How Often Should You Get a Chevy Oil Change?

If you own a Chevrolet, you want to make sure you maintain it properly so that it lasts as long as you need it. With that in mind, it’s important to know how often you should get a Chevy oil change. The answer is that it depends on how old your vehicle is and your personal driving habits.

How Often Should You Get a Chevy Oil Change?

Manufacturer Recommendations

Newer Chevrolets are equipped with an Engine Oil Life System, which is able to detect when the oil needs to be changed. The great thing about this system is that you don’t have to remember to schedule an appointment until you get the message to “Change Engine Oil Soon.” If you drive under ideal conditions, you may not see this message for a year, but if your conditions are not so perfect, you could see it in three months.

The manufacturer recommends that the engine oil be changed at least once a year, since oil does eventually break down, even under the best of conditions. However, this is much longer than the frequency that used to be recommended for vehicles, which was three months or 3,000 miles, whichever came first. The technology behind both engines and oil has advanced to the point where it’s no longer necessary to change it that often unless your habits dictate it.

Driving Habits Dictate Oil Change Frequency

The real factor in how often you should get your oil changed is your driving habits. Certain driving conditions cause the oil in your car to break down faster, meaning its engine protection properties don’t last as long. If you drive under any of the following conditions, check with your Chevrolet service center to determine the right oil change frequency for you.

• You make frequent short driving trips
• You frequently travel in stop-and-go traffic (rush hour)
• You drive in unusually dusty conditions
• You live in either an extremely hot or extremely cold climate
• You frequently tow heavy loads
• You frequently haul heavy loads
• You are preparing for a long road trip and it’s been at least three months since the last change

How to Tell If Your Oil Needs to Be Changed

As previously mentioned, most newer Chevrolets have an Engine Oil Life System installed, which will tell you when your oil needs to be changed. However, if your car is not equipped with this feature, you have other ways to determine if your oil needs to be changed. The normal color of clean oil is translucent amber. If it’s a dark, opaque brown, or black, your oil is dirty and needs to be changed.

If you hear a knocking or ticking in your engine compartment while you’re idling or driving, this is an indication that the level of oil is low, and as such, it’s not providing enough protection for engine parts. The sound you hear is the parts rubbing or hitting against each other. Check your oil level using the dipstick to determine whether you need to add oil, or simply bring it in to a service technician for an oil change.

Taking proper care of your Chevrolet will ensure its life is extended for as long as possible. Contact Monument Chevrolet to schedule your oil change today.

Tags: oil change, vehicle maintenance, vehicle service
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