These days, modern synthetic motor oil typically only needs to be changed every 7,500 to 10,000 miles. However, the optimal schedule differs from car to car and also depends on various other factors. If you haven’t changed your oil in a while, it’s best to visit your local Chevy dealer right away for an oil change before your engine runs into trouble.
It Depends on Engine Wear and Tear
Urban drivers who need to navigate heavy stop-and-go traffic daily are putting their engines under a good deal more strain. This excess pressure will cause the motor oil to wear down faster as well, necessitating more frequent oil servicing visits at their local dealership.
Other severe driving conditions include towing heavy trailers or carrying heavy loads, and driving along particularly dirty, dusty, sandy, or snowy roads. Using your car for short daily drives of under five miles can also put a surprising amount of pressure on both the engine and oil. These frequent short trips don’t give the oil sufficient time to warm up; without proper lubrication, the moving engine parts generate more friction and resulting wear and tear.
Ask Your Chevy Dealer for Guidance
In our busy daily schedules, it can be difficult to keep track of routine car maintenance visits such as changing motor oil. That’s why many drivers find it easiest to set up a regular schedule with a trusted technician at their local dealership. Your technician can also estimate your vehicle’s usual rate of wear and tear and decide upon an ideal oil refreshing schedule for you and your car.
Keep Your Warranty Valid
Some drivers have valid warranties on their vehicle’s powertrains. These warranties will stipulate certain maintenance requirements, including an ideal oil refreshing schedule for both normal and severe driving conditions. Reading your warranty and also your car’s owner’s manual can therefore also give you a good schedule to stick to.
What Happens If You Don’t Change Your Oil
It’s risky to miss a scheduled oil servicing visit as motor oil performs such vital functions inside the engine. Not only does the oil lubricate all the engine’s moving parts, but it also cleans away debris and contaminants, preventing a buildup of sludge that could otherwise clog the engine like cholesterol in arteries. Motor oil also helps maintain a safe working temperature.
When a driver forgets to change their oil, the oil gradually degrades, losing its various engine-care qualities. As a result, the engine can rapidly experience excessive wear, shortening its functional lifespan. At worst, the engine might even begin to overheat.
Have your motor oil refreshed today at Rio Vista Chevrolet of Buellton, CA. Our family owned and operated dealership has been helping out the region’s drivers for over 20 years.
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