GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

aside from all of the popular myths about oil/brands,what does everyone run in their vibes?

Whatever synthetic is on sale.

Castrol GTX brother....for 15 years now........

MotorCraft Synthetic Blend 5W20 in everything along with Purolator PurOne oil filters.......$2.35/qt. and $5.00/filter.

Pennzoil Platinum 5W-20 Full Synthetic - every 6,000 mi. 2009 2.4L / Auto

Was using Mobil 1 5w30 for winter. Had to an oil change this month and they were sold out of Mobil 1 so now I'm on Pennzoil Platinum 5w30. Probably the last oil change I will have done on the Vibe since I need a truck now and am already half-way through the process of trade-in/purchase.

Mobil 1 5W30. Use it all year round I swear by it.

Royal Purple 5w30

Usually Mobil 1 5w30, Pennzoil Platinum when it was buy one get one. Also use a Mobil 1 filter, may switch to Purolator PureOne though...Bug gets Brad Penn 10w30 (after I break in the engine)

Mobil 1 5w30 with Mobil 1 FilterWal-Mart had the filters for under $10. Watch for sales on the oil in single quarts, unless you want to store 1 qt. from a 5qt. jug or 2 qts. from a case.

Quote, originally posted by ehoff121 »Watch for sales on the oil in single quarts, unless you want to store 1 qt. from a 5qt. jug or 2 qts. from a case. Didn't they go to gallon jugs?

Quote, originally posted by 2002sportside »Didn't they go to gallon jugs?If they did, then the wife's Highlander is a quart low. I'll check next time I venture in..

did we really need another thread on this topic?If we do then I now use Royal Purple 5w30

Quote, originally posted by ehoff121 »If they did, then the wife's Highlander is a quart low. I'll check next time I venture in..I haven't bought it from Wal Mart in years, so they might still carry a 5qt. The jug I have been buying at Autozone or Advance has been a gallon though...

Quote, originally posted by 2002sportside »I haven't bought it from Wal Mart in years, so they might still carry a 5qt. The jug I have been buying at Autozone or Advance has been a gallon though...You are correct. The auto stores do sell 1 US gallon jugs, but Wal-mart sells 5 qt.

I've been rocking with Mobil 1 Extended Performance synthetic. Says it's good for up to 15,000 miles, but I usually change it after 5k. Also been using Mobil 1 filter. Good results all around, and the oil really stays clean much longer. I did the second oil change much sooner (2k) just to clean out the crankcase and start fresh.

Quote, originally posted by zionzr2 »did we really need another thread on this topic?If we do then I now use Royal Purple 5w30'Atta boy Works great doesnt it? Burns like crazy but works great I use a Bosch filter. Always have always will. Never failed me.

Quote, originally posted by djb383 »MotorCraft Synthetic Blend 5W20 in everything along with Purolator PurOne oil filters.......$2.35/qt. and $5.00/filter. Just so 09+ Vibe owners know the Motorcraft oil is very good however it does NOT meet the GM spec called out for warranty in a Vibe. Might be a small chance but I wouldn't want to get in a major engine warranty dispute and only have receipts for an oil that didn't meet their spec 6094M, giving them an out perhaps.http://www.gm.com/corporate/re...s.pdf

Looks like just about everything else does...List updated 9/18/08 http://www.gm.com/corporate/re...s.pdf I also notice that Toyota oils don't meet the spec, yet it's their engine...

Yeah Toyota builds the engine but GM is providing the warranty, which BTW is longer than the one Toyota gives their buyers.Food for thought.....hmmmm

Actually, they're both the same length, five years. GM just gives you 40k more miles. With the miles I put on the car, either warranty would be fine for me. I've also heard the local Toyota dealers are mod friendly - my Pontiac dealer claims a warranty is void due to an aftermarket radio I'm sure both the Toyota and Motorcraft oils exceed GM's spec since it was created in the early 90s, they're just not on the list...

So you already are aware Pontiac dealers are more warranty picky, why give them a chance to deny warranty by using an oil NOT on their approved list? BTW I'm not bashing the Motorcraft oil, I use in in my Honda Pilot. But I advise doing whatever is necessary to protect the warranty...Its your car however....

Pretty sure I said in my original post that I use Mobil 1 or Pennzoil Platinum, both of which are approved (although I am out of warranty anyway). I simply pointed out the irony of them not listing the oil sold by the ones that built the car...

The dealer is going to do the first oil change soon. Im at about 1100 miles. After that, I think I will do a short oil change (~2000 mi) on some Proline dino 5w20 that I got for cheap at pep boys. Then Ill probably do motorcraft or synthetic 5w20 and change it every 6 mos or 6k for MC or 10k for syn.

According to what is stated in the owners manual, regarding motor oil, Motorcraft oil is fine. Maybe GM doesn't want to list a Ford product as being acceptable to use in a GM vehicle.......but like has been stated, they don't show Toyota oil either.If that list of 'approved oils' isn't in the owners manual, it's pretty much worthless.

Quote, originally posted by djb383 »According to what is stated in the owners manual, regarding motor oil, Motorcraft oil is fine. What owner's manual are you looking at? In the 2009 Vibe owner's manual on page 11-18 it clearly says in the table of recommended fluids and lubricants for engine oil-"Engine oil which meets GM Standard GM6094M and displays theAmerican Petroleum Institute Certified for Gasoline Engines starburstsymbol. To determine the proper viscosity for your vehicle’s engine,see Engine Oil on page 9-9."Then on page 9-11 it says-"Notice: Use only engine oilidentified as meeting GM StandardGM6094M and showing theAmerican Petroleum InstituteCertified For Gasoline Enginesstarburst symbol. Failure to usethe recommended oil can result inengine damage not covered by thevehicle warranty."It further states on page 9-10 (for the third time)-"What Kind of Engine Oilto UseLook for three things:• GM6094MUse only an oil that meetsGM Standard GM6094M.• SAE 5W-20SAE 5W-20 is best for thevehicle."Since Motorcraft oil DOES NOT MEET GM6094M, please explain how you derive the manual says "Motorcraft oil is fine." ??

Peace out, bro. Just because Motorcraft oil is not on the GM list doesn't mean it doesn't meet GM's spec.....it's just not listed, probably because it's a Ford product. Maybe GM needs to tell it like it is and revise their list.

Agreed. The manufacturer has to show reasonable cause to believe that the failure was due to the actions of the customer in order to deny a warranty claim. Motorcraft and Toyota oils meet the normal industry standards (API cert.) and I can't see that any court would accept that use of these products would allow GM to escape their warranty obligation. It would also result in very bad press for GM to make such a claim if it were to be publicized - most owners have no idea if the oils they use meet some rather obscure GM-only standard.Note that two other oils widely recommended by people here are also not on the list AFAICT - Amsoil and Royal Purple. But Walmart's cheapest 'SuperTech' oil is on it.

+1

I give up. You guys are completely clueless.

Quote, originally posted by SkyVibe »You guys are completely clueless. Sounds like you are As long as it's API certified,it's all good.

+1

5w-30 Castrol Syntec Full Synthetic Oil or 5w-30 Mobil 1 Full Synthetic OilOEM Toyota Oil Filter Part # 90915-YZZF2I change the oil and filter every 5,000 miles.

5w30 castrol syntec in both my rides.

If you're going with synthetic, why not 0W30?????

Quote, originally posted by djb383 »If you're going with synthetic, why not 0W30?????I see absolutely no need to deviate from the recommended 5W-30 as specified on the oil cap. What would be the advantage(s)? I suppose easier cold starts, especially in cooler temps, and possibly a small improvement in fuel economy. It's not that cold where I live and I feel more comfortable sticking with the manufacturer recommended viscosity versus and extra 0.5 mpg average.PlatinumVibe08

Quote, originally posted by PlatinumVibe08 »I see absolutely no need to deviate from the recommended 5W-30 as specified on the oil cap. What would be the advantage(s)? I suppose easier cold starts, especially in cooler temps, and possibly a small improvement in fuel economy. It's not that cold where I live and I feel more comfortable sticking with the manufacturer recommended viscosity versus and extra 0.5 mpg average.PlatinumVibe08 0W30 is only available in synthentic and you can bet any engine manufacturer would prefer synthetic oil flowing through their/your engine vs conventional but they are not going to require you to use synthetic. Automotive engineers define cold as 'any temp below normal operating temp' and 0WXX will flow quicker to engine parts than 5WXX at start-up and at any temp below normal operating temp. Once operating temp is reached, both 0W and 5W are the same at 30 vis. 5W30 obviously works and is fine but there are better choices.http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/aehaas/

Quote, originally posted by djb383 »0W30 is only available in synthentic and you can bet any engine manufacturer would prefer synthetic oil flowing through their/your engine vs conventional but they are not going to require you to use synthetic. Automotive engineers define cold as 'any temp below normal operating temp' and 0WXX will flow quicker to engine parts than 5WXX at start-up and at any temp below normal operating temp. Once operating temp is reached, both 0W and 5W are the same at 30 vis. 5W30 obviously works and is fine but there are better choices.http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/aehaas/ AE Haas is an interesting read and I respect both his opinion and yours. I've decided to use straight 30w detergent oil and leave my engine running 24/7 so it never gets below operating temp. Just kidding, I'll stick with my 5w-30 and hope my engine doesn't screech to a grinding halt due to excessive cold start wear and tear.

Yep, the article by Dr. Haas is very interesting and informative.

0w30 Mobil 1.

I like to use mobile 1 synthetic. SAE 5w-30 with a mobile one oil filter.

Quote, originally posted by djb383 »If you're going with synthetic, why not 0W30?????You can but it is only advisable in extremely cold areas.Quote from the owners manual, 2007"If you are in an area of extreme cold, where thetemperature falls below −20°F (−29°C), it isrecommend that you use either an SAE 5W-30synthetic oil or an SAE 0W-30 oil. Both provideeasier cold starting and better protection forthe engine at extremely low temperatures.

0WXX is available only in synthetic. You can bet engine manufacturer's would prefer you use synthetic oil in their/your engine, regardless of climate, but aren't going to require it.

Quote, originally posted by djkeev »You can but it is only advisable in extremely cold areas.Quote from the owners manual, 2007"If you are in an area of extreme cold, where thetemperature falls below −20°F (−29°C), it isrecommend that you use either an SAE 5W-30synthetic oil or an SAE 0W-30 oil. Both provideeasier cold starting and better protection forthe engine at extremely low temperatures.And yet I dont believe there is any reference to 0W30 in the corresponding Matrix Manual by Toyota.And would one be voiding the Vibe warranty if one one using 0W30 *all* year round?

I would be willing to bet that if conventional oil was available in 0WXX, that engine manufacturers would require that in their engines. Most engine wear occurs at start-up when the engine is at less than normal operating temp. The thinner the oil at start-up, the quicker it reaches engine parts. At normal operating temp, 0W30, 5W30, 10W30 and straight 30 weight are the same viscosity. No way 0W30 will void a warranty as long as it has the correct API specs required by the engine manufacturer. Again, you can bet that an engine manufacturer would prefer synthetic oil in the engine vs conventional. Read Dr. Haas, like he says, the 1st number is more important than the second number.http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/aehaas/

I also use Mobil 1 Synthetic. SAE 5w-30 with a mobile one oil filter.

Since I have a standing $5 coupon at the dealership where I purchased my Vibe, I just take it there and have them use what they have. Saves me time and it only costs me around $20. I know, this may not be the most popular decision/choice as that I could probably do it cheaper with synthetic and a name brand filter myself, its just more convenient for me in my busy schedule. The dealership hasn't failed me yet!

i use shell 10w 30

Walmart Super Tech 5w30 synthetic.Walmart Super Tech oil filter.Both changed at 5000 miles (8046.72 Canadian)

Quote, originally posted by markt484 »I like to use mobile 1 synthetic. SAE 5w-30 with a mobile one oil filter. +1