Understanding the Saab Oil Life System and Service Lights

Performing all scheduled and recommended maintenance on your Saab vehicle is essential to keep it running properly so you can avoid many untimely, inconvenient and possibly costly repairs that result from neglect. Thankfully, the days of a standardized manual maintenance schedule are coming to an end.

Your Saab may have one of two different service reminder systems, depending on the year of manufacture and vehicle model. Older models may be equipped with a mileage or interval-based reminder system that activates after a certain number of miles or a certain amount of time between service intervals, regardless of specific driving conditions and/or driving habits that may affect the oil. life as below.

New Saab models can be equipped with smart technologies such as the Oil Life System (OLS) from General Motors (GM). This system automatically monitors the life of the vehicle's oil through an advanced, algorithm-driven on-board computer system that alerts owners when it's time for an oil change so they can fix the problem quickly and without hassle. When a service light, such as the SERVICE TIME light, comes on, all the owner has to do is make an appointment with a trusted mechanic, take the car in for service, and the mechanic will take care of the rest; it is so simple.

How the Saab Oil Life System (OLS) works and what to expect

The Saab Oil Life System (OLS) is not just an oil quality sensor, but a software algorithm that takes into account various engine operating conditions to determine the need for an oil change. Certain driving habits can affect oil life as well as driving conditions such as temperature and terrain. Lighter to moderate driving conditions and temperatures will require less frequent oil changes and maintenance, while more severe driving conditions will require more frequent oil changes and maintenance. Read the table below to find out how the OLS determines oil life:

Attention: Engine oil life depends not only on the factors listed above, but also on the specific car model, year of manufacture and recommended type of oil. For more information on which oil is recommended for your vehicle, see your owner's manual and feel free to seek advice from one of our experienced technicians.

The oil life counter is located in the information display on the dashboard and counts down from 100% oil life to 0% oil life as you continue to drive; at some point, the computer will trigger a reminder that it is "SERVICE TIME". The computer will remind you of about 15% oil life end, giving you plenty of time to plan ahead for your vehicle's maintenance. It's important not to put off servicing your vehicle, especially when the gauge shows 0% oil life. If you wait and the maintenance is overdue, you run the risk of seriously damaging the engine, which can leave you stranded or worse. GM recommends changing the oil within two fills of the fuel tank from the first message or within 600 miles.

In addition, Saab cars, like most other vehicles, require an oil change at least once a year, whether the car is rarely driven short distances or is the queen of the garage. If the Oil Life System has been failing your Saab for a year or more, have your vehicle serviced as soon as possible.

The following table shows what the information on the dashboard means when the engine oil reaches a certain usage level:

When the SERVICE TIME light comes on and you make an appointment to have your vehicle serviced, Saab recommends a series of checks to help keep your vehicle in good working order and can help prevent untimely and costly engine damage. depending on your driving habits and conditions. Saab has very specific scheduled maintenance schedules for your vehicle for a specific model and year. Click here and enter your model, year and mileage to find out which service package is right for your vehicle or refer to your owner's manual.

After completing an oil change and service, you may need to reset the OLS system in your Saab. Some service people neglect this, which can lead to premature and unnecessary operation of the service indicator. There are many different ways to reset this indicator, depending on your model and year. Check your user manual to find out how to do this for your Saab.

While engine oil percentage is calculated according to an algorithm that takes into account driving style and other specific driving conditions, other maintenance information is based on standard timing tables such as old school maintenance schedules found in the owner's manual, or click here and enter your vehicle information. Proper maintenance will greatly extend the life of your vehicle, ensuring reliability, driving safety, a manufacturer's warranty, and greater resale value.

Such maintenance work must always be carried out by a qualified person. If you have any doubts about what the Saab Oil Life System (OLS) means or what services your car may require, do not hesitate to seek advice from our experienced specialists.

If your Saab Oil Life System (OLS) indicates that your vehicle is ready for service, have it checked by a certified mechanic such as AvtoTachki. Click here, select your vehicle and service or package, and book an appointment with us today. One of our certified mechanics will come to your home or office to service your vehicle.