How important is for you the GM standard 6094M?

[vibe626]

The 2004 Vibe's owner manual (page 5-19) says: "Notice: Use only engine oil identified as meeting GM Standard GM6094M and showing the American Petroleum Institute Certified for Gasoline Engine starburst symbol. Failure to use the recommended oil can result in engine damage not covered by your warranty." When choosing a brand of oil for your Vibe, are you specifically looking for an oil certified as meeting the GM6094M standard?

[joatmon]

Quote, originally posted by vibe626 » When choosing a brand of oil for your Vibe, are you specifically looking for an oil certified as meeting the GM6094M standard? not at all. I never paid any attention to whether the oil I used was certified as GM spec compliant, didn't know there was a GM oil spec, but it makes sense that there would be one. So far I've only put castrol gtx in the engine, and am assuming that the oil is adequate. I'm guessing that almost any brand of oil is going to meet that specification, there are probably some really cheap off brand oils that won't meet the spec, but figure the standard consumer brands do.

[joatmon]

I have a 2003 base 5 speed. The 2003 owners manual doesn't have the reference to GM6094M, so I guess I don't have to worry about it tried replying to your IM, but got "This user has disabled instant messages."

[kcinmi]

I read that in my Owners Manual too. I still havent been able to find any oil that meets the GM 6094M standard. So I figure if Mobil 1 is good enough for the Corvette, than its good enough for my Vibe

[bandit454]

It won't hurt at all, there is not really much difference in oils, except maybe the real cheap ones. I went thru a training class thru Exxon and learned a lot. Also, remember that these engines are Toyota engines, not GM, just GM wants your money.

[vibe626]

The oil companies are not helping us here. According to Castrol's website, the GTX claims GM 6094M, but the Castrol Syntec Blend does not. Mobil's website does mention this standard. Mobil 1 is an excellent oil (and undoubtedly it meets the standard), but since it not "identified" as meeting GM 6094M, wouldn't one void the warranty by using it?Edit: I have seen this afternoon a 5-qt jug of Castrol Syntec Blend that mentioned the GM 6094M, as well as API SM. I guess their website needs to be updated.

[joatmon]

I think that the dealer would have to demonstrate that the choice of oil was responsible for causing the problem before they can deny warranty coverage.Since the warranty is only for 36K miles, you are not likley to cause much trouble in the warranty period by using oil that doesn't meet the GM spec. You are much more likely to cause prolems by not getting the scheduled maintenance done. If you change your oil and filter (or get it changed) regularly, and make sure that your oil level is within the desired range, and use a reasonable quality oil of the right weight (5W-30) then you're not going to run into warranty problems. For me the big concern is after warranty, I want this engine to last forever, so I use a good oil and filter, and change them regularly

[kcinmi]

I think I read somewhere that unless the manufacturer offers things like Air Filters, and oil, at no cost to the consumer, they can not deny warranty coverage because of what you use.