GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

First post here! Got the vibe a week ago and absolutely love it!I have started changing my own oil on my previous car, and have some questions (I'm guessing they have already been answered, but did not see the 'search functionality'). Google turned up some okay answers, but I figured I'd ask the experts.1.) Looks like Pennzoil matches the specifications for the 1.8L for GM6094M. Is that the general oil everybody uses? Ok for long life of my car?2.) I didn't see any oil filters that fit at autozone. Anybody have a good spot to get those? Also, I've read people that are really down on Fram. Any oil filter recommended that will help me keep my Vibe running for a long time?3.) About how much oil does everybody add each change? I've read 4.4 qts. I've checked my oil level a couple times now just to get a feel for the dipstick, and it isn't exactly clear where I should fill it to. I do fill/check/fill/check, etc. But would like to know a general estimate. The owners manual basically says between the dots, not below the dot closest to the tip and not above the other dot on the oil dipstick...4.) When should I change my oil for the first time? Mainly highway driving. Owners manual says 5,000 miles or 3 months. I'm sure my car was on the lot a while before I bought it, so should I do it soon??5.) Does everybody stretch it to 5,000 miles between oil changes?Thanks!Doug

Welcome! As far as oil changes go, I use Mobil 1 and change the oil every 10,000 miles. I'm surprised that Autozone didn't have the right oil filter. You should post pics of your Vibe.

I use Castrol GTX 5W20. You shouldn't have a problem with any quality motor oil as long as it meets the requirements. As for the filter, the only place I have found them are at Toyota or GM dealers and the Toyota dealer price around here is a little better so that is where I've been getting them.

I'm guessing that the oil filter for the '09 is different than the previous models. I can find oil filters for my '05 almost everywhere. Maybe not good ones, but I can find them.

Yep, the new 1.8L is different from the old one. It takes a canister filter, not a spin-on, only the dealers have them, so far. Toyota says the paper cartridge is "greener" than the metal spin-on.

NAPA Has the filter there Gold filter!

boiler, here's the part number for the paper filter: Toyota part #: 04152-YZZA6.You will also need a 65mm 14 fluted oil filter wrench to take off the outer cannister.

I used Mobil 1 5w20, got the filter from the Pontiac dealer. The price between Toyota and GM was the same. Used a strap wrench from CT, worked fine.

I just bought the K&N spin on for $11.

Quote, originally posted by lovemyraffe »Welcome! As far as oil changes go, I use Mobil 1 and change the oil every 10,000 miles. I'm surprised that Autozone didn't have the right oil filter. You should post pics of your Vibe.I always wondered why posting pics of your Vibe was of any importance or interest unless you have mods that others might like to see. You an get a pic of my stock '09 Carbon Gray Vibe 1.8L anywhere on the internet, or look at a Vibe brochure.

Tracking down pics of cars is easy. Finding a pic of how the left driveshaft is routed to the wheel or what the temperature sending unit looks like and where it's located or how the aftermarket hood shocks attach can be difficult. Besides, we all like to see what each of us is driving... even if it is just a base 1.8 red hot metallic....

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