The oil in the engines of these new Buicks is a higher quality than many motorists are used to. It's a new grade called dexos. It's better than conventional oil, but not as durable as synthetics.
"Right now, GM is doing this change. The fact of the matter is GM is really just a year ahead of the industry," Kettering Mechanical Engineering Professor Craig Hoff said.
Other carmakers are expected to follow suit in 2012. Dexos can better handle higher engine temperatures and has additives to prevent the corrosion E-85 fuel can create.
"With the changes in the fuel economy standards and with the emission standards, the automakers are having to be much more aggressive with their engine designs," Hoff explained.
Dexos-rated oil won't be available at GM dealerships for another week, but there are some synthetics that will do just as well.
"We are using Mobil 1 in the 2011s or anything calling for dexos," Suski Chevrolet-Buick Service Manager Gus Engelhardt said.
Some oil change businesses advertise they carry oil that qualifies to be called dexos. The new grade of oil isn't cheap.
"It's going to be $15 an oil change more than you're paying right now," Engelhardt predicted.
But the good news is you can go longer between oil changes.
"Instead of the 3,000 mile oil change, you can look at changing oil every 10,000 miles," Hoff said.
"It's really going to save you money in the long run," noted Engelhardt.
Even though GM says a dexos grade of oil is required in its 2011s, nowhere in the engine compartment will you find a warning.
If you want to use dexos in your older car, automotive technicians say it won't do any harm.
If you have questions about your vehicle's oil and lubrication requirements, check with your dealer.
