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GM claims it can double or even triple the time between oil changes in vehicles when compared to the common 3,000-mile recommendation simply by being able to evaluate driving conditions using its patented Oil Life System.

30 Mar 2004, 18:03 GMT - The oil system is currently fitted in about 95% of GM manufactured vehicles as well as on a wide variety of models since the mid-1990s. In total there are an estimated 20 million vehicles on the road that are equipped with GMOLS. The system itself uses an algorithm that tracks engine revolutions and temperature and predicts oil life based on these parameters and driver use.

The technology represents a departure from a convention industry approach based upon maintenance intervals on mileage. Instead of a complicated list of different services to be performed at different mileage intervals, GM's simplified maintenance schedules are rooted on the change oil light message.

The first time the message on the dashboard appears, GM and GM Goodwrench dealerships will offer a service package which includes an oil and filter change, a four-tire rotation, visual inspections of the fluid levels and brakes and a resetting of the system.

The next time the message appears a second service package will include everything in stage one plus a professional inspection of the suspension and steering components and the transmission. After the first two visits drivers will alternate between the two schedules as the prompt appears on the dash for the life of the vehicle.

Since the system must be reset to work properly and many of the required maintenance services can be complex, GM recommends taking GMOLS-equipped vehicles to the GM experts at Goodwrench dealerships for proper service.

FOR RELEASE: April 22, 2004

GM’s Simplified Vehicle Maintenance Can Save the Environment

3000-Mile Oil Changes May be Unnecessary

Earth Day

Grand Blanc, Mich. -How frequently should drivers change their engine oil? Most technicians will say 3,000 miles while others say 5,000 or 7,000. But ask Mr. Goodwrench and he'll offer a simple solution - let your vehicle tell you when. By following this simple recommendation, consumers can protect their wallets and the environment from unnecessary oil changes, helping reduce pollution and conserve resources this Earth Day.

GM's award-winning Oil Life System (GMOLS) uses an algorithm that evaluates engine speed and temperature and the system informs the driver when to change the engine oil with a simple change oil message on the dash. By bringing their vehicle into the nearest GM Goodwrench dealership at this time drivers can double or even triple the time between oil changes when compared to the common industry recommendation of 3,000 miles.

Why it's important

According to industry experts, oil changes can pose a significant environmental problem. The American Petroleum Institute estimates that more than 640 million gallons of motor oil are sold each year, about half of which is used by do-it-yourself oil changers. While gas stations, quick oil change shops and car dealerships generally follow good practices and return the used oil for recycling, only about a third of the do-it-yourselfers return used oil for recycling. That means hundreds of millions of gallons used motor oil are going unrecycled and often end up dumped on the ground, poured down storm sewers or sent to landfills.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that do-it-yourself oil changes are the single largest source of water pollution in the United States. Just one quart of improperly disposed used oil can contaminate 1 million gallons of water, enough to meet the needs of 50 people for a year.

"This car care season, we want owners of GM vehicles not to worry about deciding when to change their engine oil because leading-edge technology will determine the right time," said Peter Lord, executive director, GM Service Operations. "Simply visit your GM Goodwrench dealership when the vehicle signals and you won't have to worry about how many miles you have driven. There's also an extra level of comfort in knowing that this also can help tackle a growing environmental problem."

GMOLS is on about 95 percent of the vehicles that GM produces today and on a wide variety of models since the mid-1990's. There are roughly 20 million vehicles on the road today equipped with GMOLS. Together, these vehicles can help save an estimated 120 million gallons of oil if consumers simply follow the change oil light recommendation.

GM received the first-ever Environmental Excellence in Transportation Award from the Society of Automotive Engineers in 2001 for the Oil Life System.

GM's New Simplified Maintenance Schedules Challenge Industry Assumptions

GMOLS technology allows GM and GM Goodwrench dealerships to offer all new Simplified Maintenance Schedules on most 2004 vehicles to simplify maintenance for GM customers and to build long-lasting customer relationships. The new schedules are a departure from the typical industry approach of basing maintenance intervals on mileage. Instead of a complicated list of different services to be performed at different mileage intervals, GM's new Simplified Maintenance Schedules are based on the change oil light/message.

The first time the message on the dash appears, GM Goodwrench dealerships will offer a Maintenance I service package which includes an oil and filter change, a four-tire rotation, visual inspections of the fluid levels and brakes and a resetting of the system. The next time the message appears a Maintenance II service package is recommended, which includes everything in Maintenance I, plus a professional inspection of the suspension and steering components and the transmission. After the first two visits drivers will alternate between the two schedules as the prompt appears on the dash for the life of the vehicle. Since the system must be reset to work properly and many of the required maintenance services can be complex, GM recommends taking GMOLS-equipped vehicles to the GM experts at Goodwrench dealerships for proper service.

"Simplified Maintenance Schedules are a major convenience to drivers because it takes the guesswork out of when to change oil and it eliminates the need to make decisions regarding routine maintenance," Lord said. "Basically, when the light comes on you bring the vehicle in for maintenance and the technician can perform an oil change along with other necessary maintenance items such as checking belts, rotating tires and changing the air filter."

Consumers should check their owner's manual to determine if their GM vehicle has GMOLS. If it does, a GM Goodwrench dealership can service and reset the system at the vehicle's next oil change. If it doesn't, they should follow the oil change recommendations listed in their owner's manual. The engine oil and filter must be changed at least once a year even if the GMOLS indicator does not come on.

The GM Oil Life System is available on all light-duty North American GM cars except for some models of Buick Park Avenue and Le Sabre, Pontiac Bonneville and Sunfire/Sunbird, Chevrolet Tracker, Cavalier and Malibu, S10/Sonoma trucks, Astro/Safari Vans, and the Pontiac Vibe. For more information about the GM Oil Life System, visit www.gmability.com.

GM Goodwrench is the service brand for GM vehicles. With more than 7,000 dealerships, the GM Goodwrench network is one of the largest automotive service chains in the industry. GM Goodwrench technicians receive specialized training from General Motors to provide expert care for GM cars and trucks. Genuine GM replacement parts are manufactured to the exact specifications of the GM vehicle. For more information, visit the GM Goodwrench web site at www.goodwrench.com .

National Car Care Month is a nationwide effort to focus motorists' attention on the importance of vehicle care and maintenance. It was developed by the National Car Care Council and lasts the entire month of April. More information is available at www.carcarecouncil.org .

USRider Distributes 500 Copies of Large Animal Rescue Video

USRider has produced and widely distributed a video for the purpose of increasing awareness of the need for correct rescue training among emergency medical technicians, law enforcement officials, horse associations and other related groups.

This awareness campaign is succeeding. Since creating the video in the first quarter of 2003, USRider has distributed more than 500 free copies of the large-animal rescue video to numerous organizations and individuals across the nation. Videos have also been sent to Canada, Germany and Argentina.

“Initially, we thought we might send out 50 or maybe 100 copies," said Mark Cole, managing member for USRider, a member-based organization providing trailering assistance throughout North America with its Equestrian Motor Plan. "We offer our sincere appreciation to the numerous newsletters and publications that have assisted us in getting the word out about this worthwhile initiative."

Many animals end up being dragged, strangled, drowned or dropped during attempted rescues because many emergency responders do not have the proper training for rescuing large animals safely.

“Most emergency responders have extensive knowledge about rescuing humans but, due to no fault of their own, lack training in how to rescue large animals properly. When emergency responders are made aware of the need of large-animal rescue skills, most are very receptive. We just need to create awareness,” explained Cole.

The Large-Animal Rescue video covers theory and demonstrations on how to respond to overturned trailers; animals in holes, pools or open sewers; barn fires; trailer wrecks; and animals loose on the highway, trapped in various places or hurt on the trail. The video uses simulated situations to demonstrate how to tie up, pull, strap and lift large animals.

“We are extremely pleased by the quality of organizations that have requested the video thus far,” said Cole.

Those requesting the video include the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the American Horse Protection Association, horse councils, veterinarians, state departments of agriculture, animal welfare departments, humane societies, fire departments and EMTs, libraries, colleges, and riding clubs and associations.

“Several groups have gone above the call of duty by hosting viewings for emergency responders or by making copies and personally handing them out to emergency responders,” said Cole. “Others have taken the initiative to reach a wide audience by playing the video on local cable television.”

Many of those who have received the video have written back to tell us of the positive responses they have heard from local responders and to express their gratitude for being made aware of the issue of large-animal rescue preparation.

"While it is wonderful to get the word out to horse owners and enthusiasts, we must continue to mobilize those who view the video to bring this issue to the attention of local responders and ultimately get them trained and certified in large animal rescue," said Cole.

"A number of viewers have taken this extra step. Some have written to us about how they plan to broaden awareness of this issue,” explained Cole. “One simple idea was to take a horse to the local fire station to let responders simply become more acquainted with horses and to demonstrate proper handling techniques."

The video features Drs. Tomas and Rebecca Gimenez from Clemson University, nationally recognized experts in large-animal rescue training. They have been offering emergency rescue training courses around the country for over five years. Several hundred firefighters, police officers, sheriff’s deputies and animal control technicians along with organized volunteers have attended their two- and three-day workshops. Tomas and Rebecca Gimenez can be contacted via e-mail at tgmnz@clemson.edu or by telephone at (864) 656-5158.

The video was produced by Caren L. Hunter of Sylvan Inc., a television productions and commercial advertising firm. Hunter has served as a producer for television commercials, sales and marketing videos, industrial videos, half hour format national television programs and live broadcast sports television. Hunter’s equine-related productions include Kilkenny Internationale Cup Grand Prix, Zada Enterprises Masters Cup Grand Prix, Cosequin U.S. Open Jumper Championship, USET Festival of Champions and USET Show Jumping Championship. Caren Hunter can be contacted via e-mail at chunter10@aol.com or by telephone at Sylvan Productions at (561) 758-6888.

“At USRider, we are truly pleased and fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with such a high level of professionals in this endeavor,” said Cole. “We are hopeful this video will benefit the welfare and safety of horses and other large animals everywhere. It has been widely distributed, but we want to get this into the hands of as many emergency responders as possible. It is still available and we encourage interested organizations to request a copy,” said Cole.

To receive a free copy of the video, send a written request on letterhead to Attn: Large Animal Rescue Video, USRider Equestrian Motor Plan, P.O. Box 54711, Lexington, KY 40555. The request should indicate when the video will be viewed and the approximate number of people who will view it.

Funding for the creation and distribution of this video has been provided by the USRider Leg-Up Annual Giving Fund. This fund was created to enhance awareness of emergency equine response issues and to offer financial assistance to qualified, worthy organizations that provide emergency equine response. USRider donates a portion of its profits to create the Leg-Up Fund. For information about the USRider Leg-Up Annual Giving Fund or the USRider Equestrian Motor Plan’s nationwide trailering assistance program, please call 1-800-844-1409 or visit www.usrider.org .