2010 Traverse 3.6L DI 4,185 mi. Valvoline 5W-30

[rbarrios]

So during Xmas break- We drove from Los Angeles to Guadalajara,Mexico and spent some time in the Mountains of the neighboring state of Zacatecas.

I changed oil at 4,185 for 4 reasons.

1)We were heavily loaded. (cargo rack, 3rd row full of cargo, roof bag), 5 on board.
2)217 miles was on dusty dirt/rock Mtn trails.
3)Ran into Massive wind/dust Storm that lasted hours.
4)1st time using a PF-48E filter.

 

[JerryBob]

Nice photos. Your silicon dropped. Maybe cuz your air filter is clogged

 

[Al]

Great UOA you could certainly go further. Pretty low tech additive package. But in your vehicle any oil would work.

 

[rbarrios]

Originally Posted By: Al
But in your vehicle any oil would work.



Are you sure?
This is a DI engine- known for beating the snot out of Mobil 1....

 

[rbarrios]

Originally Posted By: JerryBob
Nice photos. Your silicon dropped. Maybe cuz your air filter is clogged

I was wondering about that.
so much dust the- the filter is all clogged up?
The filter has 17,000 miles on it.

 

[gonefishin]

Nice report.
Do you still have the Trailblazer in the family? Mine is still moving down the road with 130K. I'm thinking of downsizing....hmmm, maybe a Traverse.

 

[pbm]

Is that VWB or VSP?

 

[CrawfishTails]

Originally Posted By: rbarrios
Originally Posted By: Al
But in your vehicle any oil would work.

Are you sure?
This is a DI engine- known for beating the snot out of Mobil 1....


I know thats only a 2010 model, but shouldn't you be using an oil that at least passes the more stringent dexos1 specs? They're not hard to find, and the diff in cost is one round of margaritas in Mexico (1 zillion pesos I think).

 

[Ram01]

Was this a dexos approved oil ????

 

[aquariuscsm]

Valvoline is hard to beat!

 

[rbarrios]

Originally Posted By: gonefishin
Nice report.
Do you still have the Trailblazer in the family? Mine is still moving down the road with 130K. I'm thinking of downsizing....hmmm, maybe a Traverse.


Yes, the Trailblazer is in the driveway- @ 171,000

 

[rbarrios]

Originally Posted By: pbm
Is that VWB or VSP?


Valvoline White Bottle... conventional 5W-30

 

[Indydriver]

This is a great report. It just goes to show that yes, you can keep an engine well maintained on conventional oil. Go ahead and treat yourself to a new air filter.

 

[rbarrios]

Originally Posted By: CrawfishTails
Originally Posted By: rbarrios
Originally Posted By: Al
But in your vehicle any oil would work.

Are you sure?
This is a DI engine- known for beating the snot out of Mobil 1....


I know thats only a 2010 model, but shouldn't you be using an oil that at least passes the more stringent dexos1 specs? They're not hard to find, and the diff in cost is one round of margaritas in Mexico (1 zillion pesos I think).



For 2010, the 3.6L in the Traverse did not require DEXOS compliant oil.

 

[CT8]

I had a friend that lived in Guadalajara in the early 1980s. I visited as often as possible. A most wonderful place.

 

[rbarrios]

Originally Posted By: Ram01
Was this a dexos approved oil ????


Last time I checked, it was not on the DEXOS approved list.

THough dont know if thats changed.

 

[pbm]

Is Guadalajara safe for gringos?

 

[GenesisGuy70]

Originally Posted By: pbm
Is Guadalajara safe for gringos?


Good question! I was wondering the same thing. You see so much stuff on the news and it makes it seem like Mexico is a dangerous place.

 

[rbarrios]

Originally Posted By: pbm
Is Guadalajara safe for gringos?


We drove to Zacatecas 1st.
My bro retired from USAF after 24 yrs of service on Dec 1.
He and family flew in on Dec 19 to Guadalajara Int Airport.
His mother in law also went,

I drove to pick them up.
They had no issues once in the city. We even walked around at night- to hit up local street taco vendors... ( you know the ones where you either stand and eat or sit on little tables they set up on the curb)

why is that important?
Cause his wife and mother in law are white.... his 6 yr old also looks white.
They are native to Fort Walton Beach part of FL.

They said theyd go back....


They felt safe.

 

[pbm]

Most of the Mexicans that I've met in NYC (and the suburbs) are nice, decent, hard working people. One of my wife's best friends (an RN) was born in Mexico....she's as good as they come.

I would love to visit and travel around Mexico but I'm a bit hesitant because of the cartels, gangs, corrupt federales etc...