Changing the baby for the first time!

[studlymandingo]

Changed the oil for the first time in my 2007 Silverado Classic today. It has a computer that senses when it is time for an oil change that has nothing to do with mileage. It detects things like oil temp, engine RPMs, speed, ambient temp, etc.

I come from the 3,000 mile school, so when the truck hit 3K and the information center said I still had 53% it was hard not to change the oil, 4K came, 4500, I was getting antsy but the computer still said 22%, finally 4900 rolled around and I just couldn't take it anymore! I got some fully-synthetic oil and a new filter and changed my baby!

To reset the computer, you have to turn the ignition to run without starting the engine, then mash the accelerator pedal to the floor three times.

I just don't know if I can go through what the computer says is the longevity of the oil. We'll see on the next round!​

 

[Kalifornyakid]

Re: Changing the baby for the first time!

I'm a firm believer in 5k myself. I think the 3k thing was just so the oil-changers and deallers could suck a litle bit more cash from the consumer.

 

[ricksrster]

Re: Changing the baby for the first time!

Some modern vehicles are 6K.

 

[QC]

Re: Changing the baby for the first time!

I have been in the heavy truck engine biz for almost 30 years. Mileage is pretty much the least accurate way to judge oil change intervals. It doesn't take into account load and temps as the computer does. Ya know a trash truck averages 5 MPH and a line-haul truck 50 MPH . . . Without oil sampling, which is the best way, Caterpillar started using gallons of fuel a few years back as it gives the best indicator of the actual work the engine has done regardless of the application. The computer puts a lot of factors together and I really like it. Also, oil quality is soooooo good these days that it makes up for a lot of this. What I always ask is when was the last time you heard of anybody failing a modern engine, with modern oils due to lack of lube? It just doesn't happen. My Expedition doesn't have the computer monitor so I kinda judge it myself based on what we're doing with it. When we are towing a lot I back down toward 3000. During the winter (no severe cold here) I extend out towards the 6000 that the factory recommends when not doing a, b, c or d . . .

 

[JB]

Re: Changing the baby for the first time!

My ML has a computer sensor in the crankcase like the Silverado. With my style of driving it usually goes 10K between changes of Mobil 1.

My "style" is almost all highway driving with the oil at operating temp.

 

[Limited-Time]

Re: Changing the baby for the first time!

That oil sensing system is brought to you by the same fine folks that want to sell you replacement parts, or better yet a new vehicle! Just kidding. I generally go around 5K before I start looking for the Quick-E-Lube.

 

[tommays]

Re: Changing the baby for the first time!

I have the same system in a 2003 Silverado it does WORK


Every winter during are long cold streak it will request and Oil change around 2000 miles


Tommays

 

[Turin]

Re: Changing the baby for the first time!

I change oil every year.

 

[Boomyal]

Re: Changing the baby for the first time!

Whew! I thought by the title you were changing the baby's diaper. I was gonna ask, 'I thought that's what God made mommys for'.

 

[valkyr]

Re: Changing the baby for the first time!

I had an 89 Honda Accord and the recommended change was 7500K miles.
In 1989. Lends to my belief that 3000k miles is a gimmick. But perhaps not...I usually go between 3-5k miles and don't sweat it.