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Car maintenance is an important part of vehicle ownership, but how do you know when it's time for your Chevy to get a tune-up? The signs are unmistakable if you know what you're looking for. We cover some of the most common indicators your car needs an engine tune-up and how our Chevy dealership can help. more 5 Surefire Signs Your Car Needs an Engine Tune-Up at a Chevy Dealership 1. Your Engine Light Is On If your engine light comes on and stays on when you start your car, it means your vehicle's computer has sensed something wrong under the hood. To figure out why this light is getting tripped, you need to take your vehicle to your dealer for an engine diagnostics test. 2. Your Steering Wheel Is Vibrating A steering wheel that vibrates is usually caused by an issue with your tires. They may be out of alignment, or there may be a bubble in one of them, causing them to shake when you drive, especially at high speeds. 3. Your Oil Is Dirty or Consistently Low If you check your oil, and it's often low, this could be an indicator that you have a leak somewhere in your system. Dirty oil is a common issue that arises if you go too long between oil changes, but it will eventually damage your vehicle if you wait an excessive amount of time. 4. Your Brakes Are Squealing Are your brakes screeching, grinding, or squealing when you slow down or come to a stop? This is a good sign that your brake pads have worn down, and you need to get them replaced. If you wear through the pads completely, you could start to damage your rotors, and this is a much more expensive repair. If you start to feel your brake pedal vibrate when you stop, this may be the case. 5. Your Owner's Manual Says So If your vehicle's owner's manual says it's time to bring your car in for maintenance, it's best to go ahead and do this even if you're not noticing any issues. This is because parts often need to be updated or replaced after your vehicle has reached a certain number of miles or a certain amount of time has passed. If you keep driving your car without the manufacturer's recommended upkeep, you're likely going to have more problems with it, and its value will depreciate more over time.   Does your Chevy need a tune-up? Contact us at Ed Martin Chevrolet in Anderson, IN today. Our licensed and trained mechanics can service your car, top off your fluids, and check for any minor issues that need to be fixed before they become serious.

Regular oil changes are one of the most basic pieces of maintenance you can perform for your car. How often should you head to the Chevy dealer to change your oil? It's actually not that complicated. more When Should You Change Your Oil? The best place to start? Your Chevy's owner's manual. It's tailored to your specific model and engine, providing the most accurate information. Typically, newer models with synthetic oil can go about 7,500 miles between changes. Always check your manual to be sure. Driving conditions matter, too. Think about how and where you drive. If you're often in stop-and-go traffic, driving in extreme temperatures, or hitting dusty roads, your car falls into the "severe" use category. This scenario usually means you should change your oil more frequently. Why Bother Changing Your Oil? It Keeps Things Smooth Oil keeps your engine's moving parts gliding smoothly against each other, which helps prevent them from wearing out too quickly. If you fall behind on changes, the oil gets old and grimy, which isn't slick enough to prevent friction, leading to faster wear and potential engine damage. It Cleans the Engine As oil circulates, it picks up tiny bits of debris and dirt from the engine. These are normally caught by the oil filter, but over time, the filter gets full and becomes less effective. Regularly changing your oil and filter helps clean out these particles and stops sludge from building up in your engine. It Saves on Gas A well-lubricated engine doesn't have to work as hard, which means it uses fuel more efficiently. Keeping your oil fresh can actually help you get better mileage, saving you money at the pump and being a bit kinder to the environment. Signs It's Time for an Oil Change From the Chevy Dealer Your Oil Looks Nasty Fresh oil is usually a clear amber color. Pull out the dipstick and check it: if your oil is dark and dirty, it's time for a change. You should check your oil at least once a month to be sure it's still doing okay. Too Much Engine Noise Old oil can cause your engine to make more noise than usual. If things are sounding rough under the hood, like clattering or knocking, your oil probably isn't doing its job anymore. That Little Light on Your Dash Appears Many new Chevys have an oil life monitoring system. If the oil light comes on, don't ignore it. This system is pretty smart and calculates when you need fresh oil based on how you actually use your car. There's Smoke Coming From the Exhaust Is your car's exhaust looking more like smoke? It could be a sign that old oil is burning off inside your engine, which definitely isn't good. Changing your oil is one of the simplest ways to avoid bigger, more expensive problems down the road. Call Ed Martin Chevrolet in Anderson, IN, to schedule your next service today.

Ensuring your Chevy gets regular oil changes is a simple and effective way to prolong the life of your engine. It helps prevent problems and maintains the performance your car was built for. But just how often should you be driving to the Chevy dealer to have it done? more Guidelines for Changing the Oil A good rule of thumb is that you should change the oil in your Chevy every 5,000 to 7,500 miles. These guidelines can vary based on your vehicle's make and model, as well as your driving habits. Newer Chevy models are equipped with an Oil Life Monitoring System to make it even easier, as they'll notify you when it's time to change your oil. Consequences of Skipping Oil Changes Regularly changing the oil is crucial for keeping your engine running right. If you go too long without fresh oil in your engine, there can be some serious consequences, including the possibility of permanent damage. Engine Wear and Tear Oil lubricates the engine, reducing friction between components. Without fresh oil, the parts of your engine can wear out more quickly. Overheating Fresh oil helps the heat of your engine dissipate. Old, dirty oil can lead to an increase in engine temperatures, potentially leading to overheating. Poor Performance Neglecting the oil in your engine can result in your Chevy running less efficiently. Aside from decreased performance, you might also notice reduced fuel economy. Shortened Engine Life Over time, not changing your oil can lead to severe engine damage, significantly shortening the life of your vehicle. Signs You're Overdue for Fresh Oil If you can't remember how long it's been since you've changed the oil in your car, there are some signs you can keep an eye out for. The most obvious sign that you need to change your oil is if the oil or check engine light is illuminated on the dashboard. You might also start to notice loud engine noises. If your engine is louder than normal or starts making knocking sounds, it could be crying out for fresh oil. You can also check the color of your oil. Fresh oil is a clear amber color. If your oil is dark and dirty when you check it, it's time for a change. Finally, if your oil level is constantly low, even after adding oil, you may have a leak. It's a clear sign that your Chevy needs attention. Change Your Oil at Your Chevy Dealer Choosing to get service at your dealership ensures that your vehicle is in the hands of experts who know your car inside and out. Our certified technicians will use high-quality oil and filters, ensuring your Chevy runs as smoothly as possible. Changing your oil regularly is a simple but important part of vehicle maintenance. It helps ensure a longer life for your engine, protects performance, and ultimately saves you money on potential repairs. Schedule service today at Ed Martin Chevrolet to take care of your car's engine.

Keeping all the moving parts under the hood well-lubricated is essential to ensure your Chevy runs at its best and lasts longer. Proper lubrication will reduce friction and wear, increase your car's gas mileage, and prevent unexpected and expensive repairs. To keep your Bolt, Traverse, or Silverado in top condition, get an oil change from the qualified technicians at your Chevy dealer regularly, and your vehicle will always be a joy to drive. more Chevrolet Oil and Filter Changes Several factors must be considered to determine how often your Chevy needs an oil and filter change. The age of your car, the model you drive, engine type, the amount of mileage on the clock, your driving habits, the roads you use, and even the type of engine oil all influence oil and filter change intervals. Even if your vehicle has an Oil Life Monitoring System (OLMS), regularly checking the oil level is crucial. If you drive an older model without an OLMS, follow the factory-recommended oil and filter change intervals in your owner's manual. The Oil Life Monitoring System Your Chevy's OLMS keeps track of the operating conditions, speed, and engine temperature to determine when your car needs an oil and filter change. If the OLMS detects that an oil and filter change is due, the system will display a "Change Engine Oil Soon" message. If you drive under optimal conditions, the OLMS may not alert you for over a year. When you notice the message, the factory recommends scheduling an oil replacement at your dealer within 600 miles to avoid damage to the engine. The OLMS will be reset once the technician completes the oil and filter replacement. Mileage Intervals If you drive an older model not equipped with an OLMS, the factory-recommended oil and filter change intervals are every 3,000 miles or at least once a year to ensure your engine stays properly lubricated. Please check your Chevy owner's manual for the oil and filter change intervals best suited for your model, or ask your Chevrolet technician for assistance. The Proper Grade of Oil To ensure optimal performance, your Chevy requires the correct oil. You can find the recommended oil grade for your specific model in your owner's manual or ask your Chevrolet technician to assist you when you take your vehicle for an oil and filter change. ACDelco Conventional Oil, ACDelco dexos1 Full Synthetic, and Mobil 1 Full Synthetic are all great options that offer excellent lubrication and protect your engine against wear and corrosion. Take all the guesswork out of oil and filter changes and rely on the qualified Chevrolet technicians at your dealer who will help you keep your engine running smoothly and your Chevy on the road for years to come. Contact Ed Martin Chevrolet today for an oil and filter change to ensure your Chevy's engine is well-lubricated and protected.