IceMan said:
Did you ever think that...maybe it should be? Adopted for 2011 MY..it was too late to back up and include Dexos in the 2010 manual...but just what is used when 2010s are now seviced by a dealership? Was there such a drastic mechanical change for 2011 engines to warrant the difference..or just the realization by GM that engine oil 'Dexos approved' was better used for these engines? Perhaps something to think about.
The manual states you do not have to use DEXOS on the 2010 model. Just stating a fact from the manual on the 2010 that says GM spec 6094 is required for the engine. I don't know why DEXOS was required in 2011 GM vehicles. GM should answer that question which they won't. Here's some info on DEXOS. I do use syn blends and they are marked DEXOS but no logo. I have a 2010 4 cyl. :
If you own a 2011 GM vehicle, there are some big changes in store for you.Until now, GM consumers had the choice of any major brand of oil and did not worry about whether that would void their warranty. But starting in 2011, GM is insisting on new motor oil restrictions far different from the rest of the industry. In fact, GM owners are being told to exclusively use GM's own dexos brand of motor oil. This raises several questions.
Q. Do I have to go to the dealer to get my oil changed?
A. No. You have the right to choose where your vehicle is serviced for routine maintenance. According to the Federal Trade Commission, it is illegal for a dealer or manufacturer to void your warranty simply because you did not have your vehicle serviced at a dealer.
Q. Besides dexos products, there are other products that meet or exceed dexos specifications but don't appear to be licensed by GM. Which can I use?
A. You can use any product that meets dexos specifications. You are not required to use the dexos brand. GM has chosen to grant licenses only to companies that pay them a substantial fee - a fee that will be passed on to consumers. So, some companies have chosen to make a product that meets the same standards as a licensed product without adding an unnecessary cost to the product that consumers would be forced to pay. Non-GM-licensed products that meet the dexos specifications will likely have a statement on the product like "meets dexos specifications" or something similar.
Q. If I don't use a GM-licensed motor oil, will my warranty be voided?
A. No, federal law prohibits a manufacturer from requiring the use of a specific brand in order to maintain the warranty. The FTC recently issued a consumer alert to remind consumers and businesses that the manufacturer or dealer must prove that a given product caused the need for repairs before denying warranty coverage on the basis of the product simply being used.
It is also worth noting that GM itself has acknowledged alternative engine oils may be used if dexos is unavailable: In the event that dexos approved engine oil is not available at an oil change or for maintaining proper oil level, you may use substitute engine oil displaying the API Starburst symbol and of SAE 5W30 viscosity grade. Use of oils that do not meet the dexos specification, however, may result in reduced performance under certain circumstances.