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One of the easiest ways you can increase the lifespan of your vehicle is by keeping up with its routine maintenance. One of the most common services includes getting your oil changed. Your motor oil has an important job to do, which is why you need to have your oil and oil filter changed every so often.
In this guide created by our team at Baierl Chevrolet, we will answer the question: how often do I need to change my oil? When you’re finished reading, we would be happy to assist drivers near Wexford, Pittsburgh, and Cranberry Township, PA, with any additional questions.
There’s no definitive answer for how often you need an oil change. This is because all vehicles are a bit different. Plus, some drivers can experience more wear and tear than others, resulting in more frequent oil changes. If you’re someone with a long daily commute through high-traffic areas, you’ll most likely need an oil change before someone who commutes occasionally.
As we’ve mentioned, all vehicles are different when it comes to how often they need their oil changed. However, we offer a few general recommendations. If you use conventional oil, we recommend an oil change roughly every 3,000 miles to 5,000 miles. If you choose to use synthetic oil, you can usually go a bit longer in between changes—roughly every 7,500 miles to 10,000 miles.
Motor oil plays a big role in the performance of your vehicle. Oil acts as a lubricant under the hood of your car and works by keeping all the moving parts from grinding together. Over time, especially if you frequently drive your vehicle, dirt and debris can start to build up in your oil. This can cause damage to your engine if it isn’t changed sooner rather than later.
When you swap out your old oil for new in a timely manner, you’re on the right track to keeping your vehicle in tip-top shape. In addition, oil changes have a positive effect on your vehicle’s fuel ratings, which is a great perk if you tend to travel long distances.
Most of the time, your vehicle will perform well until its recommended time for an oil change. However, you may need an oil change sooner than usual. To get a better idea of your oil’s status, you can take a look at your oil at home. This is a simple process that won’t take longer than a few minutes.
To check your oil levels, simply shut off your vehicle and wait until it’s cool. Then, pop the hood and remove the oil dipstick (it should be labeled). Wipe the excess oil on a fresh paper towel and repeat this process once more. If you notice your oil levels are too low or even too high, it’s a sign that your vehicle is ready for its next oil change.
There are additional signs you need an oil change, including the smell and look of your oil. If your oil has a burning smell or is very dark in color (almost black), you should schedule an oil change today.
Now that you have a better idea of when to get your vehicle’s oil changed, we would be happy to help you with this. Drivers near Wexford, Pittsburgh, and Cranberry Township, PA, who are ready to schedule a service with us, either call our team at Baierl Chevrolet or fill out our online service request today!