Getting an oil change when needed is one of the most important parts of caring for your vehicle. Chevy cars and trucks need oil and oil filter changes at least once a year, but there are some factors that can make you need to get your oil replaced more frequently. Your Chevy dealer can offer specific advice about your Chevy model, and we’d like to go over the basics below.
Factors That Can Influence Oil Change Frequency
Engine Wear
If your engine has some wear and tear, usually caused by frequently towing heavy loads or driving in stop-and-go traffic, then you might need to get your oil replaced more than once a year. Ask your dealer what they recommend when they’re inspecting your engine during your annual service.
Oil Type
What type of oil your engine needs will be in your owner’s manual, as will a suggested oil replacement frequency? Chevy recommends asking your dealer about what oil you need if you no longer have the manual. Some Chevy vehicles use synthetic oil, while others use conventional. Which type of oil your engine requires can influence how often you need to get it changed.
Oil Quality
If you’re not using the right grade of oil for your vehicle, then you’re going to notice you’ve been needing to change it out pretty frequently. Making sure you know the right oil for your engine is vital.
Signs You Need to Visit the Chevy Dealer for New Oil ASAP
Dark or Dirty Oil
Engine oil is supposed to be slightly translucent, slick, and anywhere from amber to dark brown. It naturally gets darker as it cycles through your engine, but it should never become black or impossible to see through. It also shouldn’t be gritty or cloudy, as that indicates the oil is dirty and should be changed.
Knocking Engine
If you hear a knocking sound coming from your engine, then it’s a sign that it’s time for an oil replacement. Even if the engine isn’t making a knocking noise, an increase in how noisy the engine is while running also tells you that you need to change out your oil.
Alert on Your Dashboard
Modern Chevy vehicles will tell you when you have low oil pressure and need to get your oil replaced. Chevy recommends pulling over and not driving further if you get a warning on your dash telling you that you have low oil pressure, so you’ll need to get towed to the dealer if one of these alerts pops up.
If it’s time for your next oil and oil filter change, then come by Cheraw Chevrolet. We’ll also be happy to change out that oil any time you need us to between scheduled changes.
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