[Tin Man]

I know that conventional oils have come a long way, but synthetics are still far superior.

You will save money by not changing it every 3000 miles, following the oil life indicator, and not dump toxic stuff into the environment (one way or another) as often.

The overhead cam, variable valve train is sensitive to oil quality much more than older American overhead valve engine designs. Newest pollution control requirements need a high temperature at the combustion chamber and there is also higher compression. Conventional oil just doesn't cut it.

The required 5W30 GM 6094M spec oils on the market are mostly synthetic or semi-synthetic. Be careful that whoever changes your oil, even the dealer, uses this spec. I suspect many don't think it makes much difference, but from what I have read, the engine requires certain oil flow characteristics, I suspect for the variable valve timing which is usually hydraulic.

TM

 

[Tin Man]

I don't know if GM uses special "factory fill" oil, but if they do, and they recommend a certain interval, I would follow factory, not dealer, recommendations.

TM

 

[Tin Man]

I took it to the dealer today (at 3500 miles) and they charged $41 (including tax) to change the oil.....with a "free" car wash, interior vacuum and topping off fluids thrown in.....

They used Exxon 5W-30 oil.

Key1

Sorry, doesn't look like it complies with GM 6094M specification for this engine.

See: http://www.exxon.com/USA-English/Lubes/PDS/GLXXENPVLEXSuperflo.asp#SpecsApprovalsTitle

Page 6-11 of the owner's manual: Engine oil which meets GM Standard GM6094M and displays the American Petroleum Institute Certified for Gasoline Engines starburst symbol. To determine the proper viscosity for your vehicle’s engine, see Engine Oil on page 5-13.

As I suspect, many dealers don't think there is a difference among premium oils, but apparently there is. This engine is definitely different from the usual overhead valve Detroit engine. It is overhead cam variable valve timing and much more sensitive to oil type and additive package.

TM

 

[Tin Man]

Thanks for the feedback. I will swap the oil out myself (after a few hundred miles) and put Synthetic in.
Not using the oil recommended in the owners manual can't invalidate the warranty if the incorrect oil was used by the Dealer.....right??
Key1

No, but I'd be really mad at the dealer. Don't know what I would do, but you can always ask for them to put your supplied oil in at no charge. The filter should be OK, so don't change that.

TM