Automotive
GM’s 6.2-liter L87 V8 has had a rough stretch, and now owners have yet another update to trace. Within the wake of last 12 months’s massive recall and a unbroken federal look into potential catastrophic failures, GM is again revising what oil dealers should use when servicing certain recalled engines. When you drive a half-ton GM truck or a full-size SUV with the 6.2, that is considered one of those small-sounding changes that also matters since it directly affects how your vehicle is maintained under the recall treatment.
The backstory starts with the recall that expanded right into a huge campaign covering nearly 600,000 vehicles. GM’s initial response was to maneuver away from the unique 0W-20 oil and recommend a heavier 0W-40 as a part of the fix for engines that were inspected and didn’t require a full alternative. That first switch pointed dealers toward Mobil 1 Supercar 0W-40, and for some time, that became the go-to for addressing the recall requirements on affected models that passed inspection.
Now GM is changing the guidance again, nevertheless it isn’t changing the viscosity. As a substitute of Mobil 1 Supercar 0W-40, the updated bulletin directs dealers to make use of Mobil 1 FS 0W-40. In practical terms, you’re still taking a look at 0W-40, and that’s necessary since the heavier weight is the core of what GM originally specified for the recall treatment. The update is more about which specific Mobil 1 product line gets used, not about reinventing the answer.
So why trouble with one other change if the burden stays the identical? The only explanation can also be essentially the most believable: price and availability. Mobil 1 FS 0W-40 is way easier to seek out on shelves and typically easier to source in bulk, which helps dealers keep service moving without getting stuck waiting on the Supercar-branded supply. GM’s message is actually that FS 0W-40 meets the performance criteria needed for the recall treatment, and the switch makes it easier and cheaper to execute at scale.
When you own considered one of the recalled vehicles, the smart play is to concentrate on the spec and the paperwork. Be sure that your service invoice shows 0W-40 and keep records, especially in case your truck or SUV was inspected and cleared without an engine alternative. When you are due for service and also you’re unsure where your vehicle stands within the recall process, call the dealer along with your VIN and ask what the present bulletin instructs to your specific situation. It’s one other reminder that with a high-volume recall and an ongoing investigation, the main points can evolve, and staying on top of the newest guidance can enable you avoid headaches later.
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Mike Floyd is a finance executive by trade and a automotive enthusiast at heart. As a CFO with a keen eye for detail and strategy, Mike brings his analytical mindset to the automotive world, uncovering fresh insights and unique perspectives that transcend the surface. His passion for cars—especially his favorite, the Porsche 911, fuels his contributions to Automotive Addicts, where he blends a love for performance and design along with his skilled precision. Whether he’s breaking down industry trends or spotlighting emerging innovations, Mike helps keep the location each sharp and forward-thinking.
This Article First Appeared At www.automotiveaddicts.com
