All Engines: Oil Change How-To with picture!
09-10-2009, 02:34 PM
#326
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Real world tests have shown that Mobil 1 can go over 15k miles before it actually starts to break down, and in fact BMW recommends going 15k between changes under ideal conditions. Not sure what oil they use, though.
Using the OLM on our cars, most people average 7-8k miles between changes, which is fine. You can probably go 10k with a filter change, but I wouldn't make a habit of it. Just make sure to check your oil level regularly - car won't always tell you when you're low until it's too late.
Using the OLM on our cars, most people average 7-8k miles between changes, which is fine. You can probably go 10k with a filter change, but I wouldn't make a habit of it. Just make sure to check your oil level regularly - car won't always tell you when you're low until it's too late.
09-10-2009, 03:18 PM
#327
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There's only 1 Mobil1 that might handle 15k OCI's and that is the EP stuff at $6+ per quart.
The other Mobil 1 formulations are just Group III basestocks similar to other OTC synthetics.
The other Mobil 1 formulations are just Group III basestocks similar to other OTC synthetics.
09-10-2009, 07:25 PM
#328
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I think the only difference between the two is the amount of additives / detergents they put in? I think those fade long before the actual oil breaks down. Don't hold me to that, though.
09-11-2009, 07:48 AM
#329
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Real world tests have shown that Mobil 1 can go over 15k miles before it actually starts to break down, and in fact BMW recommends going 15k between changes under ideal conditions. Not sure what oil they use, though.
Using the OLM on our cars, most people average 7-8k miles between changes, which is fine. You can probably go 10k with a filter change, but I wouldn't make a habit of it. Just make sure to check your oil level regularly - car won't always tell you when you're low until it's too late.
Using the OLM on our cars, most people average 7-8k miles between changes, which is fine. You can probably go 10k with a filter change, but I wouldn't make a habit of it. Just make sure to check your oil level regularly - car won't always tell you when you're low until it's too late.
09-11-2009, 09:39 AM
#330
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the cluster percentage is an estimated percentage of health. I wouldnt quote myself on it, but I believe that when that reaches 0% its supposed to mean its time for a change....or - its starting to break down and your oil needs to replaced, as it can no longer do its job correctly.
I change every 3000-5000 and havent let it go below 60% yet. But thats just me...i'm sure I could safely get away with much more mileage.
keep in mind, your cluster has to be reset when you change it...otherwise you could let it run down to 0%, change the oil, and it will still say 0%. the guage is just a best guess estimate at oil lifespan. I still feel better tracking mileage and doing it on my own schedule.
I change every 3000-5000 and havent let it go below 60% yet. But thats just me...i'm sure I could safely get away with much more mileage.
keep in mind, your cluster has to be reset when you change it...otherwise you could let it run down to 0%, change the oil, and it will still say 0%. the guage is just a best guess estimate at oil lifespan. I still feel better tracking mileage and doing it on my own schedule.
09-11-2009, 10:29 AM
#331
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GM has also noted that the OLM is conservative because they obviously don't want people bricking their cars if they go 1 tank past 0. Also, at 5% and below, you will get a ding in the car and a warning on the DIC to change the oil soon every time you start the car. It will not let you forget.
09-11-2009, 01:11 PM
#332
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the cluster percentage is an estimated percentage of health. I wouldnt quote myself on it, but I believe that when that reaches 0% its supposed to mean its time for a change....or - its starting to break down and your oil needs to replaced, as it can no longer do its job correctly.
I change every 3000-5000 and havent let it go below 60% yet. But thats just me...i'm sure I could safely get away with much more mileage.
keep in mind, your cluster has to be reset when you change it...otherwise you could let it run down to 0%, change the oil, and it will still say 0%. the guage is just a best guess estimate at oil lifespan. I still feel better tracking mileage and doing it on my own schedule.
I change every 3000-5000 and havent let it go below 60% yet. But thats just me...i'm sure I could safely get away with much more mileage.
keep in mind, your cluster has to be reset when you change it...otherwise you could let it run down to 0%, change the oil, and it will still say 0%. the guage is just a best guess estimate at oil lifespan. I still feel better tracking mileage and doing it on my own schedule.
Ha, i see i made this post when i was running mobil 1 5w30 all city. I see i went 5000 miles and it showed 24%. This time around with mobil 1 ow30, more highway than city driving, i have gone 5600 miles and show 44% left.
Last edited by CobaltCpe; 09-11-2009 at 01:17 PM. Reason: Automerged Doublepost
09-11-2009, 04:03 PM
#333
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If you're running Mobil1 and want to be good to the car, still change at 3k. I can change mine with Mobil1 for less than dino oil at the stealership. Therefore, I still run 3k intervals.
09-11-2009, 04:22 PM
#334
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I havent done one on my Cobalt yet (which is running M1 0w-30), but the car I replaced with the Cobalt was a Volvo S70 T5. 5cyl, turbo motor.. manual... so spirited driving like the Cobalt. I also ran M1 0w-30 in it too.
My oil analysis over a couple years showed that on THAT particular car, 5.5-6k was about the limit on the M1 0w-30. After 6k the TBN really started to drop off like a rock. The viscosity and flashpoint stayed decent, but it had lost a good portion of its detergent.
I really should send in a sample on the Cobalt next drain. I'm going to take this to 5k and see what its looking like. The Volvo has a much larger cartidge oil filter, so I'll be curious to see how dirty the oil is.
My oil analysis over a couple years showed that on THAT particular car, 5.5-6k was about the limit on the M1 0w-30. After 6k the TBN really started to drop off like a rock. The viscosity and flashpoint stayed decent, but it had lost a good portion of its detergent.
I really should send in a sample on the Cobalt next drain. I'm going to take this to 5k and see what its looking like. The Volvo has a much larger cartidge oil filter, so I'll be curious to see how dirty the oil is.
09-18-2009, 01:33 PM
#335
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Just changed my oil with this:
http://www.skymall.com/shopping/deta...d=102716746&c=
this thing is friken bad ass, no more jacking up the car or getting ramps, this thing sucks the oil right out through the dip stick.
I put in 6 quarts exactly and started the car up and let it run for a minute, checked the stick and its at the full level, i am going to check it again in the morning just to make sure.
Alldata says 6 quarts of oil so that is what i put in, i will update in the morning about the level. But seriously everyone should invest in this thing, its bad ass!
I also purchased a 1 1/4 socket from sears for like 7.99, worked like a champ.
http://www.skymall.com/shopping/deta...d=102716746&c=
this thing is friken bad ass, no more jacking up the car or getting ramps, this thing sucks the oil right out through the dip stick.
I put in 6 quarts exactly and started the car up and let it run for a minute, checked the stick and its at the full level, i am going to check it again in the morning just to make sure.
Alldata says 6 quarts of oil so that is what i put in, i will update in the morning about the level. But seriously everyone should invest in this thing, its bad ass!
I also purchased a 1 1/4 socket from sears for like 7.99, worked like a champ.
09-18-2009, 03:02 PM
#336
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09-25-2009, 12:35 AM
#338
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i sent you pm about letting me try this out on my car and you never responded over a week ago. I wanted to really see if this works and i am located in dallas just like you. I have my oil and filter ready and also the socket. Its just very hard for me to believe that works and gets all the oil out. I just cant seem to understand how you know when its at the bottom of the pan. You definitely know when you unscrew the drain plug. To me this is a SCAM!
09-25-2009, 12:36 AM
#339
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10-06-2009, 09:26 PM
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Press the accelerator to the floor and release. Do this 4 times in succession. 1,2,3,4 Done.
Your Oil Life Monitor will now be reset to 100%.