Pontiac 2001 Montana, Owner'S Manual

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6-15
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
Your vehicle has a computer that lets you know when to
change your engine oil. This is not based on mileage,
but on engine revolutions and engine operating
temperature. When the computer has calculated that
the oil needs changing, the GM Oil Life System
t
will indicate that a change is necessary. The mileage
between oil and filter changes will vary depending
on how you drive your vehicle
--
usually between
3,000 miles (5 000 km) and 10,000 miles (16 000 km)
since your last oil and filter change. Under severe
conditions, the system may come on before 3,000 miles
(5 000 km). Never drive your vehicle more than 10,000
miles (16 000 km) or 12 months (whichever occurs first)
without an oil change.
The system won’t detect dust in the oil. So, if you
drive in a dusty area, be sure to change your oil
and filter every 3,000 miles (5 000 km) or sooner.
Remember to reset the change engine oil message
whenever the oil is changed.