I have a 2001 Yukon with 209,000 mi. I have been changing oil every 3000mi. Now I have gone to full synthetic oil and I am wondering if I should get 5000 or 7000mi between oil and filter changes. Also, does anyone know if the oil change message is simply based on mileage, or is it more sophisticated than that for this model and year? Thanks in advance. Cheers. Wavelength.

 

I use full synthetic motor oil myself. You have to with a GDI motor to keep the fumes down since the intake valves are not cleaned by gasoline anymore. I don't know how the oil change message system works, but I change my motor oil every 5000 miles. Changing oil is cheaper than having any engine issues.

 

5,000 is fine.
The oil reminder takes into account idling, temperature and stuff like that.

 

Thanks MMJ. I wondered what made it operate on my Malibu.

 

The local radio show from a 40-year shop owner/master mechanic states
3K for conventional oils
5K-7K for semi-synthetic oils
10K-12K for full synthetic oils

We had a 2005 Yukon, seems that it was set to "remind" the driver of oil change time every 3K miles. Of course the Yukon had no way of "knowing" what type of oil had been added, and I was not aware of a way to change this warning interval.

The radio show guy says pretty common for a dealer or shop to use synthetic and still tell customer to come back in 3K miles - more $$$ for the shop !

 

I definitely wouldn't extend the interval beyond 8k (and then only if it was all highway driving) no matter what kind of oil it is!. I've seen too many horror stories and photos of engines ruined by sludgy oil.
Plus, there is zero regulation regarding the use of the term "synthetic" so you never really know what you're getting. The only sure thing you can rely on are the API/ILSAC/Dexos grades.

 

Thanks mountainman, oilcan, and cusser. 5000mi sounds about right for me. Cheers. Wavelength.