fatherdoug
Tonto Papadapolous
Found this little blurb in the Rockauto newsletter. What a crock!
Changing engine oil is many automotive do-it-yourselfers’ (DIY) first experience under the hood. DIY oil changes are convenient, save money, help prevent stripped oil drain plugs, and let the owner choose his favorite oil filter and oil.
DIY oil changes have faced challenges over the years. Some cities considered banning DIY oil changes to prevent disastrous pollution from used oil. Strong public support for DIY oil changes has led to good solutions, like education and mandatory oil recycling, in most places.
The latest challenge could be coming from General Motors. Traditionally, car manufacturers specify different oil weights (5W30) or broad categories like synthetic, but they all use the same oil standards (currently ILSAC GF-5 for gas engines) and leave it up to the vehicle owners or repair shops to choose their favorite oil brands.
Now GM is changing the status quo by requiring their proprietary, Dexos™ oil be used in new GM cars beginning in 2011. GM says Dexos™ offers more miles between oil changes. Skeptics say Dexos™ is probably very similar to GF-5. This proprietary oil will certainly bring licensing fees and royalties to GM. However, it might also alienate new GM car owners who discover a Dexos™ oil change is more expensive and initially only available at new car dealerships. Exclusive oil does not offer owners much cachet.

Changing engine oil is many automotive do-it-yourselfers’ (DIY) first experience under the hood. DIY oil changes are convenient, save money, help prevent stripped oil drain plugs, and let the owner choose his favorite oil filter and oil.
DIY oil changes have faced challenges over the years. Some cities considered banning DIY oil changes to prevent disastrous pollution from used oil. Strong public support for DIY oil changes has led to good solutions, like education and mandatory oil recycling, in most places.
The latest challenge could be coming from General Motors. Traditionally, car manufacturers specify different oil weights (5W30) or broad categories like synthetic, but they all use the same oil standards (currently ILSAC GF-5 for gas engines) and leave it up to the vehicle owners or repair shops to choose their favorite oil brands.
Now GM is changing the status quo by requiring their proprietary, Dexos™ oil be used in new GM cars beginning in 2011. GM says Dexos™ offers more miles between oil changes. Skeptics say Dexos™ is probably very similar to GF-5. This proprietary oil will certainly bring licensing fees and royalties to GM. However, it might also alienate new GM car owners who discover a Dexos™ oil change is more expensive and initially only available at new car dealerships. Exclusive oil does not offer owners much cachet.