I purchased my car from the Ford Dealer who offered a free oil change when it was due. I took it back after 5000 miles, because the owners manual said that was normal. When I went to pick it up they said my next service would cost 39.99. They used a synthetic blend. I went to Oil Can Henry and they said it would be 89.99 because I needed a special synthetic oil.
I really want to take good care of my little car so which is it?
ANYONE
Thanks.

 

If I remember correctly your Owners Manual will indicate a blend oil meeting the dexos1 requirements (which is a requirement to maintain the GM drive train warranty). However, many have changed to a full synthetic meeting the dexos1 requirement (myself included....in all my vehicles). Not a huge difference in cost and it provides a little more protection AND still maintains the drive train warranty.

You might want to change it yourself. It's probably the easiest vehicle I have encountered to change oil and filter. After a probable purchase of a couple of standard tools, the charge for materials would cost about $30.00.

 

I thought I read in my manual that the 2011 was supposed to have 100% synthetic! Ill look it up

 

Dexous Oil for 2011.
i have a 2011 and have been using
M1 Dexous Synthetic

 

However, Where in the Owner Manual is it stated 5000 miles for oil change interval? That is not in mine. The DIC will tell you when it's due, usually around 12000.

How about we start a thread about oil? Anybody?

 

I cannot go 12k miles for a oil change! Im old school where in the day it was every 3k.. Now the oil today is way better then years past and can do 12k but I can'nt :) Even my Motorcycle says 8k and I still do 5 k +or - on car and bikes...over kill maybe but I feel better :), Just like I use synthetic in all my motor's I think it is better worth it to me! Just as long as oil is changed regular Im sure all will be good but 12k not for me...

 

The miles will vary from car to car based on how the car is used. Those that do 100% highway driving get to see that high milage between changes. My car is driven 100% surface streets and averages only 20 something mph according to the DIC. This nets me right around 3k between oil changes. Right now I am at 18% life left and have put on just about 2500 miles since the last change. I will be changing it in the next couple of weeks.

 

I have been using castrol edge 5w-30 in my 2.2 since new....no problems...gets changed at 5,000 miles, at which time i rotate and balance tires..no less then 30,000 miles out of a 2rd set of tires. Good old fashion shop with good 'old techs'. Sc

 

If can not do it yourself have the local Chevy dealer do it. I had mine changed at the dealership last week to M1. 55 dollars and I was down the road.

 

Well, I went almost 300,000 miles on my 2008 HHR. Using whatever full syn was on sale and whatever filter was on sale, Change filter every time DIC said 0% left, Change oil every other time. NO lubrication associated problems.

I believe that oil change mythology is greatly over rated. As well as greatly over discussed! Don't gore my ox!