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.
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.
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