Synthetic oil change question

[Huskie]

Bought a new Chevy Equinox last fall from a dealer 100 miles away. Happened to be passing through that area when the first oil change was due. Now it's about time for the 2nd. I recall the service guy saying to use a certain brand of synthetic oil, one that only the chevy dealers have. My question is two fold, one, is synthetic oil, synthetic oil? Can I go anywhere for an oil change, even Wally World or my small town wrench? Or should I go to a local chevy dealer? 2nd, I'm at about 7,000 miles since the first oil change and the info center reads 47% oil life remaining. At what point do you get the oil change, miles or a certain percent. Guess I could study the manual also.

[Walleyehooker]

For the most part synthetic is synthetic. Chev doesn't make their own oil and not aware of any special additive added to the oil they use. I run mostly mobile 1 in all my vehicles but have also used penz.

[JollyJoker]

Your oil spec for your eco engine is dexos oil. It is on sale at m(e)nards if you buy pennzoil in 5w30 with a $10 rebate or advanced has a filter and oil special for $20 if you do it yourself. You need to use the dexos spec for your warrenty and is important for you variable cam function.

[Jeremy airjer W]

Yup, You need to use "DEXOS" approved oils in your new GM vehicle.

[Walleyehooker]

Guess I havnt shopped for a new vehicle in a while lol.

http://aoca.org/resources/have-questions-about-general-motors-dexos

[crothmeier]

Sister in law (teenager yet) went to wally world for oil change, they forgot to put an oil filter back on. She's not the brightest either. You can guess how that ended. Some things you just shouldn't buy at wally world. They did cover the damage costs however.

[DTro]

Q. If I don't use a GM-licensed motor oil, will my warranty be voided?

A. No, federal law prohibits a manufacturer from requiring the use of a specific brand in order to maintain the warranty. The FTC recently issued a consumer alert to remind consumers and businesses that the manufacturer or dealer must prove that a given product caused the need for repairs before denying warranty coverage on the basis of the product simply being used.

It is also worth noting that GM itself has acknowledged alternative engine oils may be used if dexos is unavailable: In the event that dexos approved engine oil is not available at an oil change or for maintaining proper oil level, you may use substitute engine oil displaying the API Starburst symbol and of SAE 5W30 viscosity grade. Use of oils that do not meet the dexos specification, however, may result in reduced performance under certain circumstances.

[JOHNBIGDOG]

Call the dealerahips parts department and ask if they sell "bulk" oil in what you need and compare that to the price per quart aftermarket. Our dealer sells oil in quarts but willsell you the bulk stuff only if you ask.

[fishingstar]

mobile one is OK to use it has the DEXOS rating

Dan

[Whoaru99]

Q. If I don't use a GM-licensed motor oil, will my warranty be voided?

A. No, federal law prohibits a manufacturer from requiring the use of a specific brand in order to maintain the warranty. The FTC recently issued a consumer alert to remind consumers and businesses that the manufacturer or dealer must prove that a given product caused the need for repairs before denying warranty coverage on the basis of the product simply being used.

It is also worth noting that GM itself has acknowledged alternative engine oils may be used if dexos is unavailable: In the event that dexos approved engine oil is not available at an oil change or for maintaining proper oil level, you may use substitute engine oil displaying the API Starburst symbol and of SAE 5W30 viscosity grade. Use of oils that do not meet the dexos specification, however, may result in reduced performance under certain circumstances.

Be careful here. Requiring a specific brand is not at all the same as requiring a specification.

IOW, they can't say "You have to use our oil or your warranty is void." but they can (and do say) "You have to use an oil meeting XXX spec." Of course using something that doesn't meet the spec doesn't result in immediate void of your warranty but you probably don't want to take on a big OEM in this regard as likely they have quite a lot of reliability data showing why they call out that spec.

[DTro]

That is touched on here.

Seems pretty clear to me

It is also worth noting that GM itself has acknowledged alternative engine oils may be used if dexos is unavailable: In the event that dexos approved engine oil is not available at an oil change or for maintaining proper oil level, you may use substitute engine oil displaying the API Starburst symbol and of SAE 5W30 viscosity grade.

[Jeremy airjer W]

I would say that a dexos approved oil is available in most markets. If it where not available than the alternative would be an oil with an API SN or ILSAC GF-5 which would "meet" the dexos rating.

If you are not using the appropriate oil specification than how can you expect a warranty?

[Huskie]

Thanks for the info, appreciate it. On a side note I did get a letter from GM today, similar to a recall stating they want to update the oil monitoring system which will shorten the miles between oil changes. It deals with a software update, I'll need to go in to a dealer but at no cost to me. Anyone know anything about this change?

[Jeremy airjer W]

I think this is the one in response to premature timing chain and engine wear due to the extended service intervals the vehicle is programmed from the factory with.

[Capt. H (Ret.)]

Dexos is the oil to use (because that is what is recommended by Chevrolet). It is a blend and not a full synthetic and for the slight difference in cost (maybe) it isn't worth the hassle if you have problem down the road.

Mike

[Capt. H (Ret.)]

I am not sure of the reason for the service bulletin but I was at the local Chevy garage yesterday and mentioned to them that the Equinox engine (ours is a 4 cyclinder) was using an excessive amount of oil. They told me to bring the car in and they would check the VIN and if it fell into a certain number they would submit a request to replace the engine. This vehicle is a service vehicle that I do not own. I passed the information on to my boss so we'll see what happens. 2010, 46,000 miles that was bought new. New transmission at 25,000 miles under warranty.

Contact your garage and have your service records ready!!!

Mike