[Martin3103]

I went to wallmart. I know that was the first mistake. Told them I need an oil change just the basic no problem. Then Rey asked the model and year. After I told him it was a 2011 gmc he told me that they can't do the basic oil change on any 2011 GM vehicles. But they could do the $60.00 oil change. Rather than $30.00 . I left and went to a dealer near by they said no problem $19.95 but I have to make an appointment. And that's what I did so I guess the moral is don't go to wallmart.

 

[jmlock]

Did they say why? Is it possible that WalMart would only use Dexos approved (synthetic) oil? Is it possible that they would even know? Other than the fill cap of course.

 

[rcturner]

In this case, I believe Wally World was probably correct. I believe the 2011 cars require synthetic oil.

 

[Denali AWD]

In this case, I believe Wally World was probably correct. I believe the 2011 cars require synthetic oil.

I agree. 2011 models have to use Dexos approved oil to keep the warranty intact. It's in the owners manual.

Synthetic oils meet that spec. Wal Mart did the right thing.

 

[FL Terrain]

What's the estimated mileage for needing an oil change on the new 2011 miles?

 

[Old Lar]

The DIC will show current oil life. The 3000 mile between oil change intervals is gone.

 

[FL Terrain]

But do we have an estimate for when the DIC will reach "oil change needed". 10,000 miles like most synthetic vehicles?

 

[barhoc11]

But do we have an estimate for when the DIC will reach "oil change needed". 10,000 miles like most synthetic vehicles?

My understanding is that the Oil Monitor thinks the oil is regular oil so if you put in Synthetic it will will think you are using the normal stuff. It is based on how hard the engine works using the oil once you reset it so if you do a lot of highway driving you will get more miles out of your oil.

 

[Hambone]

I went to the dealership and got my oil change in my 2011 Terrain. It only cost $29.95 for dexos synthetic. I could not believe the price, but this is all I paid.

 

[GARYD]

Boy, do you have a rabbits foot you know where! LOL

Maybe they put dino oil in BUT said it was syn. :

Can you take other cars in for the same deal?

 

[MOCHA11NOX]

May not actually be an unusual price...from GM Tech Link...see the bulk container size of 55gal


ACDelco Synthetic Blend dexos1™ engine oil is available to dealerships through the GM Oil Program. ACDelco Synthetic Blend dexos1 engine oil is currently available to U.S. dealerships in 55-gallon drums. In addition, quart size packaged product will be available in December 2010. In Canada, 205-liter drums will be available by November and a 1 liter package size will be available in December 2010.

Oil Viscosity
Product
Package Size
Part Number

5W30
ACDelco dexos1
Quart
19293000 (U.S.)

5W30
ACDelco dexos1
55 Gallon
19293001 (U.S)

5W30
ACDelco dexos1
1 Liter
19286321 (Canada)

5W30
ACDelco dexos1
205 Liter
19286323 (Canada)

dexos1 products will be offered under the ACDelco Brand only. Packaged oil under the Goodwrench brand will be phased out and converted to the ACDelco brand over the coming months

 

[Denali AWD]

But do we have an estimate for when the DIC will reach "oil change needed". 10,000 miles like most synthetic vehicles?

While there is no given mileage as to when to change the oil (that would vary from vehicle to vehicle) the DIC shows a percentage that countdowns from 100%. You can use that as a guide. Also, at some point the DIC will display "Change Oil Soon".

Another point is that the oil life monitor doesn't know the difference between dino oil or synthetic so you could let the percentage go lower with synthetic if desired. Once you decide to change the oil you could record the mileage to give you a general idea of how many miles you can go before it needs to be changed.

 

[GARYD]

MOCHANOX, maybe you're right, but I can't, in my wildest imagination, believe a dealer will be cheaper then a 3rd party facility. ;D

Black granite, I think it's safe to say if you change the oil twice a year(average yearly milage being 12K) you would be OK. I remember changing at least 4 times a year back in the 50s/60s. You can probably go longer then 6k-7k, but I'm more comfortable with my schedule. Oil is the best and cheapest service you can do for your car/bike.
I change twice a year (it's easier for me to remember those dates). Now that I have a DI engine and people are saying how bad that engine is on oil, I'm going to send samples off to a lab like I do with my Harley oil. It's only $25 which includes postage. Great piece of mind.

 

[MOCHA11NOX]

From GM Tech Link regarding the OLM and Dexos oil

"Increased Service Intervals

To help reduce the consumption of oil while maintaining proper engine protection, many GM vehicles equipped with the GM EOLS have a maximum oil change interval that is much longer than what was considered a normal interval just a few years ago.

If all GM vehicle owners would follow the EOLS intervals in their vehicles as intended, GM estimates that more than 100 million gallons of oil could be saved annually.

The second generation EOLS will rely on significantly more engine operating information than the current system, which, combined with dexos approved oil, could allow a significant extension of the maximum oil change interval. dexos specifications call for improved oil robustness to support extended drain intervals over a vehicle's lifetime."

 

[USFwrestler]

Now I got a question, I know the 4cyl. "requires" synthetic, but does that go for the 6 cyl as well? I'm planning on using synthetic, but was just wondering

Also, do the cars come with blended? IMO full synthetic is the way to go, but wasn't sure because my dealer told me it was synthetic, but have been reading it's synthetic blend.


And referring to the Wally World comments
I've only used Synthetic, and honestly, I go to Walmart for every oil change because there $55 oil change is worth it. They don't give me garbage oil (I ask for Mobil 1) which is a personal favorite, and they don't use that nasty bin oil, I ask for bottles every time and they always take care of me.

I've never used the ACDelco stuff that's in the cars, been using Mobil 1 on all my vehicles

 

[INNOCNT]

Now I got a question, I know the 4cyl. "requires" synthetic, but does that go for the 6 cyl as well? I'm planning on using synthetic, but was just wondering

"Yes" feel free to use a synthetic blend or 100% syn.[/color]

Also, do the cars come with blended? Yes[/color]
IMO full synthetic is the way to go, but wasn't sure because my dealer told me it was synthetic, but have been reading it's synthetic blend. More often than not, dealer front end staff won't be right up on the correct terms. Synthetic to them could be either the blend or 100% syn.[/color]


And referring to the Wally World comments
I've only used Synthetic, and honestly, I go to Walmart for every oil change because there $55 oil change is worth it. They don't give me garbage oil (I ask for Mobil 1) which is a personal favorite, and they don't use that nasty bin oil, I ask for bottles every time and they always take care of me.

Nothing wrong with Mobil1, we used to use it religiously but over the last few years have opted for AmsOil Euro blend[/color]

I've never used the ACDelco stuff that's in the cars, been using Mobil 1 on all my vehicles

 

[GARYD]

+1 for Amsoil. Likewise I also used Mobil 1 many years ago in my Harley until they took out the zinc and phosphorous, which Harley air cooled engines needed. From what I've read on this forum there are a few people that say Mobil 1 is not very good for the DI engine.
I was not aware that any car was "required" to use syn. I know a few cars ship from the factory with full syn in them ..... Corvette and Viper for example. I think any type oil (correct viscosity)would be fine if it was changed per recommended intervals. My opinion is syn is better overall then dino. I know many dyed-in-the-wool car and bike owners that will never use syn no matter what. ;D

 

[robotpepper]

I agree. 2011 models have to use Dexos approved oil to keep the warranty intact. It's in the owners manual.

Synthetic oils meet that spec. Wal Mart did the right thing.

Just had my 12K km service at the GM dealer yesterday for my 2011 SLE-2 Terrain with the 4-cylinder. The service advisor said mine required the Dexos half-synthetic blend, which is more expensive but doubles the mileage between service intervals, so it works out to costing the same as changing the oil at 5-6K intervals with dino oil. Also said that because it's a half-synthetic blend it resists breaking down more than dino oil, obviously. Service cost about $90 CDN, which seems expensive for an oil change/tire rotation but when you consider it's to maintain the warranty for a $40K vehicle and only needs to be done every 12K... :-\

 

[RNOX]

Dealer near me sent out a flyer for $39.99 and you get a $10 debit card. Says oil used will be what is required for the vehicle.

 

[RIT333]

The service advisor said mine required the Dexos half-synthetic blend...

Just curious - is Dexos really 50% synthetic, or just a "blend" that no-one knows the actually percentage? Jsut curious, because I "make" my own synthetic blend with 1 qt synthetic and the rest dyno at each oil change. Wonder if I should be changing my mix.