What Does Vehicle Oil Do?
Your vehicle's oil actually does quite a bit to make sure you're able to drive efficiently! Your engine has many moving parts that move and rub against each other as you drive. When these parts move and rub against each other, they create friction, which can increase the heat of your vehicle and potentially melt or damage important components of your engine. Your vehicle's oil lubricates these parts, reducing the heat of your engine and allowing it to run smoothly.
How Often Should I Get My Oil Changed?
Typically, you should get your oil changed every 5,000-8,000 miles, or whenever your vehicle owner's manual tells you that you should. Some vehicles have larger oil reservoirs, and as such, take longer time to use up any oil they may have. Typical sedans have a 4-quart oil reservoir, while larger vehicles, like pickup trucks and SUVs, usually have 6-quart oil containers. Your vehicle owner's manual will let you know how much oil your vehicle is capable of holding.
How Do I Know if My Oil Needs Changing?
If you aren't sure when you should get your next oil change, checking your oil is very easy and only takes a couple minutes! After stopping your vehicle and allowing it to cool down, pop the hood and look for the dipstick on your engine (it should look similar to the image above). Pull the dipstick out and wipe it off with a cloth, then reinsert the dipstick and remove it once more. After that, take a look at the dipstick and its labels. There should be a "FULL" and "EMPTY" label on each - if your oil level is below the "EMPTY" label, it's time for an oil change.
Should I Get Synthetic or Conventional Oil?
The viscosity of your oil is determinant upon what kind of vehicle you drive. For standard vehicles, conventional oil is the most effective, as it provides all-around coverage, lasts long, and is fairly inexpensive. For premium vehicles like the Chevrolet Corvette, synthetic oil may need to be used, as these vehicles use different forms of fuel and their components may require specific fluids in order to run efficiently. If you aren't sure what type of oil your vehicle may need, refer to your vehicle owner's manual or contact us for additional help!
How Often Should I Change My Oil Filter?
Your oil filter should be replaced every 3 months, or every other oil change, depending on what comes first. If your check engine light comes on while you drive and you haven't replaced your oil filter in a while, it could mean you need a new oil filter. If you're driving in heavy stop-and-go traffic, heavy towing, or extreme temperatures, you may need to get your oil changed more often than usual.
Getting your oil changed is easy, quick, and can make a huge difference when it comes to keeping your vehicle in peak condition. If you're in need of an oil change soon or another form of routine maintenance, refer to our coupons page to save yourself some money on your next visit! Make sure you schedule an appointment with us as soon as possible once you know you're in need of an oil change so you can get back on the road in no time. You can also use some of our routine maintenance tips to further extend the life of your vehicle beyond your oil filter to further keep your vehicle in top shape!
Located conveniently just outside of Lansing, Hank Graff Chevrolet Okemos is here to help you with your car buying and servicing needs. Our goal is to create a transparent experience and a comfortable environment for all of our valuable customers. If you have any questions, or would like to schedule an appointment, reach us at (517) 349-8300, or stop by the dealership at 1748 W. Grand River in Okemos, MI 48864
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