Originally Posted By: JimPghPA
The OLM for the 2001 Impala just gives a service message on the dash display. It does not give percent left, and frankly I think it is based on about 3K OCI.
Maybe later models have a better OLM but as for the 2001 Impala I was never very impressed by the OLM message coming on at less than 3 K when I knew I had a good oil that still had plenty of life left on it at less than 3K miles. And by the way, the oil also was not low.
You're right some (and also later) models had an actual percentage left readout. However your model is not simply a mileage based counter set for 3k. It factors in tons of real time data to give an accurate oil change time. The actual mileage WILL vary with a multitude of conditions.
Originally Posted By: JimPghPA
Originally Posted By: AuthorEditor
I've got a 2003 Impala with the 3.4 and about 72,000 miles, and so far no intake gasket problems (keeping my fingers crossed). Engine seems to run very clean. Last OCI was about 4200 on PP 5w30 and a PL10111 with no oil consumption and oil looked very clean when it came out. Just judging from what it looked and felt like I would guess I could have gone 6000 easy. This car seems to be easy on oil. My wife mainly uses the car for short trips and lots of starts and stops, so I would consider it severe service.
Which longer PureOne filter are you using now?
BTW I think one of the most important things to running any oil for more than 3K is to properly maintain the vehicles cooling system. If the engine runs too hot because the cooling system can't keep up, then the oil probably will break down early, might not even make it to 3K.
I spend money on vehicle preventative maintenance , not on AAA membership. I have the cooling system in our vehicle flushed every 3 years, and replace belts, hoses, and batteries when they are worn or too old. Also change transmission fluid and filter (including torque converter fluid) replace fuel filter, air filter, belt tensioner, and have starter and alternator rebuilt before they go bad.
Also have a set of Blizzaks on rims for winter for both vehicles.
One thing you left out for longer than 3k oil changes is to properly maintain the PCV system. If it's not working up to par, then you can get a sludged up engine.
