GM's OLM (Oil Life Monitor) System

Matt

After a recent purchase of a Chevrolet Avalanche, I learned about this Oil Life Monitor used by GM to track oil life.

What it does is check specific variables like temperature, moisture, etc and, using an algorithm, calculate the "life expectancy" of your oil. The result is a 0-100% read-out as you drive, depending on driving habits, speeds, distances, etc, that tells you when to change your oil.

What do you think of this? Do you think all cars should switch to this method? Do you think it's a BS method used to get you to change oil more/less often?

I've noticed lots of people comment that it actually makes them feel more secure about when to get their oil changed, as the "every 3000 mile" rule shouldn't apply to anyone.

Does anyone know if the algorithm is changed at all when switching to synthetic?

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"Any man who can drive a 370z while kissing a pretty girl is simply not giving the Z the attention it deserves." Albert Einstein....modified.