Originally Posted By: Oil_Can_Harry
I recently purchased a new auto not long ago and it was my first in close to 10 years. Naturally, some changes have taken place over that span of time and one of the changes is an oil life monitor.
My question is how good are those things? Are they more gimmick and hype than useful. Thanks to anybody who replies.
I assume this is for the 09 Mercury GM listed in your signature? I am not familiar with Ford's OLM setup. GM's works very well however. Had 3 Chevy's with the OLM and they worked pretty well I thought. I have a Dodge Ram now with one that seems to be working good as well.
The GM ones work the same from day 1 while the Chrysler ones seem to have an initial trip point of 2500 set from the factory and then they start to work based off the use of the engine. The Chrysler one seems to be more conservative than the GM one.
Basically unless the mfg sets them up with preset mileage trip points they will use a mathematical algorithm that uses certain factors( based on how you use the vehicle )to determine when an OC is needed. OLM's actually do not in anyway check or monitor the oil. How you drive determines when they trip.
On my Chevy's I would see anywhere from 20%-50% oil life remaining at the 5K mark when I do my OC's. If I towed my boat, did a lot more city driving than normal, or let the truck idle a lot in the winter to warm up it went down faster than if I did more highway in warmer months without any towing. It really was effected by how I drove. On my new Ram it kicked on right at 2500 miles as everyone said it would. Some have said it kicks on every 2500 until upwards of 10K but on mine it seems to be working based on usage now. I did an OC at 4800 miles and reset it( had not come on - I just reset it at the OC )and it has not come on yet and I am at 9300 miles.
The GM and Chrysler ones seem to work well. I would assume no less from your Ford one. I would trust it myself.
Congratulations on your new ride.
