Oil Changes

No matter which GM vehicle you drive, you’ll need to keep up with your routine maintenance to keep it in good condition. One of the most important parts of maintenance is getting your oil changed. If you need an oil change near Belle Vernon, Uniontown, Washington, or West Mifflin, PA, visit C. Harper Chevrolet.

WHEN TO GET AN OIL CHANGE

Every vehicle has a recommended maintenance schedule. How often you’ll need to get your oil changed really depends on what you drive—and what kind of oil it takes. For example, many used cars take conventional oil. It’s derived from crude oil and contains some natural impurities that can benefit your engine. If your vehicle runs on conventional oil, you’ll probably need an oil change every six months, or every 3,000 miles.

However, most cars, trucks, and SUVs that are hitting the road today take synthetic oil. It’s engineered to last longer and operate under more extreme temperatures. If your Chevy takes synthetic, you’ll only need to worry about getting your oil changed once a year, or every 7,500 miles.

WHAT OIL DOES FOR YOUR ENGINE

Oil allows all the parts of your engine to run smoothly. It takes a lot of machinery to power your vehicle. Engine oil, or motor oil, lubricates those parts for you. All those parts can produce a lot of heat, though. If heat builds up between them, it can cause friction, leading to problems under the hood. Oil takes care of this, too, by cooling your engine down for you.

WHY YOU NEED NEW OIL

After a while, oil starts to wear down. After enough time and enough miles, it’s no longer an effective lubricant. When oil starts to break down like this, it even changes color and consistency. Healthy oil is golden brown and flows freely. Old oil is more like a thick, black sludge.

OIL CHANGE WARNING SIGNS

If you’re not sure how long it’s been since your last oil change, there’s no need to worry. Your vehicle has a few ways of reminding you. Schedule an oil change if you notice any of the following warning signs:

  • Oil Pressure Warning Light — If you’re overdue for an oil change, you’ll eventually see a dashboard warning light that looks like an old-fashioned oil can.
  • Knocking Sound — Your engine has a tougher time operating when you’re overdue for an oil change. This can result in some strange sounds, including a knocking noise.
  • Blue/Gray Smoke — If you’re severely low on oil, the little bit you have left may start to burn up. This can cause blue or gray smoke to come out of the tailpipe.
  • Dark Oil — If you want to check your oil, just pop the hood, locate the dipstick, pull it out, and wipe it off on a paper towel. You’ll get to see if your oil is in good condition or if it’s already gotten thicker and darker.

SCHEDULE YOUR NEXT OIL CHANGE NEAR Belle Vernon, PA

When you’re due for maintenance and need an oil change near Belle Vernon, Uniontown, Washington, or West Mifflin, PA, schedule service at C. Harper Chevrolet. Our experienced technicians will take care of all your routine maintenance—so your car, truck, or SUV will be back on the road and running like a well-oiled machine.

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VISIT OUR SERVICE CENTER IN Belle Vernon, PA

If you’re due for maintenance, run into any problems with your vehicle, or you’ve been in an accident, schedule service with C. Harper Chevrolet. Our service center will help you get back on the road in no time.

We’re proud to help drivers around the Belle Vernon, Uniontown, Washington, and West Mifflin, Pennsylvania, areas, take care of their cars, trucks, and SUVs. If you have any service questions or would like to schedule service online, contact us today!