You want your car to last for years, so changing the oil is a must. However, there’s a good chance that you aren’t sure how often you need to change it. Get some tips to help you determine the proper oil change schedule. Then, your car will get the care it needs to keep going for miles and miles.
Start By Checking the Owner’s Manual
At one time, the general rule stated that everyone, regardless of vehicle, should change the oil every three months or 3,000 miles. While it won’t hurt to follow that schedule, it’s probably not necessary for your vehicle. Thus, dig out your owner’s manual to see what your manufacturer recommends. You might discover that you only need to change your oil every 7,500 miles or so.
Consider Your Driving Style
While mileage is a good indicator of how often you should change the oil, it’s not the only consideration. In addition, you need to think about how often you drive. If you only take your car out a few times a year, it will take a long time to reach the mileage limit. However, your oil will lose its effectiveness over time, making it harder to do its job. You should change the oil a minimum of twice a year, even if you don’t drive very often. This is true, even if the manufacturer states you can wait a full year between oil changes. You want to preserve your engine, so this is very important.
Think About the Type of Oil You Use
The type of oil you use also affects your oil change schedule. In most cases, you should use the oil that’s recommended in your owner’s manual. Then, follow the manufacturer’s oil change schedule as a starting point. However, if you tend to make numerous short trips, standard oil might not cut it. In this instance, the oil doesn’t have enough time to heat up, which can damage your engine. If that’s the case, you might need to switch to synthetic oil. Synthetic oil lasts longer, so you won’t have to change it as often. However, it also costs up to four times the cost of standard oil, so only make this switch if necessary.
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Check the Oil Level Between Oil Changes
You also need to check your oil between oil changes. If it looks dirty, take your car in for an oil change. Also, if you regularly have to add oil between oil changes, you might need to change your oil more often.
Are you due for an oil change? If so, you can schedule service at Bradshaw Chevrolet Buick GMC of Greer in Greer, South Carolina. We can handle your oil change and get you back on the road quickly. We are also here for you if you’re ready to upgrade your wheels. With Chevrolets, Buicks, and GMCs in stock, it’s easy to find your next ride when shopping with us.
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