GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

Hi,

I got my car 2 months ago and when I bought it, they did the oil change. They did not tell me which oil they use either 0w-20 or 5w20

I am missing a bit of oil but i dont know which one to buy.

Is it ok if my oil is mixed with 0w-20 with 5w20 ?

What is the recommended for the winter 0w-20 or 5w-20 ?
is there a brand better than other ?


Thanks guys!

Check the cap on the valve cover where you add oil. My 2010 2.4 says 05w20.
If you had it done at a GM garage, I'll bet they used 05w30.

Can't believe over 10 people have viewed this and none commented. Adding either 5w20 or 0w20 would be fine. Some may think mixing dino oil with synthetic is not o.k. but that too is fine. I think all major oil brands meet the minimum specs recommended by the manufacturer. I generally use dino oil and change every 6 months as I do not drive more than 3,000 miles in 6 months. On my 2nd vehicle (2007 T&C) I may not even drive 1,500 miles in 6 months. One place I have used a couple of times claims to use semi-synthetic even for their $19.99 Groupon oil change coupon special. I am not opposed to synthetic or semi-synthetics I just don't think the extra expense is worth it for my driving habits. I do attempt to use only Top Tier gasoline brands [see toptiergas.com]. I do not buy higher octane grades as my 1.8L is made to run on regular unleaded. I have read where constant use of higher octane gas can even be detrimental unless specified by the manufacturer.

It doesn't matter. 5w20 is the recommendation but 0w20 is better if available.

Which brand of oil doesn't matter much either providing you follow the recommended changing schedule. The oil change schedule is probably 5,000 miles.

The owners manual is a great source of information.

Thanks guys, your comments are appreciated and helpful.

martnx wrote:I am missing a bit of oil but i dont know which one to buy.

I am assuming you mean your dipstick says you are down a bit now that it is some time since the oil was last changed? I think this issue is made worse due to the thin oil we are supposed to use. I am pretty sure they spec'd the oil in order to help mpg. I've thought before about running 5w-30, which is also cheaper to buy because they carry it at Costco here. My mpg is not that great anyway so I have not done that, but do have to add a quart when I am about 3/5 of my way between oil change intervals - so that by the time I bring it in I don't get tsk tsk by the service people for having the oil level low.

martnx wrote: What is the recommended for the winter 0w-20 or 5w-20 ?

Hmmmmm .... Define winter please Are you located in Canada or Alaska, OR Florida/Arizona ? Update profile please showing us this. I'll assume a northern climate where you'll be subjected to many sub freezing days, in which case go with the LOWER viscosity numbers.... 0w-20. Hot climates go with 5-10w-30.

It ought to be mandatory to describe your ride (year, engine, options) and your location.

I don't think it really matters, I haven't done it to this car, but I've done it plenty of times on my truck.

also, does viscosity really matter in winter / spring / hot conditions? i ask in a curious way, never heard that before.

oh, 2010 GT Red, Auto, 2.4, all options, Houston tx