When to change engine oil, What to do with used oil – Pontiac 2003 Vibe User Manual

Page 264

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6-19

When to Change Engine Oil

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.

What to Do with Used Oil

Used engine oil contains certain elements that may be
unhealthy for your skin and could even cause cancer.
Don’t 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 throw away 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. Instead, recycle it by
taking it to a place that collects used oil. If you have a
problem properly disposing of your used oil, ask your
dealer, a service station or a local recycling center
for help.

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