seheduled OCI but the indicator say different

[Jim 5]

I got a letter from GM Canada and from my local GMC Dealer about 4-5 months ago telling me everything was OK.

It's funny that the only time you get a letter saying everything is OK is when everything is not OK.

 

[Durango]

Hey guys,

Just had a chance to get a hard look at the dealership that went belly-up!!! Looks like they were making plans around the time I bought my new Impala SS so now I don't have to really worry about having my oil changed at 3K. Just the same I might do it to get the factory oil out and start running a good synthetic and then go by the OLM from then on. Too bad they just couldn't tell me in advance.

Now the same company (POWER) will sell Nissans at the same local.

Durango

 

[Jim 5]

Originally Posted By: Durango
Hey guys,

Just had a chance to get a hard look at the dealership that went belly-up!!! Looks like they were making plans around the time I bought my new Impala SS so now I don't have to really worry about having my oil changed at 3K. Just the same I might do it to get the factory oil out and start running a good synthetic and then go by the OLM from then on. Too bad they just couldn't tell me in advance.

Now the same company (POWER) will sell Nissans at the same local.

Durango


Based on mulitiple OCI's with used oil analysis on my '04 Avalanche, you don't need a good synthetic (and I'm in climate with extreme cold temps). A good conventional oil changed in accordance with running to 0% on the GM OLM will do very well. I even ran it to -20% and UOA'd and came back with a very good UOA.

I understand wanting to give your new car the very best, but if you UOA you'll likely see that unless you're doing extended drain intervals, your UOA will be just as good with conventional as with synthetic.

 

[Durango]

Jim,

I know dino is made allor more better these days but for myself I'm a synthetic oil junkie. I'd rather begin to use a synthetic oil as soon as possible to satisfy myself and not necessarily the car itself. The main thing is finding another dealership to handle my service needs. The closest Cadillac dealersip say they can handle all GM cars/trucks so I'm gonna give em a chance.

For a synthetic I heard they use Castrol "Syntec" instead of the usual Mobil 1 that I prefer. Does anyone have an opinion about Castrol????? I'd like to know/hear from you all.

Durango

 

[Nick_Escalante]

Last fill I used castrol syntec for the 1st time, w/ KN filter deal from AAP, but I dont feel right since then. im a M1 guy, i will sit in my garage and stare at the M1 quarts on my shelf to make sure they are straight and aligned. [very disturbed]

 

[Durango]

Nick,

Generally I'm a Mobil 1 person too but since my Impalas under factory warranty I just have to use what they have in stock. Again, GM uses M1 as a standard synthetic so I can't understand why the Cadillac dealership has Castrol "Syntec" instead. OH well, no real biggie too me as long as it's a name brand. I still feel better they use a synthetic wether it be Mobil 1 or castrol "Syntec" instead of dino. I want to change it out soon at 3K and make the switch and then reset the OLM and begin to use it allowing it to tell me when it's time to change the oil again.

Durango

 

[Audi Junkie]

1st change should be atthe same interval you intend to run subsequent fills (assuming conventional oil).

I change not by miles, but on a timed schedule.

Instead of counting miles, decide how often you WANT to change oil, and select a product which allows you to go the miles anticipated in that time.

2-3-4 times a year is usually good.

It also allows seasonal changes of visc.

 

[Durango]

Audie Junkie,

For myself I go by miles driven. It just feels better for me over-all. What I want to do is change the factory oil out at 3K and then put in a good synthetic oil and reset the OLM and go by that from now on. With gas prices on the way up again most of my pennies will go for gas unless it remains stable currently. Since the GM "OLM" is designed for dino the usage of a synthetic will be a good cushion.

 

[Audi Junkie]

Yes, synthetic oil at OLM intervals is a good bet. In our climate, I prefer fresh oil going into winter, as the cold-cranking ability is quickly degraded in-service. Also the OLM going off in Jan/Feb is no fun either.

 

[RacerE7773]

I go with the 3 month/3000 mile changes, but only because I do it myself. otherwise, go with the OLM says.

 

[el_zorro]

I have experienced so many unscrupulous GM dealers that I try to minimize my interactions with them and would NEVER take my vehicles to a dealer for an oil change. The dealer mandating a 3K OCI was just taking advantage of customers and making more money. GM would back your warranty independently of that dealer.

I think the OCIs are handy tools and are made for people who pay less attention to their maintenance schedules than most of the people on BITOG.

I have noticed that even when I was a 3K mile guy, that if I didnt reset the OLM, and was running the truck hard (trailering, lots of idling, etc) that it would go to 0% between 6K-8K miles. This is fine for syn but on dino that would be stretching it with severe use.