Oil Change Frequency? - Page 5

Mike Aruba · 01-12-2021, 08:20 AM

My oil life seems to go down pretty rapidly. I'm at about 65% and I've only driven 1800 miles. Mostly city driving.

ember1205 · 01-12-2021, 08:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike Aruba

My oil life seems to go down pretty rapidly. I'm at about 65% and I've only driven 1800 miles. Mostly city driving.

City / stop-and-go driving is the worst for wear and tear and will drop the mileage the quickest.

90503 · 01-12-2021, 08:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike Aruba

My oil life seems to go down pretty rapidly. I'm at about 65% and I've only driven 1800 miles. Mostly city driving.

I wouldn't say yours is going down rapidly...Looks pretty average to me.

For most, the OLM will likely parallel 1yr or 5Kmiles anyhow...

Above, 65%@1800 miles....30%@3600 miles.....0%@5140 miles (approximate)....A little more highway miles might get you closer to 6K miles at 0%...

RWT · 01-12-2021, 12:09 PM

What I do:

First oil change between 1k & 1.5K, second change at 5k on the odometer and all changes after that 5k or 1 year (all my vehicles). I use almost exclusively Mobil 1 & OEM recommended filters. I am trying to convert to following the OLM but it's hard to teach an old dog new tricks.

What I think can safely, easily and probably should be done:

Follow the OLM. The newest OLM algorithms measure so many systems, factors & parameters it's crazy. Virtually all of the reasons listed prior in this thread for desiring to not follow the OLM, with the possible exception tracking, are accounted for in the algorithm. There's no need to try and outsmart the OLM.

The old days of a "dumb" OLM just keeping track of mileage are long gone. Yes, you had to outsmart the older OLM systems and adjust for driving style, usage, etc., because it was going to tell you to change the oil at XXXX miles regardless. However, that is no longer the case.

The current OLM recommendations are based on OEM recommended oil (proper weight and Dexos approved) and a properly spec'd oil filter. So if using some specialty oil containing Unicorn urine that's not Dexos approved and/or a "better" non-spec filter, then all bets are off. Then again between the Unicorn urine and the better filter, the oil probably never needs to be changed. (j/k, don't get excited)

What I think you should do:

Whatever you want, it's your car, time and money.

JMHO
No expertise implied or expressed

Emoto · 01-12-2021, 01:48 PM

I change my SS's oil once a year. The car doesn't get a lot of miles. I am using a top Castrol synthetic oil and OEM filter. I am reasonably sure that if I had an oil analysis performed, it would tell me I could go longer between changes.

The OLM will run right down to about zero on the one year anniversary of the last change. I usually just go ahead and change it when the number is really low. If something happens to the motor within the 5/60 powertrain warranty (which seems unlikely), I don't want the maintenance records to indicate anything questionable.

JCunningham · 01-12-2021, 01:51 PM

just so you know the olm will go down to 0 with in a year even if you never start the car.

Emoto · 01-12-2021, 02:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JCunningham

just so you know the olm will go down to 0 with in a year even if you never start the car.

My experience bears this out. There is no way on earth that my oil is worn out from miles, and the garage is heated during the winter, so it ought to be fine.

I don't really mind changing it once a year, as that seems to be the general consensus about max time between changes. I do it my self on a pair of ramps and it is pretty painless. What I don't know is if "one year max" is even really true anymore.

JCunningham · 01-12-2021, 02:06 PM

they all still recommend that but they sell the oil.

ember1205 · 01-12-2021, 02:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Emoto

My experience bears this out. There is no way on earth that my oil is worn out from miles, and the garage is heated during the winter, so it ought to be fine.

I don't really mind changing it once a year, as that seems to be the general consensus about max time between changes. I do it my self on a pair of ramps and it is pretty painless. What I don't know is if "one year max" is even really true anymore.

My guess is that it's less about being "a year" and more about going through an entire sequence of seasons with varying temps, humidities, etc. and what the impacts to the oil are in terms of things like moisture or similar that may contaminate it through that sequence of time.

pauly1119 · 01-12-2021, 03:38 PM

I probably waste a good amount of money on oil changes but I kind of enjoy doing the maintenance with my car lift. I have 4200 miles and did 4 changes and the dealer also did one when I purchased the car with 500 miles on it that I didn't trust. So basically every 500 miles so far. Also did the differential at 2500.

Speak99 · 01-13-2021, 07:21 AM

GM dealerships here want $200 CDN for oil change. Ridiculous, since i bought the extended warranty, I will make sure i follow all the rules to ensure I do not void this.

90503 · 01-14-2021, 12:47 PM

Ok...True Confessions time...

My last oil and filter change was on 8-16-'18 at 21,126 miles...Mileage now is 22,536.

That's 1,410 miles in 2yrs and 5 months...lol...

The OLM reads 76% remaining!

Think I will change it today....lol...Oil looks clear and clean on dipstick, though...and the two unused 5qt jugs I have of Mobil 1 05W-30 are at least over two years old as well...I don't think that matters...lol...

ember1205 · 01-14-2021, 02:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 90503

Ok...True Confessions time...

My last oil and filter change was on 8-16-'18 at 21,126 miles...Mileage now is 22,536.

That's 1,410 miles in 2yrs and 5 months...lol...

The OLM reads 76% remaining!

Think I will change it today....lol...Oil looks clear and clean on dipstick, though...and the two unused 5qt jugs I have of Mobil 1 05W-30 are at least over two years old as well...I don't think that matters...lol...

The oil in the plastic containers is sealed to prevent moisture or contaminants from being able to enter.

Odds are that the OLM on the Gen5 cars does not take into account the calendar - only miles.

c4racer · 01-14-2021, 04:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ember1205

The oil in the plastic containers is sealed to prevent moisture or contaminants from being able to enter.

Odds are that the OLM on the Gen5 cars does not take into account the calendar - only miles.

Interesting - I have 3K miles on my oil and 18 months and at 12 months the indicator said to change the oil. 6th gen tho. I have been dragging my feet - had planned to do it before the winter when the car doesn't get driven as much. Guess I missed that by a few months. Will do this month for sure.

01-12-2021, 12:09 PM	#60
RWT Drives: 2020 Camaro RS Join Date: Oct 2019 Location: S.E. Georgia Posts: 125	What I do: First oil change between 1k & 1.5K, second change at 5k on the odometer and all changes after that 5k or 1 year (all my vehicles). I use almost exclusively Mobil 1 & OEM recommended filters. I am trying to convert to following the OLM but it's hard to teach an old dog new tricks. What I think can safely, easily and probably should be done: Follow the OLM. The newest OLM algorithms measure so many systems, factors & parameters it's crazy. Virtually all of the reasons listed prior in this thread for desiring to not follow the OLM, with the possible exception tracking, are accounted for in the algorithm. There's no need to try and outsmart the OLM. The old days of a "dumb" OLM just keeping track of mileage are long gone. Yes, you had to outsmart the older OLM systems and adjust for driving style, usage, etc., because it was going to tell you to change the oil at XXXX miles regardless. However, that is no longer the case. The current OLM recommendations are based on OEM recommended oil (proper weight and Dexos approved) and a properly spec'd oil filter. So if using some specialty oil containing Unicorn urine that's not Dexos approved and/or a "better" non-spec filter, then all bets are off. Then again between the Unicorn urine and the better filter, the oil probably never needs to be changed. (j/k, don't get excited) What I think you should do: Whatever you want, it's your car, time and money. JMHO No expertise implied or expressed __________________ RWT 2020 Camaro RS, V6, 6MT, Satin Steel 2020 Silverado, 5.3L CC, RST, Z71, Shadow Gray 2019 Equinox LS, 1.5L Turbo, Nightfall Gray Metallic

01-12-2021, 01:48 PM	#61
Emoto Sure, why not? Drives: 2016 Camaro 2SS, Jeep JKU Rubicon Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: SE Mass Posts: 1,538	I change my SS's oil once a year. The car doesn't get a lot of miles. I am using a top Castrol synthetic oil and OEM filter. I am reasonably sure that if I had an oil analysis performed, it would tell me I could go longer between changes. The OLM will run right down to about zero on the one year anniversary of the last change. I usually just go ahead and change it when the number is really low. If something happens to the motor within the 5/60 powertrain warranty (which seems unlikely), I don't want the maintenance records to indicate anything questionable. __________________ This is that witty and clever statement that makes you chuckle.

01-12-2021, 01:51 PM	#62
JCunningham Drives: 2017 2SS M6 Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: WNY Posts: 7,071	just so you know the olm will go down to 0 with in a year even if you never start the car. __________________ real ZL1 wheels and brakes, 285/305 Michelin Pilot Super Sports, Pray ported Intake manifold, Soler Throttle Body, Rotofab intake, EFI Tuning Flex fuel kit, full American Racing Headers Exhaust, 1 7/8" w/ cats H pipe and mufflers. Full 1LE suspension, with BMR adjustable sway bars and links, GM aluminum cradle bushings, Hurst shifter with lighter reverse spring, TWM shifter knob, Tick level 1 transmission. I should have bought a ZL1

01-12-2021, 02:06 PM	#64
JCunningham Drives: 2017 2SS M6 Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: WNY Posts: 7,071	they all still recommend that but they sell the oil. __________________ real ZL1 wheels and brakes, 285/305 Michelin Pilot Super Sports, Pray ported Intake manifold, Soler Throttle Body, Rotofab intake, EFI Tuning Flex fuel kit, full American Racing Headers Exhaust, 1 7/8" w/ cats H pipe and mufflers. Full 1LE suspension, with BMR adjustable sway bars and links, GM aluminum cradle bushings, Hurst shifter with lighter reverse spring, TWM shifter knob, Tick level 1 transmission. I should have bought a ZL1

01-12-2021, 08:20 AM	#57
Mike Aruba Drives: 2016 2SS Join Date: Apr 2020 Location: Florida Man Posts: 86	My oil life seems to go down pretty rapidly. I'm at about 65% and I've only driven 1800 miles. Mostly city driving.

01-12-2021, 03:38 PM	#66
pauly1119 Drives: 2018 ZLE Join Date: Feb 2018 Location: Palm City Fl Posts: 1,340	I probably waste a good amount of money on oil changes but I kind of enjoy doing the maintenance with my car lift. I have 4200 miles and did 4 changes and the dealer also did one when I purchased the car with 500 miles on it that I didn't trust. So basically every 500 miles so far. Also did the differential at 2500.

01-13-2021, 07:21 AM	#67
Speak99 Drives: Camaro 2020 2SS VERT Join Date: Dec 2020 Location: Ontario Posts: 223	GM dealerships here want $200 CDN for oil change. Ridiculous, since i bought the extended warranty, I will make sure i follow all the rules to ensure I do not void this.

01-14-2021, 12:47 PM	#68
90503 Drives: 2011 2SS/RS LS3 Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Torrance Posts: 14,418	Ok...True Confessions time... My last oil and filter change was on 8-16-'18 at 21,126 miles...Mileage now is 22,536. That's 1,410 miles in 2yrs and 5 months...lol... The OLM reads 76% remaining! Think I will change it today....lol...Oil looks clear and clean on dipstick, though...and the two unused 5qt jugs I have of Mobil 1 05W-30 are at least over two years old as well...I don't think that matters...lol...

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