2003 Saab 9-3 Owner's Manual - Page 231

Maintenance and owner assistance Engine oil and filter changes Changing the engine oil and filter is required at every service point. Use only a Saab approved long-life oil filter and engine oils meeting the SAE viscosity ratings and API service classifications stated in the "Technical data" section of this Owner's Manual. The use of extra additives in the oil is not necessary and is not recommended, and may be harmful to turbochargers. More frequent oil changes are recommended if your vehicle is operated under any of the following conditions: • Most trips are less than 5-10 miles (8- 16 km). This is particularly important when outside temperatures are below freezing. • Most trips include extensive idling (frequent stop-and-go traffic). • Most trips are through dusty areas (such as construction zones). • If the vehicle is used for delivery service, police, taxi or other commercial applications. If your driving habits match this description, have the engine oil and filter changed inbetween normal services at 5,000 mile (8,000 km) intervals. These conditions cause the engine oil to break down faster. The Warranties and Service Record Booklet has provisions to record extra oil changes. 231 Service record retention It is the owner's responsibility to retain service records. If possible, you should keep copies of all shop work orders for all service and repairs, whenever performed. As indicated in the new car and emission control system warranties, it is important to document that all necessary maintenance has been done. HOW THE SERVICE RECORD IS ORGANIZED The service record is comprised of a maintenance log and a separate log sheet for listing any additional service and repairs. There are five coupons at the front of the section, three of which are for documenting extra engine oil and filter changes, one for extra automatic transmission fluid services necessary for severe service conditions, one for brake fluid changes and one for coolant flushes. These are followed by log sheets for all normal scheduled maintenance in the order it is to be performed, beginning with the "First Service". HOW TO USE THE SERVICE RECORD COUPONS When the car is brought to a Saab dealer for scheduled maintenance, present the Warranties & Service Record Booklet to the service manager. When the technician has completed the service, the technician will sign the maintenance record. The person responsible for quality assurance at the dealership will also sign and stamp the record with the dealer identification stamp.