A Look at GM's Oil Life Monitoring System

[Brainwavewow]

I have a question, I just got my first oil change done on my car at around 7500KM cuz the OLM reading was at 5%. So if i switch too synthetic oil next time and I keep up my same driving cycle, the OLM will adjust accordingly, and probably will allow me to squeeze a few thousand more kms?

[NavyDood]

The OLM/computer will have no idea that you put synthetic in. What would happen is if temps reduced enough then the OLM wouldn't reduce as fast. A few thousand different? I honestly don't think more than maybe a 1000, but there is no actual proof.

[Brainwavewow]

^

So how would I know how long I can wait till i should change my oil? Because it seems most people here say they can go somethign crazy like 8,000 miles or 10,000 miles on synthetic.

[NavyDood]

Originally Posted by Brainwavewow

^

So how would I know how long I can wait till i should change my oil? Because it seems most people here say they can go somethign crazy like 8,000 miles or 10,000 miles on synthetic.

For warranty purposes you are still bound by the OLM. I don't know exactly how much the computer can tattle tale on you, but if you reset the OLM and have no proof of a oil and filter change you don't have a leg to stand on.

We currently have just over 12,000 miles on this oil and the OLM says 6%. I'll get around to changing it next week after I put some more miles on it.

[coloeb]

The oil life indicator is a good guildline to follow, only for the parameters it checks. New engines have a sacrificial coating on the bearings called babbit. this is a lead based metal that wears away as engine break in occures. Engine oil analasis detects all metal contaminants in the sample and reports them to the owner. Certain metals should never be present in the sample, and indicate a potential problem long before it can be seen otherwise. These metals , if allowed to remain can cause damage to the engine. There are also viscosity issues with any oil as well as pour point and other critical tests that determine weather or not the lube is acceptable for your application.
With oil changes as cheap as they are I change mine at the 3k mark reguardless of what the OLI says. Its just cheap insurance.

[NavyDood]

Originally Posted by coloeb

The oil life indicator is a good guildline to follow, only for the parameters it checks. New engines have a sacrificial coating on the bearings called babbit. this is a lead based metal that wears away as engine break in occures. Engine oil analasis detects all metal contaminants in the sample and reports them to the owner. Certain metals should never be present in the sample, and indicate a potential problem long before it can be seen otherwise. These metals , if allowed to remain can cause damage to the engine. There are also viscosity issues with any oil as well as pour point and other critical tests that determine weather or not the lube is acceptable for your application.
With oil changes as cheap as they are I change mine at the 3k mark reguardless of what the OLI says. Its just cheap insurance.

Sorry, but wth did I just read? Total post failure especially coming from a supposed chief engineer in some part of the automotive industry.

[Chevy girl 13]

Originally Posted by f5journal

As mentioned earlier, here is what I got in the mail on the wife's car

Hi my oil life is at 4% and my appointment isn't until Tuesday. Will it be okay until then I have maybe 60 miles of driving until then.
Thank you

[franknbeans]

really depends on how you drove it then and also what type of oil. Any track days on the oil? What kind of oil?

[DGthe3]

Originally Posted by Chevy girl 13

Hi my oil life is at 4% and my appointment isn't until Tuesday. Will it be okay until then I have maybe 60 miles of driving until then.
Thank you

Probably. 0 isn't really 0, there is still quite a bit of a safety factor once it reaches 0 (I forget what I've heard it cited as, but its probably at least 10%).

But even if 0 is 0 ... you say you've got ~60 miles & 4% to go, you would have to have an oil change interval of just 1500 miles for 60 to equal 4% of the total life. Odds are its been at least twice as long, if not 5 or even 10 times depending on how you drive. If you are close, as long as you aren't abusing your engine for that time you should be fine.

[Chevy girl 13]

Originally Posted by DGthe3

Probably. 0 isn't really 0, there is still quite a bit of a safety factor once it reaches 0 (I forget what I've heard it cited as, but its probably at least 10%).

But even if 0 is 0 ... you say you've got ~60 miles & 4% to go, you would have to have an oil change interval of just 1500 miles for 60 to equal 4% of the total life. Odds are its been at least twice as long, if not 5 or even 10 times depending on how you drive. If you are close, as long as you aren't abusing your engine for that time you should be fine.

The 60 miles is a guess for miles to work and errands. I plan to drive as little as possible until then. I checked the oil last week and is seemed fine. After reading all the quotes on this site though I guess I will play it safe and drive as little as possible. I just wonder if the dealer adjusted it so I would have to go often. Seems like I just changed it. thank you for such a quick reply.

[Indydriver]

Originally Posted by Chevy girl 13

Hi my oil life is at 4% and my appointment isn't until Tuesday. Will it be okay until then I have maybe 60 miles of driving until then.
Thank you

You'll be fine. Drive normally.

[franknbeans]

bumping this up. Had someone ask about it today.

[Moto-Mojo]

I know, holy thread resurrection, Batman... In 2008 the OP's quote said, "This is where Amsoil falls short in my book by proposing long change intervals in most everything if you use their oil. It just doesn't work that way."

All I know about Amsoil, other than I like is, in 1984 I bought a Bronco II with the 2.6L "Cologne" motor. An under-powered, basic V6 w/ 115HP. Not exactly a world class motor. I used Amsoil and did their recommended 12,500 mile run, change the filter and add a quart and run it for 12,500 MORE miles routine for almost all the 8 years I owned it. I regularly adjusted the valves but other than that, it was trouble free until I traded it in on a new Blazer in 1992. About 102K miles, as I recall.

I simply must attribute a good portion of that motor's longevity to Amsoil. In a time when 12,000 mile extended drain intervals were extremely uncommon. In any event, just my 2 cents on the OLD discussion.

[0stones0]

Originally Posted by Moto-Mojo

I know, holy thread resurrection, Batman... In 2008 the OP's quote said, "This is where Amsoil falls short in my book by proposing long change intervals in most everything if you use their oil. It just doesn't work that way."

All I know about Amsoil, other than I like is, in 1984 I bought a Bronco II with the 2.6L "Cologne" motor. An under-powered, basic V6 w/ 115HP. Not exactly a world class motor. I used Amsoil and did their recommended 12,500 mile run, change the filter and add a quart and run it for 12,500 MORE miles routine for almost all the 8 years I owned it. I regularly adjusted the valves but other than that, it was trouble free until I traded it in on a new Blazer in 1992. About 102K miles, as I recall.

I simply must attribute a good portion of that motor's longevity to Amsoil. In a time when 12,000 mile extended drain intervals were extremely uncommon. In any event, just my 2 cents on the OLD discussion.

I’ll chime in here as well, on Amsoil. Makes me feel confident on my engine and change intervals. Just picked 4 gallons of Signature Series (normally get the the XL but, my dealer was out). I change once a year and normally do from 5 to 7k. Use what you want to use, I get it but, for those of us who feel warm and fuzzy on what we use….to each their own.