Customer requested a switch from 0W-20 to 5W-30 oil in their GMC Sierra during an oil change. Dealer required a signed confirmation to honor this request.
In a surprising turn of events, some GMC dealers are requiring owners to sign release or waiver forms before changing the oil viscosity of their vehicles. This practice has been observed in a recent case involving a 2019 GMC Sierra owner, Nicholas McDonald.
Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Reporter since 2012, reports that this request for a signed document comes when customers request an oil viscosity different from the one recommended by the manufacturer. The dealers want to formally acknowledge that the customer is requesting a service that deviates from the vehicle manufacturer's specifications.
The 2019 GMC Sierra in question is a model year that is out of warranty. However, the dealer in question was being proactive to protect themselves in case of engine problems after an oil change service.
For a 2019 GMC Sierra with a 6.2-liter engine, the recommended oil viscosity is 0W-20, a full synthetic oil that meets the GM Dexos1 specification. This oil is chosen for its ability to flow easily at low temperatures, beneficial for cold starts.
However, in Mr. McDonald's case, he usually uses 5W-30 oil but requested the dealer to use it due to being at a resort with no changing facilities. The service advisor at the GMC Dealer required him to sign a waiver to use 5W-30 oil.
Interestingly, Mr. McDonald noticed an improvement in his truck's performance after switching to 5W-30 oil. Other owners have also reported similar improvements.
It's important to note that this practice is not a GM-mandated requirement. The underlying reason is to ensure that the dealer can avoid responsibility for any engine performance or warranty issues that could arise from not using the recommended oil type.
In a recent recall, GM has changed the recommended oil viscosity for certain 2021-2024 model year 6.2-liter V8 L87 gasoline engines due to potential manufacturing defects. If a newer GMC truck is affected by this recall and passes inspection, the dealer will likely perform an oil change using the newly recommended 0W-40 oil, replace the oil fill cap, provide an updated owner's manual insert, and extend the warranty coverage for the engine.
In light of these developments, it's crucial for vehicle owners to consult their owner's manual and/or a GM dealership to determine the appropriate oil viscosity for their specific vehicle and model year.
Mr. McDonald has shared his experience in a 2019 - 2025 Chevy Silverado & GMC Sierra Facebook post, shedding light on this practice and sparking discussions among other owners.
In summary, dealers require these release forms to protect themselves legally when customers request oil viscosities other than those recommended by GMC, clarifying that the customer assumes the risk. However, it's essential for vehicle owners to make informed decisions about their vehicle's maintenance and consult with their dealership to ensure they are using the correct oil viscosity.
Unaware of the typical home-and-garden maintenance tasks, some GMC dealers are demanding homeowners like Nicholas McDonald to sign release forms before making adjustments to their vehicle's lifestyle, such as changing the oil viscosity. This practice is tied to the dealers' desire to legally absolve themselves of any responsibility for potential engine problems after the service. Furthermore, altering the oil viscosity of his 2019 GMC Sierra to 5W-30 instead of the manufacturer's recommended 0W-20 helped improve its performance, demonstrating the influence of home-and-garden product choices on vehicle performance, albeit with potential legal implications.
