Buick 2001 Park Avenue - Manual (Page 279)

6-16
When to Change Engine Oil (Vehicles With
the GM Oil Life System
t Option)
If so equipped, 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 Oil Life System whenever the oil is changed.
How to Reset the Oil Life System (If Equipped)
Always reset the engine oil life to 100% after every oil
change. It will not reset itself. To reset the Oil Life
System, press and hold the DIC RESET button for more
than five seconds while the OIL LIFE INDEX is being
displayed on the DIC. The oil life will change to 100%.
What to Do with Used Oil
Did you know that used engine oil contains certain
elements that may be unhealthy for your skin and could
even cause cancer? Don’t let used oil stay on your skin
for very long. Clean your skin and nails with soap and
water, or a good hand cleaner. Wash or properly throw
away clothing or rags containing used engine oil.
See the manufacturer’s warnings about the use and
disposal of oil products.
Used oil can be a real threat to the environment. If you
change your own oil, be sure to drain all free
- flowing oil
from the filter before disposal. Don’t ever dispose of oil
by putting it in the trash, pouring it on the ground, into
sewers, or into streams or bodies of water. Instead,
recycle it by taking it to a place that collects used oil.
If you have a problem properly disposing of your used
oil, ask your dealer, a service station or a local recycling
center for help.