Discuss any maintenance you've done to your Vibe & Matrix and ask how to perform maintenance on your vehicle
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Atrixz
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Post by Atrixz »

Ok, I was wondering what kind of oil the dealer uses. I've been changing my car oil at the dealer for over a year now. Been starting to wonder if I should start changing it on my own or go elsewhere.Then the 5w30, 10w30, 5w20, what does the 5/10w stand for? And what does the 30/20 after the letter w stand for? Are these something I need to pay attention to? Again, I've done all oil changes at the dealer because I had a 1 year coupon with free oil changes and my previous cars I've always changed at the dealer too, therefore I do not know much about oil at all.I also have a question about Synthetic Blend, Full Synthetic and Regular oil. Can anyone tell me the primary differences between these? And are there any noticeable performance changes? Thanks
jake75
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Re: (Atrixz)

Post by jake75 »

Dino 5w-20 for 2009 if the dealer is telling me the truth and not using the 5w-30 out of their drum. Probably not a major issue anyway.Only drive about 5,000 miles a year so prefer more frequent changes with Dino vs Synthetic. Change every 6 months.
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joshuaeb09
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Re: (Atrixz)

Post by joshuaeb09 »

Kendall GT-1 Synthetic 0w-20 every 5k.
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KITT222
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Re: (Atrixz)

Post by KITT222 »

I do believe that in my Vibe it is Valvoline 5w-30 synthetic
rAERRK
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Post by rAERRK »

castrol gtx 5w-30
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Post by beemerphile1 »

5W20 whatever name brand is on sale. It really doesn't matter. Type and brand of oil is one of the most absurd things some owners obsess about. Any oil that meets the manufacturer's specs is fine.
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dont13link
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Post by dont13link »

Yes there is a difference between synthetic blend, full synthetic, and conventional.Since oil prices have been so high the last few years, most conventional oil is now full of "filler" chemicals that stay in a liquid state at cold temps, but still provide some lubrication. The most common of these is paraffin wax. Sadly, Pennzoil and Quaker state are mostly this filler stuff.Synthetic blend has almost none of these fillers, and full synthetic has zero fillers.As for the composition of additives, that's regulated by the government with a mandated minimum. Case in point, Mobil 1 full synthetic SEL grade oil will have more additives than say Super Tech SEL grade oil, but due to government regulation bot still meet SEL requirements.Oil is like most of the things out there, the more you spend on it, the better it usually is. Just be careful if switching a car from conventional oil to full synthetic. The amount of anti-foaming agents and other additives is so high in full synthetic that it can actually cause oil leaks in cars with a decent number of miles on them. I was taught in school that you shouldn't change over a car with more than 30k miles on it.Hope this was helpful.-Ryan-
RWatters
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Re: (dont13link)

Post by RWatters »

Valvoline 5W30 High Mileage.
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Water boy
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Re: (RWatters)

Post by Water boy »

5W30 SuperTech (non-dino)Checkouthttp://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubbthreads.phpfor more info.
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Re: (Water boy)

Post by hextavo »

I use 5w-30 Amsoil full synthetic, I'm switching to their 0w-30 full synthetic for better cold starting.. I have about 170k miles and started synthetic at 120, so it can be done, but I burn a bit with my 25k mile oil changes, so I have to add a quart maybe every 10k miles!! I enjoy not having to drain my oil 5x as much as some of you guys who buy that walmart crap!! Well different strokes for different folks! (oh the 0w-30, claims to be good for 30k mile changes, If I go that long I will change my oil filter at 15k)
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Post by dont13link »

That's just what I was taught going to school to be a mechanic, and the guys that taught us drilled it into us that the one thing we should leave the class with was knowledge about oil.Since the 09-10's call for 0w-20, that's what I plan on using, but it's proving difficult to find anywhere around here, even at O'reily's or Autozone.And even thought the bottle says 5k, or the manual says 7500, I'm still a die hard about a 3k OCI. Call me "old school" I guess.
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Post by Old Tele man »

...fully synthetic Kendall 5W-30 at 5,000 mile intervals.
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Post by sideshowalan »

Synthetic 5w-30 of whatever brand is on sale, usually Pennzoil or Quaker State. Every 7500 miles with a Purolator Pure One filter.03 Vibe, 5 speed
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Atrixz
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Re: (sideshowalan)

Post by Atrixz »

Yeah, as of right now I'm still changing my oil every 3k miles or every 3 months, as "they" recommend it. But as for brand, it's not a great big deal for me, just more curious about the components in oil.
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Re: (Atrixz)

Post by BlueCrush »

Kendall Synthetic Blend 5W-30 every 3-4K miles
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Re: (rAERRK)

Post by Whelan »

Quote, originally posted by rAERRK »castrol gtx 5w-30+1 That's all I've used in my car since day 1. With 123k on the clock no need to change.
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Post by Cougar Vibe »

Just did an oil & ATF change this weekend; Pennzoil Platinum 5w30, PureOne filter & Toyo T-IV ATF. Should be good now for six months or 6K miles...like always.
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Re: (Atrixz)

Post by frankiemenz »

Mobil1 5W30, yes even though mine is a 2010 I am still using 5W30 and changing every 5000miles. I've been lucky to get some AC Delco filters through work for a very good price.
ParknVibe
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Re: (Atrixz)

Post by ParknVibe »

For the 2009-2010 Toyota and the Vibe I would use a brand of oil that has written on the bottle....Recommended for Toyota SAE 0W-20 and 5W-20 applications. And it should also say that it meets GM 6094M.Castrol GTX SAE 5W-20 has it printed on the front of the bottle that I have. I am now using Mobil I 0W-20 (Advanced Fuel Economy) fully synthetic. It also says warranty protection for 5W-20 requirements.My big concern is the dip stick oil level markings. I am a bit over filled with exactly four (4) quarts in it.
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Post by Whelan »

Do you do the oil changes yourself Ivibe?When I do mine I let it drain for 15 minutes then add oil to the filter before installing. Then I do 3.5 quarts, run for a minute, check the stick and re-add a bit if necessary. Typically I'm good with just under 4 quarts in my 05 1.8 1ZZ
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03VibeOttawa
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Post by 03VibeOttawa »

I've been using Royal Purple 5W30 synthetic for the past 4 yrs, every 5,000 kilometers, which works out to 4 times a year. Never burned a drop. I'm told I'm changing it more often than necessary, but I'd rather err on that side than the other.
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Re: (Whelan)

Post by ParknVibe »

Quote, originally posted by Whelan »Do you do the oil changes yourself Ivibe?When I do mine I let it drain for 15 minutes then add oil to the filter before installing. Then I do 3.5 quarts, run for a minute, check the stick and re-add a bit if necessary. Typically I'm good with just under 4 quarts in my 05 1.8 1ZZI have been doing my own oil changes since 1974. After having a free oil change and then a paid oil change at the dealer for the Vibe during the last two years, I was eager to get my hands oiled. If you read about my issues herein, I complained about the dealer overfilling it Twice. When I drain the (exactly filled oil level) (that I corrected myself) , with the filter, I got out only a little more then 3/4 of a gallon (3.5 qts). Putting in four quarts in raised it above the dot about 3/16 inch. BTW: I do let it drain out for up to an hour. But this first time maybe fifteen minutes with just a warm engine.
10vibe
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Re: (Ivibe)

Post by 10vibe »

I have had similar experiences with dipstick readings. The 09-10 1.8l vibe takes 4.4qt, or 4 qt and 12.8 ounces. At 4 qt, mine looks a little under. If I add 6 to 8 ounces of the remaining 12.8, I am invariably over, probably about a 1/4 or 5/16 of inch. The other thing that drives me nuts is that ordinarily you pull the dipstick, wipe it, put it back, then take your measurements. I have to look at it on the first try before the wipe or every other check has oil smeared up the stick. One side is worse than the other. I have tried pulling out the oil dipstick different ways, installing 180 degrees, dimples up, dimples down, nothing helps, except to wait a few minutes before checking again.The couple oil changes I had at the dealership has been about 7/16 to 1/2 of inch or slightly more over too. Wonder if they set their bulk loader at 4.5 qt. Last time was suppose to be Toyota 0w-20 and I assume that was in individual quarts, but who knows.On mine, I might be better off sticking with just 4 Qt. or only adding 3-4 ounces more. Time and more oil changes will tell. Of course if the dipstick markings or the way it seats is wrong, then we need to keep it "overfilled". I just love NOT KNOWING ANYTHING! So what is the right thing to do? Oil used has been dealership bulk Northland 5w-20, Mobil 1 0w-20, Toyota 0w-20, and wondering whether dealership actually gave me Toyota 0w-20 or if they gave me bulk Northland 0 or 5w-20 on last change.Playing with the idea of going to Mobil 1 0w-30 for next change.
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Re: (10vibe1.8auto)

Post by ParknVibe »

It seems to me that you just wrote almost word for word everything I said before the beginning of winter concerning the oil level. I have the 2009 2.4L engine so I am wondering why it is the same problem with the 1.8L? One thing that I would like to add is that when I received the 2009 Vibe brand new, I checked the oil level. And though I could hardly see the very thin clear oil on the stick, the oil was right at the top dot and stayed that way until the dealer did the first oil change.
10vibe
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Re: (Ivibe)

Post by 10vibe »

I concur! I do not remember it being overfilled before first oil change, and I know I checked more than once. I am going to have to go back and find your earlier posts. I wonder if anybody else has had this scenario. At least I now know I am not alone. Two different engines too. **edit**Found your post, "back to the oil change.": http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=42997All I can say is WOW! There should be a bulletin about this or something.Also found this on Edmunds while searching for similar problems:http://townhall-talk.edmunds.c...G2950
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vibenvy
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Post by vibenvy »

Diehard Penzoil dino user here. Nothing but Penzoil dino 5W-20 in both Vibes and nothing but Penzoil dino 5W-30 in my dad's '01 s10 (approximately 255,000 miles) and our '94 Sunbird (approximately 260,000 miles).Vibes get an oil change every 2500 miles with geniune Toyota oil filters.The s10 and Sunbird get an oil change every 3000 miles with AC Delco filters.
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Post by star_deceiver »

Pennzoil Platinum 5-20.Sometimes it gets overfilled a little, sometimes it's dead on the top dot but I always do it myself!
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Re: (star_deceiver)

Post by vibenvy »

Quote, originally posted by star_deceiver »I always do it myself!The only way to do it ! I am the only one that cleans our Vibes, rotates the tires, changes the oil and anything else I can get away with doing on my own. The less someone else is messing with them, the better.
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hextavo
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Re: (J_TO_ENVY)

Post by hextavo »

+1 to the above.. Gotta do it all yourself! Well I just switched to amsoil 0w-30, it seems to run good, im going to swap filters at 15k and try to get 30k out of the oil!
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Water boy
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Post by Water boy »

When you do it yourself you have a tendency to look at other things while you are in/under/around the car. Better chance to catch issues before they become $$$ problems.
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Re: (Water boy)

Post by vibenvy »

Quote, originally posted by Water boy »When you do it yourself you have a tendency to look at other things while you are in/under/around the car. Better chance to catch issues before they become $$$ problems.Exactly !
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Re: (Water boy)

Post by BrettZ »

Quote, originally posted by Water boy »When you do it yourself you have a tendency to look at other things while you are in/under/around the car. Better chance to catch issues before they become $$$ problems.Well said. Not too mention it saves money
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