Regular oil changes at your local Chevy dealer are crucial for protecting your engine. Following the recommended guidelines will help your vehicle run its best for a long, long time.
Oil Change Intervals
For most Chevy vehicles, you should change the oil between 5,000 and 7,500 miles. Even if you don’t drive very much, you should still change your oil after a year. For the most accurate information for your specific model, you should check your owner’s manual.
Reasons to Change Your Oil Sooner
Driving Conditions
Frequent short trips, stop-and-go traffic, extensive idling, and driving in extreme temperatures or dusty, dirty, salty environments can put more strain on your car.
Type of Oil
Synthetic oils generally last longer and perform better under extreme conditions than conventional oil. If you are using conventional oil, you’ll need to change it more frequently.
Vehicle Age and Model
Newer models designed to use synthetic oil typically have longer intervals between changes than older cars. Even if they needed little oil when they were new, however, as cars age, they begin to need oil more frequently.
Why Is Fresh Oil Important?
Oil creates a thin layer between the moving parts of your engine, lubricating the components so they do not grind together and wear down. It helps keep your engine clean by trapping dirt and debris, as well as helping to cool your engine. Changing your oil regularly helps maintain engine performance, maximize fuel efficiency, and reduce emissions.
Signs You Need Fresh Oil From Your Chevy Dealer
Oil Light
Many modern Chevrolets have a dashboard indicator light to warn you when it’s time to change your oil. If this light comes on, you should schedule an appointment.
Dirty Oil
Clean oil should be a translucent amber. Oil that’s been in your engine for months through thousands of miles of driving becomes dark and dirty. Check your oil with the dipstick. If it’s gotten dark or thickened up, you need fresh oil.
Low Oil Levels
If you check the oil and see that it’s too low, there’s a good chance it’s time for a change. If it hasn’t been long since you last added oil, however, low oil could mean that you have a leak.
Smoke From the Exhaust
Smoke coming from your exhaust as opposed to vapor means that something is burning in your car. There’s a good chance the culprit is oil leaking outside your engine.
Oil Smell
If you can smell oil inside your car, you might need fresh oil, or you could have a leak.
Regularly changing the oil in your car is a simple maintenance task with a big impact on your car’s health. Call Paynesville Chevrolet to schedule your next oil service today.
Connect with us
