One of the most crucial components of your vehicle is your engine oil. To promote better vehicle performance and fuel efficiency, you should schedule an oil change according to your Chevy’s owner manual. Learn why this routine maintenance is so essential and the type of engine oil best for your vehicle before you visit your Chevy dealer.
The Importance of Regular Oil Changes for Your Chevrolet
Ideally, you should schedule a service to change your motor oil at least every six months or about every 6,000 to 7,500 miles. This is an optimal service interval since the motor oil in your engine will naturally gather debris and contaminants as you drive. Motor oil also naturally degrades after about six months, and may degrade faster if you drive your vehicle a lot in harsh weather conditions.
Even if you drive your car infrequently, you should still schedule a routine six-month oil service. Motor oil will degrade even when your car is parked in your garage over the winter, which is why it’s a good idea to change the oil after extended storage. Some drivers may schedule an oil service to winterize a vehicle, as well.
Ask Your Chevy Dealer: What Oil Is Best?
The best oil for your Chevy will depend on the specific type of engine you have and the age of your vehicle. Newer vehicles typically use fully synthetic oil, which offers greater protection from excess heat, extreme cold, oxidation, and friction. Older Chevy vehicles may require conventional oil, which contains additives to improve the performance of the engine and protect the engine from corrosion.
Depending on your driving habits and your performance goals, you may want to use an advanced synthetic motor oil that is formulated to support cold engine start-ups. You can check your owner’s manual for engine oil recommendations or speak with a Chevy mechanic to determine the motor oil that is best for your vehicle.
Should You Check Your Engine Oil Yourself?
Even with regular engine oil replacement, you should still perform a monthly check of your motor oil at home, along with other routine checks like assessing your tire air pressure. You can check your engine oil when the engine is cold by using a dipstick. If you notice your engine oil is murky or dark, you should book a service appointment as soon as possible.
Other engine oil issues to watch out for include visible metallic shavings and milky motor oil. Milky motor oil may indicate that coolant or antifreeze is leaking into the engine, which can cause performance issues. Metallic particles in your engine oil can indicate engine damage caused by excessive friction and low motor oil levels.
Routinely refreshing your engine oil can ensure your engine is functioning properly in cold weather and performing well on the road. Book your service appointment at Bommarito Chevrolet South County in St. Louis, MO.
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