Yes it is the catalytic converter. No matter what engines use a little oil in normal operation that is how they valve guides get lubed. This also is the concern with many Direct Injection engines today as there is no fuel with cleaners passing over the intake to clean carbon deposits off from the small amount of oil on the guide. The exhaust is hot enough to burn much off and the cleaners still affect it.

With all the things to make a big deal over oil is one that is the most argues and the least understood.

Even read up on those who get the oil analyzed if they get a report back who ever really does much other than change brands or oil and filter. Even then what did they really gain. Many issue found in oil are engineering issues or major repair issues that few address or even need to address.

Getting oil analyzed and changing oils because of the report is like getting tested for cancer and changing what cereal you eat. It may have a minimal effect but not much else.

Every time I see someone ranting on their test of their oil I often would love to ask what they are going to do about it and then see just what the results were a year later when they forget about it.

Analyzing is a great tool if you have an issue and you want to find what it is but then you need to address it with a repair not just change brands. Engines are made to use themselves up and that is why they make part like Rings and bearings to replace. Over time any engine will need some repair as it has a useful life. Generally they have extended it out pretty far anymore.

My whole point here is really understand the big picture and don't over think oil. Read up on the meanings of the standards and grades, know the differences and advantages of Synthetic and Natural oils and know what your needs are.

There is little argument other than what the marking firms from most of the players have interjected into this in trying to set the many brands apart.

 

Thats why I use GM Dexos rated oil in my HHR's.
No Worries and my GM dealer does my changes so I am on Record with them if I have any Engine related problems.
I also have the Assurance of an AC oil filter installed with each change.

SF

 

Just because the dealer does the job does not mean you get GM stuff (oil & filter). Some dealers contract oil changes out. Depends on what is in the unmarked 55 gallon drum out back, and what filter is sitting on the shelf (most profitable in all cases). Just sayin' don't blindly go. Yours may be an honest car sales lot.

 

That is certainly possible and heaven knows that all GM Dealers are not the same.

I'm Really Lucky....

I live in a Small Town and have the priviledge to go to a Highly Quailty minded dealer. The Best I have encounter over the last 50 years by the way.
I am on a very personal basis with the Regular Service Dept. and their Separate on site Lube Dept.
I my case I have Personally verified all that goes on including checking bulk items used and am "totally comfortable" with their operation.
I would give them a 10+ based on my overall experience including their Sales Dept people.
They have been a GM Dealer here from around the 50's by looking at the pictures hanging in the show rooms.
They sponsor a Large Classic Car and Rod show every summer with great Cars, Treats, and live music. Car buffs come from hundreds of miles away.
They clear off all their cars from their Dealership lots just to put on this event
and it's right in the middle of town.

Can you tell ... This a Kind of a Mayberry Place to live.

SF

 

Silverfox.......Newport?????

 

Generally most all dealers carry and use only approved oils and only approved parts. I am sure there is some odd dealer out there that may be skimming but they are the acceptation.

Trust me many dealers are really stressing the Dexos for use on the new cars.

 

For every Mayberry there is a Barney! Don't be a Barney.

I have been to the real Mayberry [Mount Airy NC] and really stayed at Andys cousins house. Yes they even had a Barney.

I recommend the Snappy Lunch down town.

 

If you mean Newport Oregon ..... NO

I live in Sequim Washington on the Olympic Penninsula. 2-1/2 hr drive to Seattle.
Took a little drive today....crossed the Hood Canal Bridge and observed an Indian War Canoe skirting thru the waters paddled by about 12 Native Americans out for the day.
Lots of neat stuff here and close by too.

SF

 

No,,,,thought maybe, Newport Washington. Over on the far east side of the state, north of Spokane....on the state line with Idaho. Just a guess on my part.

Anyway, nice little town that had a GM dealer many years ago (don't know if it still has). I had a GM company car with and experimental drive train. Inadvertently poked a hole in the trans. pan on one of the twisting dirt roads that goes into a park in that area. By corporate procedure, had to talk with the dealer ownership about a repair without ALL the mechanics gathering around.

Anyway, like the area and have a friend that still owns property and rentals in the area.

 

here's some more on topic....

"While we're on the topic of oil, it's worth taking a moment to demystify synthetic oil. Synthetics are really just natural oil refined to a much higher degree, with more complex additive packages for improving performance in both everyday and extreme conditions.

Many sports cars come filled with synthetic to offer the best possible protection. Ron Sullivan, Pennzoil's technology manager, broke things down for us. "For most applications, stick with the manufacturer's recommended oil. But if you want to better protect your engine over the long term, especially against extreme abuse like towing or constant stop-and-go traffic, synthetic might be for you." According to Sullivan, a high-quality synthetic flows better at all temperatures, which makes cranking easier in the cold and gets lubrication to critical components faster. It also resists high heat much better, something very critical in the latest turbocharged engines. "When you stop these engines, the oil has to resist being baked by the heat in the turbo's oil bearing," Sullivan says, "And synthetics are better at that." These are bold claims and may be worth considering when choosing oil, but we can't remember the last time an engine failed on conventional oil, so going synthetic when you don't have to may be a waste of money. If you abuse your engine, consider synthetics; otherwise follow the manufacturer's suggestion."