There is a new recall out for the 2009 Cadillac SRX. I suspect that this recall more than likely affects all Cadillac models with the 3.6 L V-6 engines.

One thing that is interesting about this Cadillac recall (#10287) is that the recall itself boils down to a software update for the engine control module. Cadillac states the reason for this upgrade is to prevent excessive wear on the timing chain. How often can you connect software with hard engine parts wearing out?

To clarify the upgrade forces the engine control module to recommend more frequent oil changes.

Here is a quote from the recall notice that was sent:

We have determined that under certain driving conditions, and with extended oil change intervals, the timing chain could wear prematurely and cause the illumination of the service engine soon light. Timing chain wear can be affected by the age of the engine oil and driving conditions.

Here is another quote from the letter that was sent that covers what they will do in the recall:

To ensure your vehicle will not experience this condition, your Cadillac dealer will change the calibration of the engine control module, including the engine oil life monitor, which in most cases will recommend more frequent oil changes.

Now I have, in the recent past, been on my soap box about the original manufacturers recommending service intervals based on selling you a new car every so many years. Not on what is best for taking care of your investment. Here is a prime example of that.

GM (parent company of Cadillac) is one of the worst offenders of this with their oil life monitoring system. The system does not monitor the condition of the oil rather the conditions present in the engine that cause oil oxidation. Yet it is not uncommon for these systems to not recommend oil changes for 10k miles or even more. Clearly longer than the oil manufacturers ever intended.

I do not care what the system monitors; the API sets the limits for oil life not the manufacturers! And those limits are based on chemistry and physical tolerances of the oil not marketing.

If you want to reduce damage to your engine and increase its lifespan change your oil every 3k miles no matter your owner’s manual or the computer on the car says. If you use an oil additive like BG MOA (you get this with every oil change with us without even having to ask) you can go 5k miles with no problem.

If you use a high quality synthetic (Not Mobil 1) you can, at times, go as far as 10k or 15k miles between oil changes. Just be careful here. The oil may be able to go that far but can the filter or the rest of the car? An inexpensive brake reline at 5k can turn into a real nightmare 10k miles later. If you insist on extended drain intervals using a high quality synthetic, simply have the balance of the car inspected every 5k. Every third time, change the oil.

Bottom line, if you want to keep your vehicle alive and relatively cheap to own, have it inspected and serviced every 3k miles to catch problems when they are small.