When my father bought his new LBZ, the dealer included free oil changes for life (w/ factory fill 15w-40 non-synthetic).

Would it be wise for my father to switch over to synthetic fluid and start performing his own oil change, or would you guys suggest to just get the free oil changes?

Do you guys think that free oil changes outweigh the benefits of synthetic oil? Would he be hindering the life of his LBZ by not switching to synthetic?

Thanks in adavance!

-Jake

PS - I know the synthetic v. dino oil is a hot topic and everyone has their own view. I personally run synthetic in my 1998 Camaro Z28 and would run nothing else. My father is part of the old school who does NOT believe in synthetics... Just trying to get an opinion on diesel longevity from the experts here.

Take advantage of the free that's a good thing free oil changes as long as he gets them done at every 3k ;)
GM gave me free oil changes for six months and I took advantage of it

With normal use synthetic isn't worth the extra $$. Free dino is the way to go.

What are the odds of dealer giving free oil changes at an interval greater than what the DIC says?????

I would let the stealer do it, but I would supervise.

I will bet that they go by the DIC.Thats when i change mine unless I've towed heavy and hot.In that case I'll change at 5k mi.

So just as long as he watches the stealer techs (I always watch when someone other than I work on my car, I don't trst them:) ), and he gets it changed regularly, all should be well.

I vote to let the dealer do it since they offered, especially during the warranty period & especially if he will be towing, etc. If something goes wrong, there wont be any doubt about the oil, filter, etc. Besides it costs me about $65 everytime I change oil & filter. He can save that money & protect himself from the vultures. But remember if he is going to do that, make sure he does not go over "X" amount of miles that they recommend ... the plan could backfire on him. Make sure he gets that truck in on time & keep the receipts for records down the line.

Since I lost my rear-end at 14,533 miles, Chevy gave me a 2 year/30,000 mile service contract. While I was under the 30,000 I had them change my oil every 3,000 miles. Now that I am no longer covered I change it per the DIC.

BTW, free dino -vs- high dollar synthetic = easy math to me. Unless your dad does high mileage, or puts around town, I don't think he would reap any benefits from synthetic.

When I purchased my truck I got the free oil changes also, I have an unusually good service dept, so I let them do it.....

They change when the DIC says so, or 5,000....

Can't beat free. Besides he can pocket the money he would be spending to get that done and take the family out to dinner something...

go with the free: i have that same deal with my d/max, and wife's tahoe..

Sounds good guys. Thanks for the advice, and the free dinner :)

I pay $9.95 for oil and filter change, lube job and all fluids topped off. If it's time for a tranny filter change I put on a new filter before I go that way I don't have to buy any Dex VI. Another plus is the dealer washes the truck (does a good job) with any service at no charge. The wash guy says my truck always needs washed the worst of any he does. As long as the dealer puts in the right oil and uses the right filter let them foot the bill.

What are the odds of dealer giving free oil changes at an interval greater than what the DIC says?????
They did mine every 3 k with no problems other than they stuck the dipstick in the wrong place:D

one more vote for the free one. My dealer charges $20 on diesels if you buy the vehicle from them for oil/lube/filter. I bring it in every 5k miles. Nice warranty record.

Keep going with the free oil changes every 3K. Synthetics are nice, however, they are expensive and only extend the service interval. By the time you add it all up, it's a cost wash. In your Dad's case, he's bucks ahead!

http://C:\Documents and Settings\Derold Hines\My Documents\My Pictures\Picture\picture 006

That's an $80 savings every 7500 miles WOW - that's awesome ....