Proud owner of a 07 Cobalt.

I just bought a new 07 Cobalt for me and my wife (mainly for my wife). I'm deploying to Iraq for my first tour with the Army so my wife is going to be the main driver for the first year or so.

Got a couple of maintenance questions I'd like to find out about before I cross the Atlantic.

The dealer we bought the Cobalt from said that on average we won't need to change the oil on it, until it hits the 6,000 miles intervals or when the gauge reads 20%. That sounds like it's pushing a bit. Did the maintenance guys at the dealership pile some b$ on my doorsteps or is this a reliable rule of thumb?

And what are the better aftermarket air filters for the Cobalt? I've had good experiences with the reusable type (wash, dry, plug back in) on my Suburban. Are reusables worth it on a Cobalt?

Thanks, folks.

 

Congrats on the new car! First oil change I'd def do before 6,000 miles, do it early like 1,000 or 1,500. After that just go by the Oil Life Meter.

 

Dont go by oil life meter, its unreliable, do it every 3000 miles its just a good habit to get into.

 

1500 miles?! You are just asking for your car to be an oil burner, factory oil should be kept for atleast 3000 miles, the factory oil has additives to help break in the motor, changing your oil frequently doesnt allow your piston rings to seat and become a problem down the road. As a tech at a chrysler dealer, 3 mo or 3000 miles is the norm.

 

If you use dino oil then 3k isn't a bad interval to go by. If you're using synthetic i'd just go by the OLM, if anything change the oil filter at 3k but leave the oil alone until the meter tells you to change it.

 

Congrats on the purchase of your 07 Balt--hope you like it; stay safe over in the sandbox--it's no joke over there. Good luck and hope you love the car.

 

I definitely plan to stay safe over there. I plan to have full use of all of my faculties when I come back. And I plan to bring all 5 of my joes back with me.

I guess, I'll stick with the 3,000 plan. Thanks, everyone.

 

you'll get a few of these kinds of answers. but ask the people that wait longer than 3,000 miles. 3,000 miles is an old myth made by the oil companies so you buy more of their product

i use synthetic, change it between 5-7,000 miles, and it always looks like i could have left it in a little longer.

the engine is broken in before it's put in the car. you seem to know about cars in general, but you always give bad info about the ecotec and the cobalt.

 

a buddy of mine works at a GM dealer and he agrees that even though most motors are broken in, the factory fill should be left in for atleast 3k, Gm adds Graphanizer to their factory oil to help seat the rings and seal the valvetrain. Period

 

I was told to leave the oil in from the factory for 5000km (3000miles), and then change it every 5000km (3000miles). I have always done that with any car I have owned, and do that with this one. I don't follow the oil life meter.

 

i sell the cars and always tell customers to do the first oil change at 3500 miles, then follow the oil monitor. Contact the dealer or buy your oil at 10% but change it between 10% and 5%. That's a good rule of thumb. We have the best Corvette mechanic on the east coast and this is what he suggests.

 

He can change it at 5000-7000 if he wants but in my experinece its been better to change it at 3000, I have not data to back that up but its just my personal opinion. Many say 3 many say 6 its just a matter of opinion

 

no, it's not a matter of opinion it's a fact that in new cars, there's no reason to change your oil every 3,000 miles. ESPECIALLY if you're using synthetic.

but a quick question. how is it better "in your experience" when you also say "i have no data to back that up"

 

i switched to synthetic when the first oil change was needed. I change it about every 6k or when the meter says 20%. However with my finance's car thats running conventional i change it ever 3k

 

personal opinion, where is your data to back up your claims? And if its just a myth why do the synthetics say change every 6000, is that a mythical number to? so really if what your saying is correct and oil companies make the number up to sell more product then if we use your math, systhetics should last 12000 miles. If you like changing your oil at 5-7 good for you, I just prefer 3000 I have always practiced this and my dealer also makes me to get my free tire for life, so if i lose my free tires for life ill let my oil run until 6000 and then ill get back you on whether or not i felt a difference and/or change my opinions

 

And God looked down from above, and spoke: "We are due for an oil-change interval discussion"... And thus we were off! And the masses were satisfied. Thank you.

Just hasslin a little here. The forum's been a little slow lately, with so many threads about the TC and all.

 

i know this is chrysler, but it is srt 8 info, it is a high performance motor just like the LSJ.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES - SRT8
There are two maintenance schedules that show the required service for your vehicle.

First is Schedule “B.” It is for vehicles that are operated under the conditions that are listed below and at the beginning of the schedule.

Change the automatic transmission fluid and filter every 60,000 miles (100 000 km) if the vehicle is usually operated under one or more of the conditions marked with an ♦.

Day or night temperatures are below 32°F (0°C).
Stop and go driving.
Extensive engine idling.
Driving in dusty conditions.
Short trips of less than 10 miles (16.2 km).
More than 50% of your driving is at sustained high speeds during hot weather, above 90°F (32°C).
Trailer towing.♦
Taxi, police, or delivery service (commercial service).♦
Off-road or desert operation.
NOTE: If ANY of these apply to you, then change your engine oil every 3,000 miles (5 000 km) or 3 months, whichever comes first, and follow the maintenance recommendations on Schedule “B” in this section.


NOTE: If ANY of these apply to you, then flush and replace the engine coolant every 102,000 miles (170 000 km) or 60 months, whichever comes first, and follow the maintenance recommendations on Schedule “B” in this section.


NOTE: Most vehicles are operated under the conditions listed for Schedule "B."


Second is Schedule “A.” It is for vehicles that are not operated under any of the conditions listed under Schedule "B."

Use the schedule that best describes your driving conditions. Where time and mileage are listed, follow the interval that occurs first.


NOTE: Under no circumstances should oil change intervals exceed 6,000 miles (10 000 km) or 6 months whichever comes first.


CAUTION: Failure to perform the required maintenance items may result in damage to the vehicle.


At Each Stop for Fuel
Check the engine oil level about 5 minutes after a fully warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level while the vehicle is on level ground will improve the accuracy of the oil level reading. Add oil only when the level is at or below the ADD or MIN mark.
Check the windshield washer solvent and add if required.
Once a Month
Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or damage.
Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals as required.
Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir and brake master cylinder, and add as needed.
Check all lights and all other electrical items for correct operation.
Check rubber seals on each side of the radiator for proper fit.
At Each Oil Change
Change the engine oil filter.
Inspect the exhaust system.
Inspect the brake hoses.
Inspect the CV joints and front and rear suspension components.
Check the coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
SCHEDULE B
Follow Schedule “B” if you usually operate your vehicle under one or more of the following conditions.

Change the automatic transmission fluid and filter every 60,000 miles (100 000 km) if the vehicle is usually operated under one or more of the conditions marked with an ♦.

Day or night temperatures are below 32°F (0°C).
Stop and go driving.
Extensive engine idling.
Driving in dusty conditions.
Short trips of less than 10 miles (16.2 km).
More than 50% of your driving is at sustained high speeds during hot weather, above 90°F (32°C).
Trailer towing.♦
Taxi, police or delivery service (commercial services).♦
Off-road or desert operation.
NOTE: If ANY of these apply to you, then change your engine oil every 3,000 miles (5 000 km) or 3 months, whichever comes first, and follow the maintenance recommendations on Schedule “B” in this section.


NOTE: If ANY of these apply to you, then flush and replace the engine coolant every 102,000 miles (170 000 km) or 60 months, whichever comes first, and follow the maintenance recommendations on Schedule “B” in this section.

Miles 3,000 6,000 9,000 12,000 15,000 18,000
(Kilometers) (5 000) (10 000) (15 000) (20 000) (25 000) (30 000)
Change engine oil and engine oil filter, if not replaced at 3 months. X X X X X X
Inspect the air cleaner filter and replace if required.* X X X X X
Replace the air cleaner filter. X
Inspect the front and rear brake linings and rotors. X X
Replace the air conditioning filter. X
Rotate the tires. X X X

Miles 21,000 24,000 27,000 30,000 33,000 36,000
(Kilometers) (35 000) (40 000) (45 000) (50 000) (55 000) (60 000)
Change engine oil and engine oil filter, if not replaced at 3 months. X X X X X X
Inspect the air cleaner filter and replace if required.* X X X X X
Replace the air cleaner filter. X
Inspect the front and rear brake linings and rotors. X X
Check and replace, if necessary, the PCV valve.* X
Replace the air conditioning filter. X X
Rotate the tires. X X X

Miles 39,000 42,000 45,000 48,000 51,000 54,000
(Kilometers) (65 000) (70 000) (75 000) (80 000) (85 000) (90 000)
Change engine oil and engine oil filter, if not replaced at 3 months. X X X X X X
Inspect the air cleaner filter and replace if required.* X X X X X
Replace the air cleaner filter. X
Inspect the front and rear brake linings and rotors. X
Change the rear axle fluid. X
Replace the air conditioning filter. X
Rotate the tires. X X X

Miles 57,000 60,000 63,000 66,000 69,000 72,000
(Kilometers) (95 000) (100 000) (105 000) (110 000) (115 000) (120 000)
Change engine oil and engine oil filter, if not replaced at 3 months. X X X X X X
Inspect the air cleaner filter and replace if required.* X X X X X
Replace the air cleaner filter. X
Inspect the front and rear brake linings and rotors. X X
Check and Inspect the accessory drive belt and tensioner. Replace if required. X
Check and replace, if necessary, the PCV valve.* ‡ X
Change the power steering fluid. X
Change the automatic transmission fluid and filter. X
Replace the air conditioning filter. X X
Flush and replace engine coolant at 60 months if not done at 102,000 miles. X
Rotate the tires. X X X

Miles 75,000 78,000 81,000 84,000 87,000 90,000
(Kilometers) (125 000) (130 000) (135 000) (140 000) (145 000) (150 000)
Change engine oil and engine oil filter, if not replaced at 3 months. X X X X X X
Inspect the air cleaner filter and replace if required.* X X X X
Replace the air cleaner filter. X X
Inspect the front and rear brake linings and rotors. X
Check and replace, if necessary, the PCV valve.* ‡ X
Replace the air conditioning filter. X
Rotate the tires. X X X

Miles 93,000 96,000 99,000 102,000 105,000
(Kilometers) (155 000) (160 000) (165 000) (170 000) (175 000)
Change engine oil and engine oil filter, if not replaced at 3 months. X X X X X
Inspect the air cleaner filter and replace if required.* X X X X
Replace the air cleaner filter. X
Inspect the front and rear brake linings and rotors. X
Replace the spark plugs. X
Check and Inspect the accessory drive belt and tensioner. Replace if required. X
Change the rear axle fluid. X
Replace the air conditioning filter. X
Flush and replace engine coolant at 102,000 miles if not done at 60 months. X
Rotate the tires. X X

Miles 108,000 111,000 114,000 117,000 120,000
(Kilometers) (180 000) (185 000) (190 000) (195 000) (200 000)
Change engine oil and engine oil filter, if not replaced at 3 months. X X X X X
Inspect the air cleaner filter and replace if required.* X X X X
Replace the air cleaner filter. X
Inspect the front and rear brake linings and rotors. X X
Check and replace, if necessary, the PCV valve.* X
Change the automatic transmission fluid and filter. X
Replace the air conditioning filter. X X
Flush and replace the engine coolant at 120 months, if not replaced at 102,000 miles. X
Rotate the tires. X X X

Miles 123,000 126,000 129,000 132,000 135,000
(Kilometers) (205 000) (210 000) (215 000) (220 000) (225 000)
Change engine oil and engine oil filter, if not replaced at 3 months. X X X X X
Inspect the air cleaner filter and replace if required.* X X X X
Replace the air cleaner filter. X*
Inspect the front and rear brake linings and rotors. X
Check and Inspect the accessory drive belt and tensioner. Replace if required. X
Replace the air conditioning filter. X
Rotate the tires. X X

Miles 138,000 141,000 144,000 147,000 150,000
(Kilometers) (230 000) (235 000) (240 000) (245 000) (250 000)
Change engine oil and engine oil filter, if not replaced at 3 months. X X X X X
Inspect the air cleaner filter and replace if required.* X X X X
Replace the air cleaner filter. X
Inspect the front and rear brake linings and rotors. X
Change the rear axle fluid. X
Replace the air conditioning filter. X
Rotate the tires. X X X


* This maintenance is recommended by the manufacturer to the owner but is not required to maintain the emissions warranty.

‡ This maintenance is not required if previously replaced.

Inspection and service should also be performed anytime a malfunction is observed or suspected. Retain all receipts.

SCHEDULE A
Miles 6,000 12,000 18,000 24,000 30,000 36,000
(Kilometers) (10 000) (20 000) (30 000) (40 000) (50 000) (60 000)
[Months] [6] [12] [18] [24] [30] [36]
Change engine oil and engine oil filter. X X X X X X
Inspect the air cleaner filter and replace if required.* X X X X X
Replace the air cleaner filter. X
Inspect the front and rear brake linings and rotors. X X
Replace the air conditioning filter. X X X
Rotate the tires. X X X X X X

Miles 42,000 48,000 54,000 60,000 66,000 72,000
(Kilometers) (70 000) (80 000) (90 000) (100 000) (110 000) (120 000)
[Months] [42] [48] [54] [60] [66] [72]
Change engine oil and engine oil filter. X X X X X X
Inspect the air cleaner filter and replace if required.* X X X X X
Replace the air cleaner filter. X
Inspect the front and rear brake linings and rotors. X X
Check and Inspect the accessory drive belt and tensioner. Replace if required. X
Flush and replace engine coolant at 60 months if not done at 102,000 miles. X
Check and replace, if necessary, the PCV valve. * X
Replace the air conditioning filter. X X X
Rotate the tires. X X X X X X

Miles 78,000 84,000 90,000 96,000 102,000
(Kilometers) (130 000) (140 000) (150 000) (160 000) (170 000)
[Months] [78] [84] [90] [96] [102]
Change engine oil and engine oil filter. X X X X X
Inspect the air cleaner filter and replace if required.* X X X X
Replace the air cleaner filter. X
Inspect the front and rear brake linings and rotors. X
Check and Inspect the accessory drive belt and tensioner. Replace if required. X
Replace the spark plugs. X
Check and replace, if necessary, the PCV valve.*‡ X
Flush and replace the engine coolant at 102,000 miles if not done at 60 months. X
Replace the air conditioning filter. X X
Rotate the tires. X X X X X

Miles 108,000 114,000 120,000 126,000 132,000
(Kilometers) (180 000) (190 000) (200 000) (210 000) (220 000)
[Months] [108] [114] [120] [126] [132]
Change engine oil and engine oil filter. X X X X X
Inspect the air cleaner filter and replace if required.* X X X X
Replace the air cleaner filter. X
Inspect the front and rear brake linings and rotors. X X
Check and Inspect the accessory drive belt and tensioner. Replace if required. X
Check and replace, if necessary, the PCV valve.* X
Replace the air conditioning filter. X X X
Flush and replace the engine coolant at 120 months, if not replaced at 102,000 miles. X
Rotate the tires. X X X X X

Miles 138,000 144,000 150,000
(Kilometers) (230 000) (240 000) (250 000)
[Months] [138] [144] [150]
Change engine oil and engine oil filter. X X X
Inspect the air cleaner filter and replace if required.* X X
Replace the air cleaner filter. X
Inspect the front and rear brake linings and rotors. X
Replace the air conditioning filter. X
Rotate the tires. X X X


* This maintenance is recommended by the manufacturer to the owner but is not required to maintain the emissions warranty.

‡ This maintenance is not required if previously replaced.

Inspection and service should also be performed anytime a malfunction is observed or suspected. Retain all receipts.


WARNING:
You can be badly injured working on or around a motor vehicle. Do only that service work for which you have the knowledge and the right equipment. If you have any doubt about your ability to perform a service job, take your vehicle to a competent mechanic.