oil life display (how true is it?)
Senior Member
Joined: 07-30-10
Posts: 1,027
Likes: 0
From: Detroit, Michigan USA
The OLS is a computer-based software algorithm that calculates the right time to change a vehicle's engine oil based on operating conditions (climate, driving conditions, etc). When it is time for an oil change, a "change oil" message will light up on the instrument panel or driver information center. Depending on the vehicle, this could be in excess of 7,000 miles and as high as 12,000 miles. The vehicle oil should then be changed within 600 miles of the display message.
The OLS monitors engine combustion events while also estimating oil temperature based on other engine operating conditions. Short trips, cold temperatures and towing loads all shorten the time between oil changes, while highway driving and milder temperatures extend the life of engine oil. It will automatically adjust the oil-change interval based on driving habits, engine characteristics and climate. From here, the computer is able to determine the rate of oil deterioration and notifies the driver when to change the oil.
Of course, you're fine to change the oil before the OLS sets off the "change oil" message, and the OLS is not calibrated to account for synthetic oils but rather the factory fill requirement.
Hope this information was useful to you all!
Sarah
GM Customer Service
Joined: 12-30-07
Posts: 14,079
Likes: 197
From: NEPA
If it's okay, I have some information on the Oil Life System (OLS) that might be interesting for you.
The OLS is a computer-based software algorithm that calculates the right time to change a vehicle's engine oil based on operating conditions (climate, driving conditions, etc). When it is time for an oil change, a "change oil" message will light up on the instrument panel or driver information center. Depending on the vehicle, this could be in excess of 7,000 miles and as high as 12,000 miles. The vehicle oil should then be changed within 600 miles of the display message.
The OLS monitors engine combustion events while also estimating oil temperature based on other engine operating conditions. Short trips, cold temperatures and towing loads all shorten the time between oil changes, while highway driving and milder temperatures extend the life of engine oil. It will automatically adjust the oil-change interval based on driving habits, engine characteristics and climate. From here, the computer is able to determine the rate of oil deterioration and notifies the driver when to change the oil.
Of course, you're fine to change the oil before the OLS sets off the "change oil" message, and the OLS is not calibrated to account for synthetic oils but rather the factory fill requirement.
Hope this information was useful to you all!
Sarah
GM Customer Service
The OLS is a computer-based software algorithm that calculates the right time to change a vehicle's engine oil based on operating conditions (climate, driving conditions, etc). When it is time for an oil change, a "change oil" message will light up on the instrument panel or driver information center. Depending on the vehicle, this could be in excess of 7,000 miles and as high as 12,000 miles. The vehicle oil should then be changed within 600 miles of the display message.
The OLS monitors engine combustion events while also estimating oil temperature based on other engine operating conditions. Short trips, cold temperatures and towing loads all shorten the time between oil changes, while highway driving and milder temperatures extend the life of engine oil. It will automatically adjust the oil-change interval based on driving habits, engine characteristics and climate. From here, the computer is able to determine the rate of oil deterioration and notifies the driver when to change the oil.
Of course, you're fine to change the oil before the OLS sets off the "change oil" message, and the OLS is not calibrated to account for synthetic oils but rather the factory fill requirement.
Hope this information was useful to you all!
Sarah
GM Customer Service
If it's okay, I have some information on the Oil Life System (OLS) that might be interesting for you.
The OLS is a computer-based software algorithm that calculates the right time to change a vehicle's engine oil based on operating conditions (climate, driving conditions, etc). When it is time for an oil change, a "change oil" message will light up on the instrument panel or driver information center. Depending on the vehicle, this could be in excess of 7,000 miles and as high as 12,000 miles. The vehicle oil should then be changed within 600 miles of the display message.
The OLS monitors engine combustion events while also estimating oil temperature based on other engine operating conditions. Short trips, cold temperatures and towing loads all shorten the time between oil changes, while highway driving and milder temperatures extend the life of engine oil. It will automatically adjust the oil-change interval based on driving habits, engine characteristics and climate. From here, the computer is able to determine the rate of oil deterioration and notifies the driver when to change the oil.
Of course, you're fine to change the oil before the OLS sets off the "change oil" message, and the OLS is not calibrated to account for synthetic oils but rather the factory fill requirement.
Hope this information was useful to you all!
Sarah
GM Customer Service
The OLS is a computer-based software algorithm that calculates the right time to change a vehicle's engine oil based on operating conditions (climate, driving conditions, etc). When it is time for an oil change, a "change oil" message will light up on the instrument panel or driver information center. Depending on the vehicle, this could be in excess of 7,000 miles and as high as 12,000 miles. The vehicle oil should then be changed within 600 miles of the display message.
The OLS monitors engine combustion events while also estimating oil temperature based on other engine operating conditions. Short trips, cold temperatures and towing loads all shorten the time between oil changes, while highway driving and milder temperatures extend the life of engine oil. It will automatically adjust the oil-change interval based on driving habits, engine characteristics and climate. From here, the computer is able to determine the rate of oil deterioration and notifies the driver when to change the oil.
Of course, you're fine to change the oil before the OLS sets off the "change oil" message, and the OLS is not calibrated to account for synthetic oils but rather the factory fill requirement.
Hope this information was useful to you all!
Sarah
GM Customer Service
i remember when everyone thought you were trouble.
Thanks for the info!
Senior Member
Joined: 07-04-10
Posts: 898
Likes: 0
From: Calgary
first off, i love my ride, however i do not change my oil any earlier than at 10% oil life, im not made of money hahaha damn car already sucks the money like gas hahaha not to mention its not a hand made lambo 
Never have any problems, computer takes into account many aspects as mentioned above posts, (driving style, warm ups, weather temps etc) all to give the 'life' reading.
To each their own, i prefer getting the most for my doller so its absolutly ludacris to me changeing oil @ 50% when there is plenty of life remaining within the oil (synthetic also has better properties, were not in the 90's anymore people, oil has changed lol. As manufacturer spec all LNF come with and call for synthetic).
Also seafoamed recently, i made sure to include proper dose for lifter, springs etc, shiz is amazing!!! love it
heres a link below for css how to.......
https://www.cobaltss.net/forums/how-...ct-how-255543/
Never have any problems, computer takes into account many aspects as mentioned above posts, (driving style, warm ups, weather temps etc) all to give the 'life' reading.
To each their own, i prefer getting the most for my doller so its absolutly ludacris to me changeing oil @ 50% when there is plenty of life remaining within the oil (synthetic also has better properties, were not in the 90's anymore people, oil has changed lol. As manufacturer spec all LNF come with and call for synthetic).
Also seafoamed recently, i made sure to include proper dose for lifter, springs etc, shiz is amazing!!! love it
heres a link below for css how to.......
https://www.cobaltss.net/forums/how-...ct-how-255543/
Senior Member
Joined: 09-09-07
Posts: 1,377
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver, WA
I still have mine changed regularly @ around 0-10%, using one of the best true synthetics on the market.
However guys, I hate to break the oil bubble here......
Oil changes aren't actually really all that necessary. In this perspective all a car really needs oil-wise are good top-off's and an occasional oil filter replacement. Anything more is just treating it with a lil more love.
However guys, I hate to break the oil bubble here......
Oil changes aren't actually really all that necessary. In this perspective all a car really needs oil-wise are good top-off's and an occasional oil filter replacement. Anything more is just treating it with a lil more love.
Member
Joined: 08-23-10
Posts: 315
Likes: 0
From: the north
The oil life monitor does look at how you drive. More WOT accelerations you do for example will drop the life much faster.
huhh??
huhh??
Senior Member
Joined: 06-02-08
Posts: 2,985
Likes: 2
From: TN
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