CHOO CHOO
BackPagePhil
Doesn't matter if it's a TSB. It'll only be covered if it's a recall and even then there may be a time or mileage limitation which I'm sure you'd be well beyond anyway. A TSB is basically just the manufacturer saying "We officially recognize a problem and here's our recommended/approved course of action". Generally, a recall is issued only if it's a matter of safety being compromised.
Also, not to ride you about the oil thing, but just because it's common knowledge that these engines consume oil doesn't mean a low oil level should be shrugged off as if it's a "normal operation" thing. It's also common knowledge that filling your fuel tank with watered-down gasoline will cause engine issues. Would you dismiss it like "Eh, ALL engines run like shit with water in the tank" and keep on filling it with the watery gasoline? It's a design flaw and the word being so widespread means it's an issue that needs special attention. Simply monitoring the oil level is the first step. Going by the low oil light isn't a safe way of monitoring.
On the other hand, there's probably just enough oil in the sump that the pickup is still submerged at lower RPM. So, your short and leisurely drives are probably why you haven't had any issues with running it low on oil. Now, if you were in a situation where you had the engine at high RPM for a little while (quickly accelerating to merge or pass, etc.), then the sump might be sucked dry and you could possibly damage or destroy something.
Thank you. That makes sense that a surge or rush of rpms draining it rapidly can cause more harm or seize.
And how would I know if I put watery gasoline in the vehicle. The gas stations i usually go to are the same 2-3 and have never had problems.
My whole point in this, is that I try my best to follow the guidelines provided. Busting my balls because I don't check the dipstick when I change the oil or add a qt seems a bit absurd. If the oil light comes on and I add a qt and it goes away, it should be safe imo. I would sincerely hope that if the oil light goes off and it is still low on oil, that gm would have the light setting set a bit on the safe side to allow a bit of cushion in how much oil is still inside.
I change my oil around 5k, and follow the owners manual guidelines. Relax, my used vehicle will still get you safely down the road for quite some time.