Break in oil

[gaC5]

My 2004 has 3,000 miles on it. When I checked the oil today it looked pretty dirty on the dipstick. The oil monitor says it still has 61% life left. I was just wondering since this is the oil put in at the factory if I should change it now or wait until it gets down lower on the oil monitor? I had a 98 I bought new and I waited until it was down to 10% before I changed it first and usually changed it about the same time after that. Which usually had about 5,500 mi. on it.

[vett boy]

If in doubt change it.There are more fine metal parts that collect for your first 3000 miles.

[c4cruiser]

Given the apparent low number of miles that you drive, I would change the oil once a year and not really use the oil life monitor as an indicator. I would change it now and be ready for next year.

If that is the factory fill oil, I would have changed it after about 1000 miles and installed a new filter. Engine break-in will dislodge small particles and the wearing-in of the parts can create small metal particles.

You should reset the monitor after an oil change even if you change the oil based on miles or the calendar.

IMHO, oil and a filter is cheap insurance (even Mobil-1) compared to the possibility of letting the oil go too far and the potential for premature wear or damage.

[JJS]

I use Mobil 1 in mine, and change it every spring regardless of the miles I put on. I only put a few hundred miles on this past year, but the oil/fillter will be the first thing done this Spring. Yes, I know that Mobil 1 is synthetic, and good for several thousand miles, but as someone else said, it's cheap insurance. Since the car obviously sits for long periods (it's in storage now), I want fresh oil just in case any moisture developed into the mix. I say get that oil out of there! -John

[C3L81]

Let me ask a question. What about Oil stabalizer? Not so much for gac5, but for overall long period storage. Everyone uses Fuel stabalizer, im curious why Oil Stabalizer isnt so highly regarded.

[JJS]

I use a synthetic anyway, so I don't think oil stabilizer is all that important. But I gotta admit, I never even heard of an oil stabilizer. I change my oil every spring anyway!

[c4cruiser]

Originally Posted by C3L81

Let me ask a question. What about Oil stabalizer? Not so much for gac5, but for overall long period storage. Everyone uses Fuel stabalizer, im curious why Oil Stabalizer isnt so highly regarded.

Motor Oil won't break down like gasoline will during long term storage. Gas can break down to the point where it will clog everything in the fuel system and even get to where the engine will not start with old gas. And I haven't heard of a oil stabilizer either!

Letting an engine sit for, let's say over a winter, will not hurt it. If the car is setting outside, there could be some condesation develop in the engine but that will burn off once the engine is started and the engine gets up to operating temps and runs for 15-20 minutes after that. The oil will still lubricate the internal components. It would be a good idea to change the oil after sitting for this time period and insures that any remaining condensation is removed.

If an engine is going to sit for a couple years or longer, you should remove the spark plugs and squirt some oil into the spark plug holes and spin the engine a few revolutions (without starting it) and replace the plugs. This adds oil to the cylinder walls for protection against rust and corrosion. You could then drain the oil and replace the oil filter. When the engine is to be restarted, it would be refilled with oil. Any gas should be run out of the fuel system for long term storage.

[theadmiral94]

Originally Posted by gaC5

My 2004 has 3,000 miles on it. When I checked the oil today it looked pretty dirty on the dipstick. The oil monitor says it still has 61% life left. I was just wondering since this is the oil put in at the factory if I should change it now or wait until it gets down lower on the oil monitor? I had a 98 I bought new and I waited until it was down to 10% before I changed it first and usually changed it about the same time after that. Which usually had about 5,500 mi. on it.

Yes, change it now and use a good filter (e.g. Mobil-1 oil AND Mobil-1 filter).

The owners manual (for our 2000) clarifies the GM Oil Life System is NOT PERFECT and that other criteria can/should be used to determine when to change the engine oil. It says:

"Never drive your vehicle more than 10,000 miles (16,000 Km) or 12 months (whichever occurs first) without an oil change."

"The system won't detect dust in the oil. So if you drive in a dusty area, be sure to change your oil and filter every 3,000 miles (5, 000 km) or sooner if the CHANGE OIL SOON message appears".

"Engine Oil Additives -- DOn't add anything to your oil. The recommended oils with the starburst symbol are all you will need for good performance and engine protection."

Let's face it, the manuals are not perfect, and often do not specify things that we all feel are better to do (e.g. more frequent oil changes, tranny and differential oil changes, etc).

But if the manual says to change something more frequently, or to NOT add something to the oil, I listen and would suggest so should everyone.

Hope this helps...