Originally Posted By: Spyder7
Nothing wrong with following the OLM. Only problem I see is when people use it as a dummy gauge in place of the old school routine that the service manuals still dictate.
When was the last time you saw anyone check their tire pressure and fluids while at the self-service pump? The few times I've seen it done were by cab drivers, whose living depends on their vehicle needing to go anywhere, anytime, and down time is also lost income.
Due to an on-call schedule, I am similarly religious about doing this every fill-up (at a minimum) - but I also consider my car a sound investment that has the potential to pay for itself through years of hassle free performance.
Most treat it like an appliance, and put as much thought and care into it. No need to check the oil level, because the dummy gauge will tell them when its low (or so they think).
Edit: it'll be interesting to see how the attempts at using technology to idiot proof have paid off when these cars are 10 or 15 years old. My prediction: not well.
-Spyder
"Nothing wrong with following the OLM. Only problem I see is when people use it as a dummy gauge in place of the old school routine that the service manuals still dictate."
You obviously don't understand the Oil LIfe Monitor. It does NOT take the place of normal checking under the hood. It is an algorithm that monitors engine revolutions, temp. start/stop cycles, etc. The OLM (GM's at least) doesn't have a clue what type of oil is in the engine or if there is ANY oil at all.
The owner's manual for my GM vehicle states to check the oil and various fluids every other fill up. It states to follow the OLM unless it does NOT come on in a years time, in which case then change the oil and reset the monitor. There is no mention of mileage or "severe" service. That the beauty of the OLM it takes all the "severe" factors into account. If I do a lot of city driving in cold weather or tow a trailer for long distance the light comes on much sooner.
If I go mostly long trips on the freeway it takes much longer for it to come on.
Just because you don't see people checking their tire pressure at the gas station doesn't mean they don't do it. Like someone else said I do mine at home - along with the rest of the fluids on all 4 of my vehicles.
Follow me on a 1200 or more mile trip and you will see me checking fluids and my tire pressure very frequently - sometimes at gas stations, sometimes at roadside rests, sometimes at hotels in the morning.
And actually in regards to your remark: "it'll be interesting to see how the attempts at using technology to idiot proof have paid off when these cars are 10 or 15 years old. My prediction: not well."
The one person I mentioned with over 150,000 miles on his GM vehicle (using the OLM for up to 12K miles OCI) - his vehicle is a 2003. That makes it what 8+ years old? Is that close enough to 10?
Old habits and thinking sure die hard!