Oil Change Near Greensburg, PA

Every vehicle needs maintenance once in a while. An oil change is one of the most routine parts of your maintenance, and one of the most important. If you need an oil change near Greensburg, PA, head to C. Harper Chevrolet Cadillac.

WHY GET AN OIL CHANGE?

Your car needs regular oil changes to keep the engine in good condition because of the very important role oil plays under the hood. Whether you drive a car, truck, or an SUV, you’ll find that your engine is made up of lots of different parts. To help all that machinery run smoothly, oil lubricates it for you.

That’s just oil’s first job, though. Those parts can also create a lot of heat while you drive. Heat plus machinery can result in friction building up between the parts. Fortunately, oil takes care of this, too, by cooling your engine down.

This one-two punch takes a toll on your oil, though. After a while, it’s not able to cool or effectively lubricate your engine. It even changes its color and consistency. New oil is transparent, free-flowing, and has a golden-brown hue. Old oil is more like a thick, black sludge. Once oil is in this condition, it needs to be replaced. That’s why getting an oil change is a big part of your maintenance schedule.

HOW OFTEN DO I NEED AN OIL CHANGE?

So, just how frequently does your oil need to be changed, anyway? That all depends on what you drive and what kind of oil it takes. After all, a small car, a full-size SUV, and a commercial truck aren’t likely to be on the same maintenance schedule. Plus, the type of oil your ride takes plays a big part in it, too.

For example, conventional oil is commonly found in a lot of used cars. It’s derived from crude oil and contains some natural elements that can be beneficial to your vehicle. If your car runs on conventional oil, you’ll probably need an oil change every 3,000 miles or once every six months.

Most new cars take synthetic oil. It’s specifically designed to last longer and operate under more extreme temperatures. This makes it a little more reliable and convenient for you. If your vehicle takes synthetic oil, you’ll only need to get your oil changed once a year or every 7,500 to 10,000 miles.

OIL CHANGE WARNING SIGNS

If you’re not sure how long it’s been since your last oil change, don’t worry. Your ride can remind you that it’s time for maintenance. Schedule an oil change if you notice any of the following warning signs:

  • Oil Pressure Warning Light — This dashboard light comes on when you’re overdue for an oil change. It looks like an old-fashioned oil can.
  • Knocking Sound — Oil lubricates the parts of your engine, so when you don’t have enough of it, your engine won’t run as smoothly. This can cause it to make strange sounds while you drive, including a knocking noise.
  • Blue or Gray Smoke — Oil also keeps your engine cool. If you’re severely low on oil, the last remaining bits could burn up inside your engine. This can cause blue or gray smoke to come out of the tailpipe.
  • Dark Oil — When oil is new, it’s golden brown and pours easily. When it’s old and overworked, it looks more like thick, black sludge. To check your oil at home, just pop the hood, find the dipstick, pull it out, and wipe it off on a paper towel.

SCHEDULE AN OIL CHANGE

At C. Harper Chevrolet, our service center will help you keep everything running smoothly. Our highly-trained technicians are proud to provide drivers with everything from routine maintenance to repairs. Contact us to schedule an oil change near Greensburg, Pennsylvania, or schedule service online.

Contact Us