I've got a 2002 4cyl s10 I've owned since it's 100k mile mark, it's at 145k now and aside from it being a little noisy(apparently normal for these motors) it's run just fine. It's been getting a steady diet of whatever dino is on sale 5w-30, sometimes an HM blend and sometimes not. It doesn't burn any oil and it seeps just a tiny amount, not enough to need any oil added between 3 month change intervals(I rarely ever drive more than 3k miles in 3 months). I suspect the valve cover gasket may be a little leaky since there appears to be a thin film of oil coating the head. I cleaned it up and tightened the valve cover and it's mostly gone away.
Lately I've been thinking about picking an oil and sticking with it. I know newer gm vehicles require dexos oil, should I bother getting something that's dexos certified? I've also read about people using diesel oil for cleaning, I'm not too concerned about that since it gets regular changes but some people also seem to prefer the add packs in diesel oils.
Perhaps some of my driving habits would help in making a suggestion:
I mostly use it for commuting, 20 miles a day or so of stop and go, the occasional highway run and 'italian tune-up' on my favorite stretch of road. I let it sit and warm up for 30 seconds to a minute before driving depending on the season.
I drive like grandpa except during the aforementioned 'itu' but the engine never gets 'lugged'.
I'm interested in some of your opinions about whether any change in the oil I choose is needed or if 'staying the course' of on sale name-brand dino is just fine.
Lately I've been thinking about picking an oil and sticking with it. I know newer gm vehicles require dexos oil, should I bother getting something that's dexos certified? I've also read about people using diesel oil for cleaning, I'm not too concerned about that since it gets regular changes but some people also seem to prefer the add packs in diesel oils.
Perhaps some of my driving habits would help in making a suggestion:
I mostly use it for commuting, 20 miles a day or so of stop and go, the occasional highway run and 'italian tune-up' on my favorite stretch of road. I let it sit and warm up for 30 seconds to a minute before driving depending on the season.
I drive like grandpa except during the aforementioned 'itu' but the engine never gets 'lugged'.
I'm interested in some of your opinions about whether any change in the oil I choose is needed or if 'staying the course' of on sale name-brand dino is just fine.