I'm just a little confused on this - if you have 12,500 on the oil, you must have reset it several times - right? I always thought it was sort of an idiot switch, which began the countdown at the change and when you hit, say 3,000 miles, it went to 0. I've never heard of it going 12,500 before coming on. Is it that smart to know that you are using Amsoil or a synthetic? I didn't think so.

 

The oil life indicator on the DIC uses an algorithm based on your driving, the amount of idle time versus part/full throttle operation and the hours of engine run time. In theory it can predict the life left in the oil based on its measurements of these parameters. In practice its fairly good but not an exact indication of the remaining life left in the oil, only a laboratory analysis can determine exactly how much "life" is left in the oil by measuring contaminants and remaining additive levels in the sample.

Of course forgetting to reset the oil life monitor when the oil is changed will throw off the readings totally, but it doesn't count down from a mileage based point.

 

In my case, 12,500 is on the low end. I plan on 15K. Remember the EcoTek engine is not your old man's engine! It is engineered to use less oil and gas, Doh! "ECO" you know like ECOnomical & ECOlogical! And last a lot longer than that 455 Buick engine did.

For my record; I change the filter every time the DIC says and the oil with full syn (whatever is on sale) every other time. Oil change about every 25K. Filter about every 12.5K.

 

For the record my Daddy never had a 455 Buick, we favored 327 Chevy's when I was a kid. Taking the "ECO" out of the equation for the moment, and still factoring in synthetic oil, I'm of the belief that running a small displacement engine 12-15,000 miles on the same oil is a bit risky. But that's all that is, my belief.

 

Ran 10 to 15k on my truck for, well, forever..finally had a rocker let go)aftermarket). on teardown the bearings looked great as with the crank....coloration inside was light brown and clear, no build up no coking. Other then heads and a high volume oil pump bottom end was stock. Mobil 1....0w30 and 20w50... suggest if youve never tried it, dont knock it.Its all in the maintenance..

 

The older cars say pre 06 it was like you said based on actuall milage but mostly at 5k for newer GM cars that had this feature. My 03 Ion is that way. It just says "oil life" and nothing else until you eclipse that 5k mark and then it says oil change due. These newer cars now do have even more technology and do more of a calculation based on many criteria to determine a percentage value of your oils life. No it is not going to know what brand or type of oil used like you said though.

 

Drying gaskets never heard that one before.

The car needs changes at the DIC % level or if it is over the time periods suggested. It only requires the oil suggested or better.

Filters are cheap and easy to replace and one would be foolish not to take care of them at the same time. They are your first line and only line of defense in cleaning the oil between changes. Also in dirtier enviromnents they can be used up sooner.

So in short change the filter and be done with it. All you need is the OE spec AC filter and nothing more.

 

I never reset My DIC... 12.5k. same oil.. filter no reset... let the DIC go down to 2%... when I changed it the old oil looked real good... I have NEVER gone more that 6k on a change.... so now the DIC is reset... new oil... new filter.... ready for another 10k...

 

Alexwsilver2010,

I suggest calling your dealer and asking what they recommend about your oil and filter life. Let us know what you find out, thank you!

Evan, Chevrolet Customer Service

 

Gm put a lot of time and money into developing the oil life system. It is extremely accurate. Don't know how many of you know who John Powell is but he was a part of that research and can vouche for the testing.