09 Chevy Cobalt - My cobalt has a digital read mileage, mpg, etc. Should I trust the digital oil % reading for getting my oil change? I've heard it is set at the manufacturer for miles not viscocity.

5

Asked by Rebels75 Jan 31, 2014 at 10:37 AM about the 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt LS Sedan FWD

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

1 Answer

18,275

It is set for neither. It is computer controlled. Data on temperature, speed, miles, RPM, etc. etc. is entered in and calculated on the fly and that is what show up in the reading. You maybe sure many engineering man hours and probably millions of dollars went into developing that system so it would give accurate information. GM warranties those engines on the basis of oil changes being done when the computer system says they should be done. For that reason alone you can be sure the computer is calibrated to err on the side of caution. As long as you are using the recommended oil, even if its expensive, you can follow what the computer tells you to do and rest easy. Pay no attention to the old school guys that still think they are somehow doing their car a favor by changing oil every 3000 miles, rain or shine. All they are doing is wasting money and oil. If you deviate from the recommended oil like I have with my '03 SS then you need to do your homework and possibly adjust your oil change interval accordingly. A cheap out of spec oil will require more frequent changes, a higher performance oil, if there is one for an '09 will allow for an extended time. I run my oil through two complete cycles of the car's computer with an oil change at the half way point. My decision to do that is based on hard published testing results, not here say and speculation. Hope this helps. They're great little cars. Take care of it and it will take care of you.

1 people found this helpful.

Your Answer:

Own this car?

Share your experience with others.

2009 Chevrolet Cobalt

Review another car

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    munron
    Reputation
    8,140
  • #2
    John Carson
    Reputation
    2,270
  • #3
    MoGo
    Reputation
    1,980
View All

Know more, shop wisely

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Chevrolet Camaro
591 Great Deals out of 9,061 listings starting at $4,899
Used Ford Mustang
887 Great Deals out of 22,331 listings starting at $1,000
Used Honda Civic
1,325 Great Deals out of 30,034 listings starting at $1,000
Used Chevrolet Corvette
701 Great Deals out of 12,408 listings starting at $3,200
Used Chevrolet Malibu
1,009 Great Deals out of 19,497 listings starting at $700
Used Chevrolet Colorado
893 Great Deals out of 23,467 listings starting at $875
Used Chevrolet Impala
252 Great Deals out of 4,058 listings starting at $300
Used Chevrolet Spark
177 Great Deals out of 2,062 listings starting at $1,750
Used Ford Focus
410 Great Deals out of 5,380 listings starting at $625
Used Ford Fusion
717 Great Deals out of 9,315 listings starting at $800
Used Honda Accord
1,486 Great Deals out of 29,735 listings starting at $450

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.