Gonna sound like a dumb question but cut me some slack...PLEASE. It is just about time to have or change the oil in the 2.2 it has 8,000 plus on this oil so I am sure it is a synthetic (I am a conventional man 40 plus years) oil. My question what is recommended ? The sticker on the winshield is from Firestone and was not a local vehicle when I purchased it. I have done my own for years but not opposed to a PRO doing it. I would appreciate any help I can get.

 

A 2008 2.2 calls for conventional 5W-30 according to the manual. The only other recommendation is that it meets the GM Standard GM6094M. Only the turbocharged 2.0 SS models call for synthetic.

 

A convential going 8000 miles, I have not gone and wouldnt trust it that far

 

I have used Mobil 1 synthetic in mine since the first oil change. You can go longer between oil changes so for me the added cost is cancelled out. These are easy to change the oil in. I can reach the drain bolt without jacking it up and the filter is in the top.

 

I've seen people drive farther than that between oil changes, not that I would recommend it either. I go the the oil percentage left on the driver info center and change it when it gets to about 5%. The highest I've ever seen it go using that method on ours is about 6400 miles. And I also use Mobil 1 but that's just a preference, not a requirement.

 

I've been using M1 and changing the oil myself. $24 for the oil and $6 for a filter. I've gone as much as 11,000 miles between oil changes. My last one was 9500 with the DIC sayin I had 30% oil life. I do many long drives with the HHR and have nearly 110,000 mile on the clock. I have a 2.4L auto....

 

I use valvoline high mileage in mine. I change mine when the oil life gets to 50 percent. Thats typically around 5,000 miles.

How do you know synthetic was used in it?

 

Just changed my convential oil today with about 3500 miles since the last change. The display had shown about 73% life remaining, which causes me to ask. Why does the manual suggest oil change at aprox 3000 miles should one inadvertently reset the display between changes; yet compel me to believe I should trust the display's recommendation and wait well beyond the 3500 miles interval I chose?

 

3000 miles has been the oil change mileage forever...but people forget that oil has more additives and technology than ever before, not to mention engines are built to better accommodate the oil as well. I would say if you are easy on the gas pedal, and have lots of highway driving, its not impossible for oil to last 7,000-8,000 miles. I am not always easy, and having a turbocharger, I change it before 4,000 miles. But the "OIL LIFE" is always like 45%-50%

 

Every 5, 000 here. Seems like most manufacturers recommend that now. Now with the turbo and more performance I'd go with 3 maybe 4, 000.