Poll - How many use Synthetic Oil or Regular Oil in their Vibe?

Bdaz1 · Post by **Bdaz1** » Fri Nov 01, 2002 10:17 pm

Seen many posts on this subject but no poll.How many use/plan to use Synthetic Oil or Regular Oil in their Vibe?

Vibe Rater · Post by **Vibe Rater** » Sat Nov 02, 2002 11:13 pm

How does synthetic oil affect the GM warranty? Do they allow a longer period between oil change if you use synthetic oil?

d_m_kolb · Post by **d_m_kolb** » Sat Nov 02, 2002 11:22 pm

By law a car manufacturer can not tell you what kind of oil to use in there vehicles. They can tell you what the oil must be able to do meaning different certifications they recomend they have but they can not tell you what oil to use.Synthetic will not void a warrenty.

Flip-Side · Post by **Flip-Side** » Sun Nov 03, 2002 6:45 am

quote:Do they allow a longer period between oil change if you use synthetic oil?Most higher end GM vehicles come with Mobil-1 synthetic in them from the factory. As for longer period between oil changes, Mobil doesn't recomend it. This is what the Mobil site said.MYTH You don't have to change the oil as often when using Mobil 1. TRUTH While Mobil 1 has given excellent results in extended oil drain tests, ExxonMobil prefers to remain conservative with oil drain recommendations. ExxonMobil engineers recommend that you can go all the way to the maximum mileage or time frame shown in your owner's manual for oil changes when using Mobil 1 with SuperSynâ„¢. This allows the reserve protection capabilities of Mobil 1 with SuperSynâ„¢ to cover unusual or unexpected driving conditions.Oil change intervals can be as short as 3,000 miles or as long as 15,000 miles on some new cars. Mobil 1 with SuperSynâ„¢'s high-performance reserves can give you the confidence to go the full mileage or time frame recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. Mobil 1 with SuperSynâ„¢ is especially suitable for the latest vehicles with extended drain intervals or vehicles with oil monitoring systems that vary oil drain intervals.

Fritzburg · Post by **Fritzburg** » Tue Nov 05, 2002 2:15 am

I never treated synthetic oil any different then dinosaur juice, chaged it at 5000km. I can't say if there is a difference, but I went back to dino juice because of the price point.

Stang2Vibe · Post by **Stang2Vibe** » Tue Nov 05, 2002 7:39 pm

I used Mobil-1 TriSynthetic in my last vehicle and had no trouble with it. Ford recommended a 5,000 mile oil change. With the synthetic, I increased oil changes to about 7,500 miles. I noticed easier cold starts, cooler running in the summer, better gas mileage, and seemingly a little more power. Having the engine run cooler during hot summer months saves gas too because less energy (and power) are lost through heat. My stepfather switched to the same Mobil-1 in his 1996 Monte Carlo when he took a new job and was driving back and forth from Pittsburgh, PA to Kalamazoo, MI every other weekend. He said he immediately noticed that the engine ran smoother on the highway and he consistantly calculated his fuel economy to be a little more than 21% better on his highway trips after the switch to synthetic. He switched around 38,000 miles and later gave the car to my sister who continued with the synthetic oil use. She just traded the car in on a 2003 Corolla that she wants to use synthetic in. That 3.1 motor had about 82,000 miles on it and it ran perfect. She traded it because the transmission went bad even though the fluid was drained and the filter replaced by the dealer more frequently than recommended. I happen to think that the 4T60-E transmission is garbage. I had the same engine/transmission in my 1994 Grand Prix and had the same tranny trouble around the same mileage (40,000). Amazingly, 3 different dealers couldn't figure out why both of these cars had the same problem and couldn't fix them.

mu_ohio · Post by **mu_ohio** » Wed Nov 13, 2002 10:16 am

Has anyone read the owner's manual for the Vibe? I'm sure it states that the 3000 mile interval is for extreme conditions and then a longer period for normal driving. I know all my past GM vehicles had this in their documentation. Someone please check it out, I don't want to be the only one making this claim. BTW, I use syntheic Armsol (sp?) since the local oil change place sells it for a decent price.

Post by **NSimkins** » Wed Nov 13, 2002 10:22 am

quote:Someone please check it out, I don't want to be the only one making this claim.Section 7 of the Vibe Manual from this thread:http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=1010.. contains the maintenance schedule. My Cavalier's manual has the same info as my Vibe.Every 3000 mi. for Short Trip definition (more intrusive) vs. every 7500 mi. for Long Trip definition.

PBFlash · Post by **PBFlash** » Wed Nov 13, 2002 11:11 am

I used the Quaker State synthtic blend. Cheaper than full synthetic but I figured it would be better than regular. I do mostly highway driving, 40 miles hway/10-20 local per day, but can be pretty hard on the car. I've changed mine at 3100 and 6200. Up to 9400 now and will change it this weekend. Is Quaker State a good oil to use?

esjones · Post by **esjones** » Wed Nov 13, 2002 11:59 am

I shoot for 6,000 mile oil change intervals, and use only pure synthetic oil (Mobil 1, Castrol SynTec). I got 240,000 miles on my 88 Bonneville, 190,000 and counting on my GMC Safari, and 118,000 and counting on my 98 Intrigue.I swear by the stuff. - Earl

Flip-Side · Post by **Flip-Side** » Wed Nov 13, 2002 7:12 pm

quote:I shoot for 6,000 mile oil change intervals, and use only pure synthetic oil (Mobil 1, Castrol SynTec). Fact is, Mobil-1, and Castrol Syntec use 100% Synthetic Base oil, and then the rest is the additive package(stuff that cleans, protects, and affects viscosity). These additives are NOT synthetic, hence the oil is not 100% synthetic. You will find a * symbol next to the 100% claim that is continued on the back of the bottle.AMSOIL, REDLINE, PURPLE ROYAL, ect. are truly 100% synthetic. But I use regular oil, its cheaper.

mu_ohio · Post by **mu_ohio** » Wed Nov 13, 2002 8:57 pm

Well according to the Vibe manual I think most of us probably fit into the Highway/Long Trip interval. If I drive someplace, it's 20 miles on the freeway, I don't toe, and it's not on dirt roads. I think we have just been mislead by the Oil industry for so long that we are afraid to think different. Plus they sell us synthetic and say it's better, but still recommend the small 3000 mile interval? That does not make sense IMO.

NY Pete · Post by **NY Pete** » Fri Jan 17, 2003 4:28 am

I've used nothing but Mobil-1 in my cars for the last 5 years... my Corsica I had from 82,000 miles to 100k miles when I sold it to my fiancee's sister - she's been using snythetic under my recommendation and hasn't had a problem yet (now at 140k)...

Triton · Post by **Triton** » Tue Jan 21, 2003 5:40 am

I am seriously considering using a sythetic oil. But the recommendations and the opinions here seem split 50/50 on what kind of oil to use. Standard or synthetic. So now I am really unsure! I am also considering getting one of the Fram Sure-Drain actuator valves for the drain plug. I really want to change my own oil, especially if I am using synthetic oil because of the price.Any recommendations on what kind of oil filter to use?

tumbleweed · Post by **tumbleweed** » Thu Jan 23, 2003 3:13 am

Several years back Consumer Reports tested oil filters and Fram was the best it filtered the smallest particles and held much more crud before the bypass kicked in. I have used Fram filters in all my vehicles ever since.

d_m_kolb · Post by **d_m_kolb** » Tue Jan 28, 2003 1:39 am

Amsoil filters trap and hold small micron dirt and metal particles than any other filter I have ever seen. Plus the filter last 12,500 miles before needing to be changed.http://www.twocom.com/high_performance_ ... _filtersIf you purchase a duel bypass filter this eliminates the need for oil changes all together as long as your doing oil analysis.

vibe owner · Post by **vibe owner** » Thu Jan 30, 2003 1:38 pm

I bought the cheapest "brand name" 5-30 oil, change oil every 5000, filter every 10,000 same as past cars -- mostly because it is easy to remember. The Toyota dealer sells 3 filters for 4.95 each, good enough that I will stay with the factory filter (and factory wrench size).

d_m_kolb · Post by **d_m_kolb** » Fri Jan 31, 2003 12:31 pm

You change your oil every 5,000 miles but the filter every 10,000? So you put clean oil in the engine but leave the dirty no good oil filter in for another 5,000 miles? Do you realise your filter is probably by this time either not filtering any more or all most to that point. If your doing this the wear inside your engine is going to get out of control.Buying the cheapest oil you can find isn't a great idea, but this is of course your vehicle and you own it. No matter what all ways change the filter when you change your oil unless uses synthetic. If using synthetic go by what the oil manufacturer recommends.

DABEAR95 · Post by **DABEAR95** » Mon Feb 03, 2003 2:48 am

quote:Fact is, Mobil-1, and Castrol Syntec use 100% Synthetic Base oil, and then the rest is the additive package(stuff that cleans, protects, and affects viscosity). These additives are NOT synthetic, hence the oil is not 100% synthetic. You will find a * symbol next to the 100% claim that is continued on the back of the bottle.Fact is you are wrong about Mobil 1. Give Mobil a call and ask. At one time all synthetics used a non synthetic carrier oil for the additives. technology has advanced and Mobil 1 is infact 100% synthtic oil.Jason

d_m_kolb · Post by **d_m_kolb** » Mon Feb 03, 2003 3:18 am

http://www.twocom.com/high_performance_ ... bil_1_test

Triton · Post by **Triton** » Mon Feb 03, 2003 5:59 am

quote:Fact is you are wrong about Mobil 1. Give Mobil a call and ask. At one time all synthetics used a non synthetic carrier oil for the additives. technology has advanced and Mobil 1 is infact 100% synthtic oil.But what is their guarantee? AMSOIL has a good one. I would like to know what Mobil 1 has. And you know what they say about performace; numbers don't lie. AMSOIL puts up some pretty good stats on that link that Derek posted.

Chris · Post by **Chris** » Mon Feb 03, 2003 7:11 am

AAaaaarrrg! Going for first oil change... regular cost is 34.95... Mobil 1 is around $90! I smell a rip off.Canadian tire... cheapest oil is less than $2/L... Mobil 1 is $7.50/LThus $35 Less (2x4L) $8 plus ($7.50x4) $30 is $57Canadian.Does anyone else get the same kind of numbers? Do I need to do anything to the engine when moving from Reg dino juice to Synth?

d_m_kolb · Post by **d_m_kolb** » Mon Feb 03, 2003 7:50 am

Chris what are you upset about and I'll try to explain. So far someone brought up price. Amsoil will save you money even though it's more expensive at first.If your buy conventional oil and changing it every 3,000 miles or 3 months and then switch to Amsoil and do there recommended oil changes of 1 year or 25,000 to 35,000 miles I'm sure you can see how Amsoil will end up saving you over half what you would have spent on the conventional, plus paying someone to do it. If your doing it yourself then this is time you can be doing other things because your oil doesn't need to be changed. Plus the benefits of running the best synthetic in world. Cooler running engine when it's hot, much better protection when cold weather starting is going on, engine cranks much easier when cold out, saving wear and tear on the battery and starter, better fuel economy, and of course the engine is better protected.

Chris · Post by **Chris** » Mon Feb 03, 2003 7:56 am

Whoops... sorry you misunderstood me. I'm happy to pay for full synth in my li'll Vibe, what bothers me is that the differential the dealership is charging is over double the actuall retail cost of the synth product. I know you like Amsoil... the only reason I used Mobil 1 as an example as it's the most expensive I could find... others are aprox $6.99/L which should reduce the price. I had a bit of a rant regarding getting scammed by a dealer charging three times the cost for something that should only cost twice as much.Here is my question... when you change over from regular oil to synthetic, do you need to 'flush' the engine or something or can you do a simple oil change... out with the regular, in with synth?Thanks!

DABEAR95 · Post by **DABEAR95** » Mon Feb 03, 2003 8:24 am

quote:http://www.twocom.com/high_performance_ ... il_1_testI was not promoting Mobil 1, just correcting someone that was misinformed. I don't tell anyone to use any one type of oil. I use a few different brands myself. Itâ€™s up to each person to research and make an educated choice.Admin, I asked before, but does Amsoil make a 2-cycle oil that would be equivalent or better than yamalube?Jason

DABEAR95 · Post by **DABEAR95** » Mon Feb 03, 2003 8:35 am

quote:But what is their guarantee? AMSOIL has a good one. I would like to know what Mobil 1 has. And you know what they say about performace; numbers don't lie. AMSOIL puts up some pretty good stats on that link that Derek posted.If you would like some PROOF that Amsoil is incapable of making 25,000 miles in a "typical" vehicle, IM me and I will refer you to a site that people have posted their own oil analysis results that will show allot of the time this is not the case. Under certain conditions, it is true but not always. Same goes for Mobil 1, no way would I take Mobil 1 to 25,000 miles. Mobil Delvac 1 on the other hand Has Amsoil ever had to honor that warranty? Probably not, because it is virtually impossible to prove that the motor oil caused the failure of the engine. Chicken and Egg syndrome. After oil analysis that showed the oil to be in poor shape, Amsoil would say that there was a previous problem with the engine (such as blow-by) that caused the degradation of the oil. Again, I donâ€™t recommend any oil, I actually like Amsoil. But I do not think their claims are realistic based on the oil analysis I have seen (and the wear metals indicated).Here are some more tests...http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/AmsoilN_B.pdfJason

Lorin · Post by **Lorin** » Tue Feb 04, 2003 8:49 am

These extended mileages between changes would take some getting used to! The mechanic at the Mazda dealer was VERY adament that I change the oil every 2500 miles - said he didn't care if I did it there or not, jut DO IT!!! Well, I did, and at 88,000 miles the engine still ran great with no valve noise, but man, the rest of the car was a falling-apart hunk-of-junk!

camthecanuck · Post by **camthecanuck** » Tue Feb 04, 2003 9:15 am

Though I am a bit sceptical about synthetic oil I am seriously considering it as I love this car!!! I feel that GM dealers are a grade A rip-off for oil changes but don't want to jeopardize my warranty (which I got extended). I am nervous about WalMart but am seriously considering Midas or in a pinch, Canadian Tire. We don't have Jiffy Lube type places here or a Toyota dealer though I might travel 100 miles in search of same. Any valuable insights on this, especially from fellow Canucks? 5W30 anyone?

d_m_kolb · Post by **d_m_kolb** » Tue Feb 04, 2003 11:31 am

Ok I'll answer some of these questionsquote:Here is my question... when you change over from regular oil to synthetic, do you need to 'flush' the engine or something or can you do a simple oil change... out with the regular, in with synth?It is HIGHLY recommended you use a engine flush before switching over to synthetic. Conventional oils leave varnishes and slug that needs to be cleaned out as good as possible before doing the switch. Amsoil makes a great engine flush but there are others that will work as well.quote:Admin, I asked before, but does Amsoil make a 2-cycle oil that would be equivalent or better than yamalube?I personally feel Amsoil makes the best oils hands down in the world. I feel this way because of all the info I have read, tests I have seen done, and the story's of super high mileage engine owners.I think you'd notice a definite difference the first time you used AMSOIL Series 2000 2-Cycle Racing Oil. I'm sorry I can't say I have ever heard of yamalube but I'm very confident Amsoil is better.Click Here to see some interesting info on Amsoil's 2 cycle engine oil.I all ways hear people say they have prove that shows Amsoil can't go 25,000 miles. No one ever seems to really show that prove. People must realize even the best oil in the world can not last very long if the oil has been contaminated. I have seen many people (On other forums) use Amsoil oil but not there filters. They are using factory filters. This is pointless and a waste of money. Hell no Amsoil wont last 25,000 miles. It'll be doing good to go 7,500. The oil is fine but it's now got some much trash in it, it's not doing any good to the engine. Amsoil Super Duty FiltersWith the proper engine filter I honestly believe Amsoil can and will go 25,000 miles. Amsoil's 0W-30 is recommended for 35,000 mile oil changes. This is what I use.quote:These extended mileages between changes would take some getting used to! The mechanic at the Mazda dealer was VERY adament that I change the oil every 2500 miles - said he didn't care if I did it there or not, jut DO IT!!! Well, I did, and at 88,000 miles the engine still ran great with no valve noise, but man, the rest of the car was a falling-apart hunk-of-junk!The 3,000 mile oil change has been preached so much when someone hears something different they automatically believe it must be a lie because they have been told about the 3,000 mile oil change for so long nothing else matters. Oil company's preach the 3,000 oil changes because if extended oil changes begin to really catch on they'll lose huge amounts of money. The same goes for the quick lube oil change stores. So they keep preaching the 3,000 oil change. I think it's funny that over in Europe that the same car in the U.S. is recommended for 3,000 mile oil changes yet over seas they recommend 18,000 mile oil changes. Hmm is something not adding up here?The Auto Industryâ€™s Best-Kept Secretquote:Though I am a bit sceptically about synthetic oil I am seriously considering it as I love this car!!! I feel that GM dealers are a grade A rip-off for oil changes but don't want to jeopardize my warranty (which I got extended). I am nervous about WalMart but am seriously considering Midas or in a pinch, Canadian Tire. We don't have Jiffy Lube type places here or a Toyota dealer though I might travel 100 miles in search of same. Any valuable insights on this, especially from fellow Canucks? 5W30 anyone?By law you can not lose your warranty for doing extended oil changes or for using a different weight oil. If a dealer trys to tell you, you must use a certain weight oil and type by law the vehicle manufacturer must provide all the oil the vehicle will ever need and do the maintenance for you. Surprising how much a dealer service department lies to people to make a buck isn't it.Read thisIf anyone has any other questions please ask.

DABEAR95 · Post by **DABEAR95** » Thu Feb 06, 2003 4:57 am

I learned something that I did not know today. Amsoil has been buying PAO basestocks from Mobil for about 25 years and they purchase their additive package from a company called lubrizol.Here is a good thread on Amsoil vs. Mobil.http://theoildrop.server101.com/ubb/ult ... 01010Admin, are there any ways to get the Race 2 cycle oil any cheaper than Amsoil's main page? I want to try it, but its almost $9...Jason

d_m_kolb · Post by **d_m_kolb** » Thu Feb 06, 2003 6:52 am

I'm going to do some research and contact a few resourses and I'll respond on the basestock issue.Amsoil INC sets the prices and dealers aren't allowed to adjust the prices. They say this is done to keep dealer wars from happening. The price you see on my site is the price you'll pay.Now there is a program that allows you to by Amsoil products at dealer cost. If your inetersted in finding out about click the link below.Preferred Customer ProgramAmsoil's 2000 series 2 cycle engine oil

d_m_kolb · Post by **d_m_kolb** » Fri Feb 07, 2003 12:21 am

I wasn't able to verify the info about where Amsoil purchases certain products. That info isn't given out to the general public in order to protect vendors for confidentially reasons.I'm curious to know where this person got his info from. Oh well I can't say it true or not true. I just don't have that info available to me.

DABEAR95 · Post by **DABEAR95** » Fri Feb 07, 2003 4:24 am

Many of the products we use and take for granted come from a single source or from a very limited number of suppliers. How many factories actually produce tires? Its suprising!Jason

mu_ohio · Post by **mu_ohio** » Mon Feb 10, 2003 7:00 am

Well, I just got my oil changed after 5000k with Mobil 1. I decided to go in because the valves where getting louder and it has been a cold winter so far. To my suprise the AMSOil was cheaper so I went with it. Do you guys think that $50 for an oil change using AMSOil is ok? I feel that either oil will help in the long run and it probably won't ever benefit me since the vehile will be traded in after I pay it off. Do you guys feel that keeping the receipts and showing that I used synthetic will be helpful when selling the car?

DABEAR95 · Post by **DABEAR95** » Mon Feb 10, 2003 7:20 am

I would keep the receipts, it coulden't hurt!

d_m_kolb · Post by **d_m_kolb** » Mon Feb 10, 2003 10:27 am

Your using the best oil in the world. Sorry I wasn't able to get it for you. Remember you need to use a good oil filter or the best oil in the world wont do you any good. I'd all ways use a Amsoil Super Duty Oil filter. They filter down to 5 microns. Mobil 1 doesn't even do that.Also realise you can go 1 year or 25,000 mile on the oil. If you had the 0W-30 installed, that oil is recommended for 35,000 miles. Amsoil filters are recommended for 6 months or 12,500 miles. Amsoil is going to save you some money if your doing there extended oil drains. If you plain on still changing your oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles your only wasting good oil and your own money.So have you noticed any difference in the vehicle?

DABEAR95 · Post by **DABEAR95** » Mon Feb 10, 2003 10:41 pm

The ability of a filter to filter down to X micron is only half the story. If the filter filters very efficiently, there is a good chance that it will go into by-pass mode more often and allow unfiltered oil into the engine. Say a fram filters down to 20 microns and goes into bypass 1/10th as much as an Amsoil, since the bearing clearances are 20+ microns, those particles wont cause much damage and since the filter is filtering more often the overall wear will be reduced.See herehttp://theoildrop.server101.com/cgi/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=6;t=000269and herehttp://theoildrop.server101.com/cgi/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=6;t=000267The best solution is a good full pass filter that flows allot, and a by-pass filter that cleans down to 1-3 microns like the Amsoil by-pass filter. I would not recommend a high efficiency filter on the high revving Vibe engine myself. Just my opinion...Jason

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Mon Feb 10, 2003 11:27 pm

Perhaps I overlooked it here, and if I did I apologize...but can someone just flat out tell me the difference between synthetic and non-synthetic? I know synthetic is man made. That aside, what are the benefits and drawbacks of each, and why does it seem synthetic is preferred overall, but in many cases too expensive to use?Tanks!

d_m_kolb · Post by **d_m_kolb** » Tue Feb 11, 2003 2:29 am

On the filter issue in my opinion it's still best to use a filter that is rated down to the smallest micron. Amsoil is rated down to 5 microns. This means in your new vehicle the most clearence you may have after several miles of use would be in the range of 5 to 7 microns. It would be save to say at this clearence the engine could last all most forever. When you get into the 20 to 40 microns clearance your going to run into problems.If you want a filter with out a bypass and the best filtering of any filtering system available Amsoil sells a remote bypass system that uses a much larger filter and the filter is designed to filter down to 1/10 of a micron! Wear is all most stopped completely when this system is installed.Q. What's the difference between conventional petroleum motor oils and synthetic motor oils? A. Conventional petroleum oils are refined from crude oil which is pumped from within the earth. The refining process, however, does not remove many of the impurities inherent in the crude oil. These impurities detract from the lubricating ability of the oil and contribute to deposit, sludge and varnish formation. AMSOIL synthetic motor oils are constructed in the laboratory and contain no impurities. AMSOIL synthetic motor oils have uniform molecular structures and are designed for specific lubricating applications. They are not affected by the high temperatures or demanding operating conditions of modern engines.AMSOIL synthetic motor oils are guaranteed to run 25,000 to 35,000 miles or one year in mechanically sound engines providing, of course, the oil is kept free of contaminants by changing the oil filter according to the manufacturer's recommendation or, when using an AMSOIL oil filter, changing the filter at six months of 12,500 miles, whichever comes first. AMSOIL coined the phrase "extended drain interval" and it has been validated by 30 years of industry testing and by tens of thousands of motorists and millions of over-the-road miles.AMSOIL synthetic motor oils are more expensive off the shelf than most petroleum oils, but comparing AMSOIL and other motor oils is like comparing apples and oranges. AMSOIL's performance so far exceeds that of conventional motor oils, it's really a different class of product. AMSOIL is a premium product that rightfully commands a premium price.Like anything of real value, however, the true consumer cost doesn't end with the purchase price. AMSOIL synthetic motor oils are extremely cost effective compared to conventional 3,000-mile drain interval oils in savings realized in fuel economy, reduced repairs, fewer oil changes, reduced downtime, reduced maintenance and extended engine life.

DABEAR95 · Post by **DABEAR95** » Tue Feb 11, 2003 3:54 am

OFF TOPIC!I ordered that 2-cycle racing oil. Based on its 50:1 mix it will be somewhat cost effective as it yields almost 13 gallons of gas from a quart. I hope it works as well as the yamalube!It's supposed to be -8F at night this weekend where I will be riding the snowmobile!Jason

d_m_kolb · Post by **d_m_kolb** » Tue Feb 11, 2003 3:58 am

Let us know if you notice a difference. I think you'll be very happy with it.

DABEAR95 · Post by **DABEAR95** » Mon Feb 17, 2003 3:34 am

I didn't receive it in time to use it It was -30F Friday night (May have been colder, that is as low as the thermometer goes)Jason

philndz · Post by **philndz** » Tue Sep 16, 2003 3:19 am

Opinions? I am still using my dealer for oil changes with regular oil at about $35 per oil change and I do them every 3-4k. I really would like to use synthetic oil and of course change it myself to save $. BUT...my dealer gives me free 24hr Roadside Assistance, a 100,000 mile engine warranty, and a $150 tire warranty (all tires are covered for any damage and will be replaced with a $150 allowance). Ok...now i got the extended warranty on my vibe so the engine warranty is irrelevant and should not be a deciding factor. I guess i still have GMs 1-800-roadside until i hit 36,000 miles (soon) and i have no other tire warranty. So, if i continue with the dealer oil changes then i will get roadside and if i bust a tire then it is covered. If i go with synthetic then if i bust a tire its gonna be $100 or so dollars.I just dont know which way to go here. I really would hate to give up the tire warranty. When i get the next set of tires i will get the hazard warranty with them and then i'll have no real reason to use the dealer as i could get a AAA roadside membership for fairly cheap.

Zamboni Guy · Post by **Zamboni Guy** » Tue Sep 16, 2003 5:26 am

I've had one oil change since purchasing and used Durablend (Valvoline). Not full synthetic, but voted synthetic nonetheless.

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Tue Sep 16, 2003 7:32 am

quote:Opinions? I am still using my dealer for oil changes with regular oil at about $35 per oil change and I do them every 3-4k. I really would like to use synthetic oil and of course change it myself to save $. BUT...my dealer gives me free 24hr Roadside Assistance, a 100,000 mile engine warranty, and a $150 tire warranty (all tires are covered for any damage and will be replaced with a $150 allowance). Ok...now i got the extended warranty on my vibe so the engine warranty is irrelevant and should not be a deciding factor. I guess i still have GMs 1-800-roadside until i hit 36,000 miles (soon) and i have no other tire warranty. So, if i continue with the dealer oil changes then i will get roadside and if i bust a tire then it is covered. If i go with synthetic then if i bust a tire its gonna be $100 or so dollars.I just dont know which way to go here. I really would hate to give up the tire warranty. When i get the next set of tires i will get the hazard warranty with them and then i'll have no real reason to use the dealer as i could get a AAA roadside membership for fairly cheap.Are yuo saying your dealer will renig their warranties and roadside assistance add-ons because you chose not to get your oil changed there???

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Tue Sep 16, 2003 7:36 am

Isn't that against the law???

dmitri · Post by **dmitri** » Wed Sep 17, 2003 9:35 am

i use cam2 super pro. good stuff

drunkenmaxx · Post by **drunkenmaxx** » Thu Sep 18, 2003 3:30 am

i use valvoline durablend. i change oil about every 3500 to 4000 miles.

P POPPR · Post by **P POPPR** » Thu Sep 18, 2003 8:49 am

quote:How does synthetic oil affect the GM warranty? Do they allow a longer period between oil change if you use synthetic oil?The Corvette comes off the line with Mobil1. I'm due this weekend for my first oil change. I'm going with Mobil1 and a K&N filter. I plan on changing oil and filter every 6k.

Strobo43 · Post by **Strobo43** » Mon Sep 22, 2003 7:07 am

Mobil-1 all the way every 7500 miles