Engine oil changes done on a regular and consistent basis is the single most important maintenance operation an owner can do to extend the life of a vehicle! Properly done, this service helps engines perform well into the 200,000 mile range. For the model year 2011, General Motors has announced a new set of oil specification changes for their vehicles. These new specificasions are known as Dexos 1 and Dexos 2. They are formulated with different types of oil stocks and additive packages than in the past.
For a number of years now, many car companies have been telling drivers when to change their oil through computer based dashboard messages. Many owners are using this technology for reminders of when to change their oil instead of relying on a set mileage and/or time schedule. (5,000 miles or 6-months whichever comes first). As a result, we are seeing a higher incidence of engine oil sludge and oil jelling occurring with our customer’s cars as they come in for repairs. These conditions indicate abnormal wear and tear on internal engine compnents from too long of an interval between oil changes! This eventually will shorten the life of the engine LONG AFTER the car is out of warranty. GM engineers have figured this out and designed a higher spec oil to combat this growing trend of extended and irregular oil drain intervals. The lesson here for all car owners who want their investment to last 10 years or more and 200,000 miles is – you may be at risk by relying just on the computer program of your car to alert you when to change the oil. Carefully evaluate your driving habits and don’t underestimate the long-term value of regular oil changes based both on time and mileage.
