How Long Has It Been Since Your Last Chevy Oil Change?

Getting regular oil changes is a vital part of keeping your engine in top condition. Your Chevy can go between 7,500 and 10,000 miles before needing one. This comes out to you needing an oil change at least once a year, but you’ll often need one twice if you drive a lot. You may also need a Chevy oil change sooner than you expected, and there are signs to look out for when this is the case. Come to your Frankston, TX Chevy dealer if the signs below show up.

Signs You Need a Chevy Oil Change From Your Frankston, TX Dealer Today

1. Your Engine Is Making New Sounds

Your motor oil ensures the parts of your engine stay lubricated. This lets them run with smoothness and efficiency. Old oil, however, loses its lubricating properties. This leads to parts of your engine rubbing together and creating knocking and grinding sounds. Your usual engine noise might also get louder. Never ignore new or unusually loud noises in your vehicle, as you might end up with a major problem to fix.

2. Your Cabin Smells Like It’s On Fire

A burning smell in your vehicle is never normal. There’s a cooling system in place to stop your vehicle from overheating, and your motor oil helps keep everything cool, too. Lubricating the parts of your engine reduces friction, and therefore, it reduces heat. However, old motor oil can’t reduce that friction well, so it leads to your engine becoming hotter than usual. That can lead to it smelling like there’s a fire in your cabin, so get an oil change as soon as you can.

3. Your Oil’s Consistency Has Changed

You should perform a visual check on your oil to ensure it remains in good condition. It should be a dark amber color, and it should be translucent, even if it darkens with time. However, if it becomes so black that you can’t see through it, then you have a problem.

You also have a problem if the oil becomes gritty, thick and gloopy, or extremely runny. Your oil should be thicker than water, but it should never be gloopy, and you need a change if it contains debris, too. Your oil naturally picks up debris as it does its job, but if there’s enough debris in it to make it visually gritty, then it’s time for a change.

4. Your Oil Level Gets Low

You should also be taking note of how much oil you have left in your vehicle when you do your regular inspections on your oil. You may need a top-up if your oil level gets low. If it’s been about 6 months since your last oil change, then getting an oil change instead of a top-up is a better call.

Come to Bacon Chevrolet if you need an oil change or would like us to help you determine if you require one. Our technicians are always here to help you care for your Chevy, so don’t hesitate to call 903-481-6465 to book an appointment today.

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