Pontiac 2002 Sunfire - Manual (Page 247)

6-20
As in the chart shown previously, SAE 5W - 30 is best for
your vehicle. However, you can use SAE 10W - 30 if it’s
going to be 0
_F ( - 18
_C) or above. 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
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 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.