GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

I only see one maintenance schedule in the owner's manual. It states that oil and filter changes must occur every 8000 km (or every 3 months, which ever occurs first). I dont have a problem with the mileage part (better than the standard mantra of 5000 km) but I think I resent the time interval part. For my other, now out of warranty vehicle, I drive about 1700 km a month and change out the synthetic oil and filter about every 5 months. I want to do something similar for the new car but of course want to be in good standing with the GM warranty. I think I recall seeing a thread which describes how the Vibes Toyota cousin, the Corolla, has oil changes mandated at 8000 km or 6 months Did I miss something in our manual?

You have to remember that this is all a "catch all" idea. The whole concept of 5000km or 3 months was to make sure people changed their oil often enough.For the most part - the km's are what matter most, not the amount of time between the oil changes. Unless you experience extreme temperature differences regularly (promotes condensation/water in the oil) == then you should go by time, and be checking visually more often.If you really want to blow all those numbers/dates out of the water - look into getting a bypass filter system. Uses toilet paper rolls as the filter medium and filters down to where you couldn't believe. I've talked to one guy using one in his 1986 Ford F150 - he hasn't done a full "oil change" since about 1990. Does a filter element change (+1 litre of oil) every 6 months, plus sends a sample of oil off for testing. So far so good - engine is running strong.

Quote, originally posted by Altus »For the most part - the km's are what matter most, not the amount of time between the oil changes. Just playing devil's advocate (ie GM ) But since the 3 months is written in the owner's manual then if one is to maintain the manufacturer's built in and extra extended warranty then doesnt the owner necessarily have to follow the time interval as well as the kms?

the oil changes doesn't affect your warranty whether you do it with them or not. I regularly do my oil changes and so I have no receipts to prove my oil changes. But hasn't affected my warranty. thank goodness....but car still is in the shop and hoping to get it back this week from the traumatic surgery of the blown head gaskets.

Quote, originally posted by CyBeRjUnKiE »the oil changes doesn't affect your warranty whether you do it with them or not. I regularly do my oil changes and so I have no receipts to prove my oil changes. But hasn't affected my warranty. thank goodness....but car still is in the shop and hoping to get it back this week from the traumatic surgery of the blown head gaskets.Not entirely true.Depending on what kind of damage occurs, if it COULD happen because of neglecting to change your oil, GM can demand you show receipts proving the intervals and most recent oil changes. If you can't produce those, and oil tests show oil is at fault, then yes, your warranty can be denied.

True, I was referring to items damaged due to other unforseable causes, and not linked to the oil. It's like changeing your Air Intake to a CAI, it shouldn't affect your warranty unless the damage or the item you are claiming for warranty was not caused by the aftermarket mod. As for oil changes, it would be good to record them often to ensure that you have proof that you've been doing them as well.

Quote, originally posted by ragingfish »Not entirely true.Depending on what kind of damage occurs, if it COULD happen because of neglecting to change your oil, GM can demand you show receipts proving the intervals and most recent oil changes. If you can't produce those, and oil tests show oil is at fault, then yes, your warranty can be denied.yes keep your receipts even if you do it your self they may beable to backtrack the idem number from the store you got it from to see what veicles they belong to>