicles at 5k intervals.  It is easy to keep track of on the odometer.

 

We bought an Accord (4dr LX, 4cyl) new in 96.  Changed the oil at 1k,3k,5k and then every 5k after.  Currently 160k miles with NO repairs (knock wood).  It uses NO Oil.  It gets 28 mpg city/33 mpg hwy(80 mph).

 

BTW, Mobil 1 10W-30 is all I use

Me too but I use 5w-30

[Tobes]

I too do not wait for the light to some on....I guess old habits die hard.  Besides, an oil change is not that expensive.  I thought that the light just took into account how hard you have been on the engine and not on oil analysis.  If it analized the oil, I would think that the light would never come on if you change it before the light decides to come on....Just my thought.....I might be way off  

[gilbo]

on my two vehicle the oil gets changed the 1st weekend of every month, like clock work, mileage tends to be anywhere from 2700 miles to 3200 miles

[SilveradoWV]

My dealer gives the first change free at 2500 miles. Mine got changed at 2400 because I got an appointment earlier than I thought, but I probably wont rely on the message center, I plan to change it at every 3000 whether it needs it or not!!!

[Shaners]

I too do not wait for the light to some on....I guess old habits die hard.  Besides, an oil change is not that expensive.  I thought that the light just took into account how hard you have been on the engine and not on oil analysis.  If it analized the oil, I would think that the light would never come on if you change it before the light decides to come on....Just my thought.....I might be way off  

I don't believe it has a chemical analysis center in there...  Just a very good mathmatical algorithm that takes into account various things like RPM's, Miles, engine temps., Hours run time (hence the ever so cool hour meter), etc...

 

Tests have proven that 2 vehicles similarly equipped driven under totally different conditions, have had their oil sent in for analysis and it came back very close...

[ClipperSkipper]

I'm doing the every 3,000 change. Gives me a chance to look at everything else at the same time; e.g top off fluids, set tire pressure, safety check, etc.

 

Have a great one!

[kevin02tahoe]

Went to the local Chevy dealer at 2500 for my first oil change.  Asked the service manager what he recommends, wait for the light or at regular intervals...He changes at regular intervals in his own truck.  Enough said for me, I plan on every 5k.