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At Applegate Chevrolet, we’re happy to provide an oil change service to vehicle owners in Flint, Michigan. We know how crucial routine oil change service is to the preservation of your vehicle’s life, which is why we do everything we can to make this service readily available to those whose vehicles need immediate attention. By offering express maintenance, we can have your vehicle’s oil changed quickly and efficiently so you can get back to your hectic schedule in no time.
If your vehicle is due for an oil change, schedule an appointment today with our service center, or continue reading to learn more.
You may risk engine failure when you neglect oil changes, so it’s important to be aware of warning signs of an overdue oil change. Here are the signs that indicate your vehicle’s oil needs to be changed:
Oil protects your engine parts, preventing metal-to-metal brushing and keeping your vehicle’s engine quiet. If the oil isn’t doing its job correctly, you may hear rumbling or knocking in the engine. These sounds indicate that the engine is tearing itself apart bit by bit as a result of a lack of lubrication.
This is perhaps the most obvious sign of an issue with your vehicle’s oil. The oil change light illuminates when it detects insufficient oil in the system. Thus, consider checking the dipstick to see how low the oil level is. In worse cases, your check engine light illuminates. This is your vehicle warning you that things have gotten so bad that your engine needs lubrication to prevent further damage.
Clean oil has an amber color and is slightly translucent. As your engine uses oil, the oil becomes filled with particles from the engine and turns darker. It won’t be noticeable when this happens, so you should be vigilant and check the oil at least once a month. To do this, remove the dipstick and wipe it off before returning it to the oil tank. Then, take it out for a second time. If you can’t see the dipstick through the oil, it’s a sign that it’s time for an oil change.
Translucent vapor may come out of your vehicle’s tailpipe. However, if this changes to smoke, it may be time for an engine checkup. Your vehicle either has a faulty engine or an oil leak.
If you notice an oil smell inside your vehicle, there may be an oil leak. Also, if you smell exhaust fumes or gas, your engine might be overheating. Either way, you should schedule maintenance immediately.
If you’ve traveled more miles than usual in the last month, you may need an oil change sooner than your regular schedule. Every vehicle is different, but most should have their oil changed every three months or 3,000 miles. New vehicles often require an oil change every six months or 6,000 miles. Check your owner’s manual for specific guidelines. Also, consider high-mileage oil for older vehicles.
Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about oil change services:
The right oil will be the appropriate weight and viscosity grade for the engine. One of the most common oil grades used in Chevrolet engines, for example, is 5W-30. The first number in the grade refers to how well the oil flows through the engine when you start the vehicle. The “W” represents “Winter.” The second number refers to how well the oil flows at the normal operating temperature of the engine, which is often about 212 degrees Fahrenheit. The lower the numbers, the more quickly the oil moves around and lubricates the engine parts.
Other oil grades, such as 5W-20 and 10W-30, are used in some engines. Check the owner’s manual to find the recommended oil grade for your engine. Using the wrong oil will cause issues, as engine parts might not be adequately lubricated at specific temperatures. This can lead to major engine damage.
When choosing engine oil, one of the most important choices you might make is between synthetic and conventional oil. Both types contain additives that make the oil more stable in modern engines, but there’s a key difference.
Conventional oil is just refined crude oil with some additives. It works well in most engines. On the other hand, synthetic oil is further distilled and engineered to make it even purer, which means it protects a high-mileage engine better. It’s also slower to form sludge. In fact, most modern Chevrolet vehicles are filled with synthetic oil from the factory.
Not sure whether to go with the longevity and performance of full synthetic oil or the value of conventional oil? A synthetic blend can split the difference between performance and cost, and it’s an ideal middle ground for many drivers in Flint.
Since 2011, AC Delco, which is owned by General Motors (GM), manufactures synthetic oil for use in all Chevrolet vehicles. This oil is made according to GM’s exacting Dexos quality standards. Only GM-certified oil should be used in any modern Chevrolet vehicle. Here in our service center at Applegate Chevrolet, we get Dexos-certified oil directly from AC Delco to ensure excellent performance on your Chevrolet vehicle time after time.
The oil used at your local quick-lube chain location — even if it’s synthetic engine oil with the correct viscosity and weight — is often “bulk oil,” which isn’t GM-certified to meet Dexos standards. This kind of oil might not provide your sophisticated Chevrolet engine with the protection it needs for maximum longevity and performance. That’s why it’s important to get original equipment manufacturer (OEM) oil from your local Chevrolet dealership when changing the oil in your vehicle.
If you’ve noticed any of the warning signs above, consider contacting us to schedule your Chevrolet oil change service appointment. You can also visit our service center at 3637 S. Saginaw St., Flint, Michigan. Our team of experienced mechanics will service your Chevrolet with the same care they’d provide for their own. So, what are you waiting for? Book your oil change service today.
