If the engine oil pressure light comes on, check the engine oil level right away.
The oil pressure light is on the instrument panel cluster for sedans. See Oil Pressure Light . For hatchbacks, the oil pressure light is on the Secondary Information Center (SIC). See Oil Pressure Light . You should check the engine oil level regularly; this is an added reminder.
Checking Engine Oil
It is a good idea to check the engine oil every time you get fuel. In order to get an accurate reading, the oil must be warm and the vehicle must be on level ground.
The engine oil dipstick handle is a yellow loop. See Engine Compartment Overview for the location of the engine oil dipstick.
- Turn off the engine and give the oil several minutes to drain back into the oil pan. If you do not do this, the oil dipstick might not show the actual level.
- Pull the dipstick and clean it with a paper towel or cloth, then push it back in all the way. Remove it again, keeping the tip down and check the level.
When to Add Engine Oil
If the oil is below the MIN (minimum) mark on the dipstick, add at least one quart/liter of the recommended oil. This section explains what kind of oil to use. For engine oil crankcase capacity, see Capacities and Specifications .
Notice: Do not add too much oil. If the engine has so much oil that the oil level gets above the upper mark that shows the proper operating range, the engine could be damaged.
See Engine Compartment Overview for the location of the engine oil fill cap.
Add enough oil to put the level somewhere in the proper operating range. Push the dipstick all the way back in when you are through.
What Kind of Engine Oil to Use
Look for three things:
| • | GM6094M |
| Use only an oil that meets GM Standard GM6094M. |
| • | SAE 5W-30 |
| SAE 5W-30 is best for the vehicle. If you are in an area of extreme cold, where the temperature falls below -20°F (-29°C), use either an SAE 5W-30 synthetic oil or an SAE 0W-30 oil. Both provide easier cold starting and better protection for the engine at extremely low temperatures. These numbers on an oil container show its viscosity, or thickness. Do not use other viscosity oils such as SAE 20W-50. |
| • | American Petroleum Institute (API) starburst symbol |
Oils meeting these requirements should have the starburst symbol on the container. This symbol indicates that the oil has been certified by the American Petroleum Institute (API).
Notice: Use only engine oil identified as meeting GM Standard GM6094M and showing the American Petroleum Institute Certified For Gasoline Engines starburst symbol. Failure to use the recommended oil can result in engine damage not covered by the vehicle warranty.
Engine Oil Additives
Do not add anything to the oil. The recommended oils with the starburst symbol that meet GM Standard GM6094M are all you need for good performance and engine protection.
When to Change Engine Oil
If any one of these is true for you, use the short trip/city maintenance schedule:
| • | Most trips are less than 5 miles (8 km). This is particularly important when outside temperatures are below freezing. |
| • | Most trips include extensive idling, such as frequent driving in stop-and-go traffic. |
| • | You frequently use a carrier on top of your vehicle. |
| • | 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, you need to change the 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.
What to Do with Used Oil
Used engine oil contains certain elements that can be unhealthy for your skin and could even cause cancer. Do not let used oil stay on your skin for very long. Clean your skin and nails with soap and water, or a good hand cleaner. Wash or properly dispose of clothing or rags containing used engine oil. See the manufacturer's warnings about the use and disposal of oil products.
Used oil can be a threat to the environment. If you change your own oil, be sure to drain all the oil from the filter before disposal. Never dispose of oil by putting it in the trash, pouring it on the ground, into sewers, or into streams or bodies of water. Recycle it by taking it to a place that collects used oil.
