My (new to me) 2011, 2.4L engine has 126K miles on it. I just got my car back from a dealer safety and performance check. All the power components are performing to specs. The engine runs strong with no perceived issues. One of the Chevy mechanics made an off-hand comment to me, "If this were my car with over 100K on this specific engine type, I would change the oil every 3000 miles." Really?!

I will be using Mobil 1, 5-30 Dexos oil in this car with Delco filters. Is a 3000 mile oil change schedule really necessary on this car with 126K miles that will probably only see about 6000 miles a year (at the most) necessary for preventive maintenance? Do older engines of this type need more frequent oil changes than what is recommended by GM? I don't mind doing this if it is really necessary, but otherwise why bother?

What are the opinions of this learned group, who have much more experience with these engines than I do. BTW, I am having so much fun with this car. I it.

 

I have a 2006 with 179k and change oil every 3k.
It's just my way of doing things and has been since I started driving.
As for Mobil 1, I don't know cause I use a semi-synthetic oil.

 

I'm just going to close this, since it has been addressed at least 1,000 times.

The OilLifeMonitor on your dashboard tells you when you NEED to change it. You can change it any time you want to before that.

 

Last note, I change oil and filter every 6,000 miles, so May 1, then again on Nov 1, or there about . If you’re only driving it 6,000 miles a year you should be just fine! Change the oil and filter every 12 months!
Keep an eye on the oil level as I’m sure you will.
Thanks Don for closing off this much discussed subject!