Engine Oil Additives; When to Change Engine Oil (VehiclesWithout the GM Oil Life System); Use only engine oil with the American Petroleum- Page 286

6-14

SAE 10W

-

30 is best for your vehicle. However, you can

use SAE 5W

-

30 if it’s going to be colder than 60

_

F

(16

_

C) before your next oil change. When it’s very cold,

you should use SAE 5W

-

30. These numbers on an oil

container show its viscosity, or thickness. Do not use
other viscosity oils, such as SAE 20W

-

50.

NOTICE:

Use only engine oil with the American Petroleum
Institute Certified For Gasoline Engines starburst
symbol. Failure to use the recommended oil 
can result in engine damage not covered by 
your warranty.

GM Goodwrench

R

 oil meets all the requirements for

your vehicle.
If you are in an area where the temperature falls below

-

20

_

F (

-

29

_

C), consider using either an SAE 5W

-

30

synthetic oil or an SAE 0W

-

30 oil. Both will provide

easier cold starting and better protection for your engine
at extremely low temperatures.

Engine Oil Additives

Don’t add anything to your oil. The recommended oils
with the starburst symbol are all you will need for good
performance and engine protection.

When to Change Engine Oil (Vehicles
Without the GM Oil Life System

t

)

If any one of these is true for you, use the short trip/city
maintenance schedule:

D

Most trips are less than 5 miles (8 km). This is
particularly important when outside temperatures 
are below freezing.

D

Most trips include extensive idling (such as frequent
driving in stop

-

and

-

go traffic).

D

You frequently tow a trailer or use a carrier on top of
your vehicle.

D

The vehicle is used for delivery service, police, taxi
or other commercial application.

Driving under these conditions causes engine oil to
break down sooner. If any one of these is true for your
vehicle, then you need to change your oil and filter
every 3,000 miles (5 000 km) or 3 months 

--

 whichever

occurs first.

If none of them is true, use the long trip/highway
maintenance schedule. Change the oil and filter every
7,500 miles (12 500 km) or 12 months 

--

 whichever

occurs first. Driving a vehicle with a fully warmed
engine under highway conditions will cause engine oil
to break down slower.