Oil Life

[natebosworth]

Quick question. I don't put a lot of miles on my Camaro. I'd say probably 2500 miles the last year.
How long does the Mobile 1 actually last? How often should you recomend I change it?

[kmcd]

Oh no. Here we go again.

EDIT: If you're only driving it 2500 miles/yr, change it once a year (that's the max amount of time you should leave it in there according to the owners manual).

As for miles, my oil-change interval is a closely guarded secret. You'll find that people on this forum have very strong opinions about this, and anyone who changes their oil more often is an idiot, while anyone who changes it less often is a maniac. Stand by and let the battle begin.

[natebosworth]

I'm talking actuall shelf life. As in is the oil good for a year? or longer

[kmcd]

pg 9-13:

Engine Oil Life System
When to Change Engine Oil
This vehicle has a computer system
that indicates when to change the
engine oil and filter. This is based
on engine revolutions and engine
temperature, and not on mileage.
Based on driving conditions, the
mileage at which an oil change is
indicated can vary considerably.
For the oil life system to work
properly, the system must be reset
every time the oil is changed.
When the system has calculated
that oil life has been diminished,
it indicates that an oil change is
necessary. A CHANGE ENGINE
OIL SOON message comes on.
See Engine Oil Messages on
page 4-32. Change the oil as soon
as possible within the next 1 000 km
(600 miles). It is possible that, if
driving under the best conditions,
the oil life system might not indicate
that an oil change is necessary for
over a year. However, the engine oil
and filter must be changed at least
once a year and at this time the
system must be reset. Your dealer/
retailer has trained service people
who will perform this work using
genuine parts and reset the system.
It is also important to check the oil
regularly and keep it at the proper
level.
If the system is ever reset
accidentally, the oil must be changed
at 5 000 km (3,000 miles) since the
last oil change. Remember to reset
the oil life system whenever the oil is
changed.

EDIT: Oil does have a shelf life even if it's still in the original container, but it's much longer than a year and actually depends on how much the container is subjected to radical temperature changes. My advice is change it every year.

[natebosworth]

You are a stud. Thanks man!

[kmcd]

Originally Posted by natebosworth

You are a stud. Thanks man!

You're welcome. I'm just glad we got you taken care of before the fire fight broke out.

[Inuyashas_Brother]

Originally Posted by natebosworth

Quick question. I don't put a lot of miles on my Camaro. I'd say probably 2500 miles the last year.
How long does the Mobile 1 actually last? How often should you recomend I change it?

Thanks.. I had the same question on my mind

[KARBON]

Some people say if you don't reach the miles then change it once a year, i say change it every 6 months.. You will get a hundred different opinions on this subject..

[NavyDood]

Once a year in your case. It's not even arguable with today's oils.

[Moorepheus]

I have a add on question. Should you change your oil before or after storage (being that the car will only be stored for winter/snow falling months about 4-5 here). I changed mine last fall before I stored her. Does it matter????

[Synner]

I do it before storage because the crud that builds up over time would then be sitting in your oil pan all winter. So better to let it hibernate with fresh stuff. Although in the grand scheme of things you'd never know the difference whichever way you went. Thats assuming you didn't wear the oil down to the 0% oil life monitor.

[kmcd]

Originally Posted by Moorepheus

I have a add on question. Should you change your oil before or after storage...?

Before.

[remdds]

I am in the same boat. I drive only 3500-4000 a year... not enough to have the DIC say time to change. BUT I do as kmcd quoted, The last time I had mine done at the dealer though they are still stuck on that old every 3,000 mile change rule. Apparently thay don't read GM manuals.

[NavyDood]

Originally Posted by remdds

I am in the same boat. I drive only 3500-4000 a year... not enough to have the DIC say time to change. BUT I do as kmcd quoted, The last time I had mine done at the dealer though they are still stuck on that old every 3,000 mile change rule. Apparently thay don't read GM manuals.

Sad part is.... they are fully aware. OLM is nothing new. They just want the quick easy buck.