My HHR has what's called a "D.I.C." (Driver Information Center). In includes informaion that comes up on a rotating readout in the guage bezel - 2 trip odometers, distance-to-empty, average m.p.g., coolant temp, and oil life percentage, and maybe a couple more. When I bought it in November, the dealer had just changed the oil, so the reading said "100%". Well, since I basically had an oil life meter, I thought I would 'trust' it to let me know when it was time to change it. According to the owner's manual it's tied into the engine management computer, so it adjusts based on the the type of driving you do. The wagon had 30.5k on it when I bought it. Today, I decided I didn't trust the D.I.C. anymore. The meter still showed 18% oil life left, and my odometer reading was 42.9k - I've gone 12,400 miles. Extrapolating data, the D.I.C. is telling me I can go over 17,000 miles between oil changes. Prior to this, I normally wouldn't go over 7,500 bewteen changes, but lately I've been reading that these computers can do a better job of determining when your oil needs changing. Oh - one thing. The computer doesn't actually test or even examine oil - it's only based on engine specs. The oil in my engine was pretty dark. I think I'm going to change it when the meter says 50%.........
17000 miles between oil changes..??. I'll stick with old school, 5000 miles or when the oil is back, witch ever comes first.. I can't remember all the propoganda now but when i bout my Wife's van new it was kinda in that same tune ( don't have to do anything foe ever). Anti freeze is the one I remember most....A didiculus millage given before a flush is needed, yet in a 10th of that time the anit freeze looked like crap so I flushed it. I don't have $ to waist so I NEVER will listen to what the builder says, after all now adays they want you to not have it last, so you come back and buy another..........
