Oil Change Near Me

Chevy vehicles are known for their long-lasting dependability. To keep them in good condition, it’s important to take care of your routine maintenance. That includes getting regular oil changes. If you need an oil change near New Alexandria, Monroeville, or Irwin, PA, contact or visit C. Harper Chevrolet East.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU GET AN OIL CHANGE?

---

Your maintenance schedule depends on what you drive. It also depends on what type of oil your vehicle takes. For example, an older model that runs on conventional oil will probably need to stop in for maintenance and an oil change every six months, or every 3,000 miles.

Most of the cars, trucks, and SUVs that are hitting the road today take synthetic oil, though. It’s been designed to last longer and operate under more extreme temperatures. It’s recommended that Chevy vehicles running on synthetic oil get an oil change once a year, or every 7,500 miles.

WHY ARE OIL CHANGES NECESSARY?

---

Oil is one of the most important fluids under the hood. It’s essential to keeping your engine running because the oil takes care of two critical issues under the hood.

First, it lubricates the parts of your engine, so they can all run smoothly.

All that machinery can generate a lot of heat, though. If things get too hot, friction can build up between the parts and cause problems. To prevent this, the oil also cools the parts of your engine.

Pulling double duty like this is hard work. Over time, oil starts to break down. After enough time—and miles—it’s not an effective lubricant anymore. It even changes its color and consistency. That’s why you have to get your oil changed every once in a while.

OIL CHANGE WARNING SIGNS

---

If you’re not sure how long it’s been since your last oil change, how do you know when to schedule maintenance? Fortunately, your Chevy can remind you. It also offers some warning signs that you can look and listen for, including:

• Oil Pressure Warning Light – If you’re overdue for an oil change, you’ll eventually be reminded by a dashboard warning light that looks like an old-fashioned oil can.
• Knocking Sound – Your engine will have a harder time working when you’re overdue for an oil change, so you may hear some strange noises while you drive, including a knocking sound.
• Blue/Gray Smoke – When you’re low on oil, there’s always a chance that the little bit you have left could burn up. This causes blue or gray smoke to come out of the tailpipe while you drive.
• Dark Oil – When oil is new, it pours easily and has a golden-brown color. Old oil is dark and thick like sludge. To check your oil, just pop the hood, pull the dipstick out, and wipe it off on a paper towel.