Towing/oil

[RedRockSierra]

I just bought an 08 Sierra 5.3L. I will be towing after having put about 700 miles on the truck. My question is should I change the oil prior to towing? What grade or quality oil is in the truck from the factory. Any and all answers are appreciated.

 

 

Thanks,

 

Michael

[C & A s Dad]

Your Owner's Manual will tell you what is currently in the truck. I think it is 5W 30 unless they have changed this on the '08 models.

 

I would stick with the factory weight and move to a full synthetic. I personally use Amsoil but there are tons of good synthetics out there.

 

If I were you and about to work the truck and it had close to a thousand miles on the factory fill, I would change it. You will find some metal in the oil from break in and I would want to get this out before "tuggin" a load with a new truck.

[RedRockSierra]

Your Owner's Manual will tell you what is currently in the truck. I think it is 5W 30 unless they have changed this on the '08 models.

 

I would stick with the factory weight and move to a full synthetic. I personally use Amsoil but there are tons of good synthetics out there.

 

If I were you and about to work the truck and it had close to a thousand miles on the factory fill, I would change it. You will find some metal in the oil from break in and I would want to get this out before "tuggin" a load with a new truck.

 

 

THANKS!!! I do plan on moving to a full synth oil, I was just waiting till about 10K to change from conventional to synthetic. However, I will change the oil prior to towing.

[Bish]

Your Owner's Manual will tell you what is currently in the truck. I think it is 5W 30 unless they have changed this on the '08 models.

 

I would stick with the factory weight and move to a full synthetic. I personally use Amsoil but there are tons of good synthetics out there.

 

If I were you and about to work the truck and it had close to a thousand miles on the factory fill, I would change it. You will find some metal in the oil from break in and I would want to get this out before "tuggin" a load with a new truck.

 

 

THANKS!!! I do plan on moving to a full synth oil, I was just waiting till about 10K to change from conventional to synthetic. However, I will change the oil prior to towing.

 

 

Don't forget to change the rear gear lube after your first 500 miles of towing. Towing will really seat the gears and you will have fine metal in the oil. I've been running Mobil 1 for 7 years and 200K+ with lots of towing. No reason to pay $27 per quart from GM IMO.

[Rocco715]

I changed my oil to full synthetic with in the first 1000 miles, then again after the next 3000. then after that I change every 5000. but the 1000 and 3000 mile changes are part of breaking it in.