GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

i've got 35,500 miles on my vibe. what type of maintenance should i do? any suggestions on a synthetic oil and filter?

Assuming you have one, check your owners manual, it's all in there.

thanks i knew that much

have a dealer do a once over, if they say they wont just because, tell them you hear things

I use Mobil 1 w/Toyota OEM & Pure One filters...very happy with this setup so far. However, if you are on a budget, you might want to start stashing some Pennzoil Platinum since it's on sale after rebate for $1.99 (Pep Boys) & $2.08 (Advanced Auto). We're just starting to see some good UOA's at BITOG about this oil, but I wouldn't run it personally unless it was on sale (I already stocked up on 12 qts).BTW: What kind of post-warranty OCI are you planning on? If you're looking at 5,000-7,500 mile changes, pretty much any mainstream synthetic (Mobil1, Amsoil, Platinum, QS Synthetic, Royal Purple, Redline, Walmart SuperTech Synth, etc.) will be work fine; buy on price rather than reputation at that OCI interval.Cougar Vibe

one of the main reason's for the post was to avoid the dealer costs any other suggestions...

i plan on keeping my vibe for a long time. i know it will last so i want to use the synthetic oil but i am sort of on a budget. thanks for your help

The best budget synthetic oil change situation would probably involve buying a Mobil 1/Castrol Syntech/Pennzoil Platinum 5 quart jug at Walmart with a Wix/Napa Gold/Pure One filter elsewhere.Using Mobil 1 as an example (the others can be had for slightly less, but they're Group III oils, not true PAO Group IV like Mobil1) with a Purolator Pure One filter:$20.17/5 = $4.034 per quart.4.034*3.7 = $14.926 per oil change for oil.$14.93 + $5.78 (Pure One filter at Advance Auto) = $20.71 per oil & filter change.$20.71*2 = $41.42 per year on oil & filter changes.I'm willing to bet that a lot of dealers charge close to that for one bulk dino oil & overpriced AC Delco filter oil change...and they want you to do that four times per year!Plus, you get the benefit of having every fifth oil change "for free" (well, not really, you've bought the oil and that doesn't include the filter). Here's what I mean: Four jugs of oil = 20 quarts = ~5 oil changes on a Vibe/Matrix/Corolla. So, for about $110.00 (oil & filters) you'll be good for two and a half years...Cougar Vibe

thanks for your response and math skills. a friend said to me he wouldn't use the synthetic in my car but he would if he had a corvette. he said it was a waste. is there any negative factors to switching to the synthetic?

There is no bad time to change from dino to blend or to full synthetic. In the old days (uh...10 years ago and before), switching from dino to synthetic could produce issues with seals leaking, etc. However, most modern vehicles do not have these issues (and I've never read of a Corolla or Matrix leaking oil after the "conversion"). That being said, your friend could be right about choosing dino over synthetics. It simply comes down to how often you want to change your oil: Dino means 3,000 mile/3 month oil changes, Synthetic means 7,500+/6 month oil changes. Ultimately, the cost factor is a wash: The increased frequency dino oil changes makes them almost as expensive as the longer frequency synethic oil changes. However, there is nothing wrong at all with using four quarts of $.49 Chevron 5w30 and a Walmart SuperTech filter if you're doing the short OCI's. That's what? $4.50 for an oil change? As long as you change your oil/filter frequently and drive conservatively, this particular engine will be fine for the long term.Another option that you could go with is blending your own stuff. The general concensus is that most blends are less than 15% synth; but doing it yourself ensures you get a good balance. I've done this in another vehicle with good results: three quarts of Havoline and a quart of Mobil1 and I think it's a better blend than Castrol Syntech Blend or Mobil 7500. Then just go with a good quality budget filter (Purolator Premium Plus, etc.).

thanks for all of your input. you have been very helpful

This is what I would do...Have your rear brakes checkedChange out the brake and steering fluidRun a bottle of Chevron Techron fuel system cleaner in the tankDo a flush and fill of the transmission fluid if you have an automaticReplace your cabin air filter if you have notCheck the status of your engine coolantReplace your PCVCheck your belt

thanks