For some of you who owns GM car with oil life monitor and thinks that changing oil every 3000 miles is a right thing to do this information could be useful. Part of this article is taken from GM Techlink November 2001 edition. I assume that they talk about conventional dyno oil, except where synthetic is recommended (Corvette).
" ... Briefly, engine oil degrades in a predictable fashion, according to several measurable engine operating conditions. The engine control module counts combustion events (measured in rpm) and reads coolant temperature. From these numbers, the computer is able to track oil deterioration and notifies the driver when a change is needed.
The best value from the cost of an oil change is obtained by maximizing the mileage between changes, so long as there is no adverse effect to the engine. With the GM oil life system, the average person can expect oil change intervals of 4000-7000 miles for mixed driving, and 7000 to 10000 miles for highway driving, while the Chevrolet Corvette and the 2002 Envoy, Bravada and TrailBlazer can achieve 15000 miles under ideal conditions.
... There’s a lot of information on vehicle maintenance shared on consumer-oriented websites – some correct, come erroneous, and some simply outdated. For instance, conventional wisdom calls for oil changes every 3000 miles. Not surprisingly, this conservative figure is also supported by those who derive income from selling oil changes. Many of your customers have become convinced that any longer oil change interval is somehow harmful to their engine. At the retail level, you can do your part by promoting proper use of the GM oil life system. Become familiar with its function, and be prepared to help customers understand that observing the monitor’s recommendation is the easiest way to take the guesswork out of oil change intervals. It also ensures that they are giving their vehicle the proper care it deserves, at the minimum expense."
[ July 07, 2003, 03:20 AM: Message edited by: Titanium_Alloy ]
" ... Briefly, engine oil degrades in a predictable fashion, according to several measurable engine operating conditions. The engine control module counts combustion events (measured in rpm) and reads coolant temperature. From these numbers, the computer is able to track oil deterioration and notifies the driver when a change is needed.
The best value from the cost of an oil change is obtained by maximizing the mileage between changes, so long as there is no adverse effect to the engine. With the GM oil life system, the average person can expect oil change intervals of 4000-7000 miles for mixed driving, and 7000 to 10000 miles for highway driving, while the Chevrolet Corvette and the 2002 Envoy, Bravada and TrailBlazer can achieve 15000 miles under ideal conditions.
... There’s a lot of information on vehicle maintenance shared on consumer-oriented websites – some correct, come erroneous, and some simply outdated. For instance, conventional wisdom calls for oil changes every 3000 miles. Not surprisingly, this conservative figure is also supported by those who derive income from selling oil changes. Many of your customers have become convinced that any longer oil change interval is somehow harmful to their engine. At the retail level, you can do your part by promoting proper use of the GM oil life system. Become familiar with its function, and be prepared to help customers understand that observing the monitor’s recommendation is the easiest way to take the guesswork out of oil change intervals. It also ensures that they are giving their vehicle the proper care it deserves, at the minimum expense."
[ July 07, 2003, 03:20 AM: Message edited by: Titanium_Alloy ]