Oil Change Near Latrobe, PA

Chevy vehicles are known for their long-lasting dependability. However, to keep them on the road for a long time, you’ll need to stick with your maintenance schedule. That includes getting routine oil changes. If you need an oil change near Latrobe, PA, visit the service center at C. Harper Chevrolet East.

WHY GET AN OIL CHANGE?

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Oil is one of the most important fluids in your vehicle. While brake fluid helps you stop, and transmission fluid allows you to change gears, oil is essential for your engine. It helps everything run properly by lubricating the parts of your engine and cooling them down. This one-two punch prevents friction from building up between the parts.

Over time, though, it starts to wear down. After enough time—and enough miles—oil loses its ability to both cool and lubricate. It even changes from a free-flowing golden liquid to a thick black sludge.

Driving with old oil, or without enough oil, can lead to problems under the hood. That’s why getting your oil changed every so often is crucial for the health of your Chevy.

HOW OFTEN DO I NEED AN OIL CHANGE?

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Your maintenance schedule depends on what you drive. When it comes to oil, it really depends on what kind of oil your vehicle runs on. For example, cars that take conventional oil will typically need new oil every six months or every 3,000 miles.

Conventional oil is derived from crude oil and includes some natural impurities that can benefit your engine. It’s common in used cars, while most vehicles hitting the road today take synthetic oil. It’s engineered to last longer and operate under more extreme temperatures.

If your Chevy takes synthetic oil, you won’t have to stop in for maintenance quite as often. In fact, you’ll only need to get your oil changed once a year or every 7,500 miles.

OIL CHANGE WARNING SIGNS

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So, what if you aren’t sure how long it’s been since your last oil change? Don’t worry, your Chevy actually has a few ways of reminding you that it’s time for maintenance. From built-in reminders to smells to things you should look out for, here are a few signs that it’s time for an oil change:

• Oil Pressure Warning Light – If you’re overdue for an oil change, you’ll eventually be reminded by a dashboard light that looks like an old-fashioned oil can.
• Knocking Sound – Without enough oil, your engine won’t be properly lubricated. That can make it tough for your engine to run smoothly. As you drive, you’ll probably hear some strange sounds, including a steady knocking noise.
• Dark Oil – It’s easy to see if your oil has changed color yet. You can do it in just a couple of minutes in the comfort of your own garage. Just pop the hood, find the dipstick, pull it out, and wipe it off on a paper towel. Then you’ll be able to see what kind of condition your oil is in.