An oil change is one of the most important service items that should be performed on your vehicle periodically. The frequency of these oil changes will vary depending on the mileage you've accrued, the type of oil and filter used for your last appointment, and what kind of driving you're doing. Unfortunately, many people aren't aware of how often they should be changing their oil. Read on to find out more about the schedule you should be following.
Considering Your Mileage
One of the best ways to predict when an oil change needs to be performed is by keeping an eye on your mileage numbers. Manufacturers typically have a recommended oil change interval every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. If you use the right products and have a suitable vehicle, you may be able to creep towards 10,000 miles in between each oil change. It would be best if you talked to our technicians to determine what mileage amount should be followed for your oil changes and then keep track of your numbers.
Considering How You Drive
Your driving habits are critical when it comes to your oil change frequency. If you're someone who has to spend a lot of time idling in traffic each day, you should have your oil changed more frequently than someone who does occasional highway driving. Any driving patterns that negatively affect your engine warrant more frequent oil changes. Other factors to consider are conditions such as hot temperatures outside, driving on unpaved roads, towing a trailer or camper, driving long distances at a low speed, and stopping frequently.
Pay Attention to Your Service Light
Most new vehicles have a service light that will come on when it's time for your oil to be changed. Don't just hit that ignore button, and hope you remember to schedule your service. Some vehicles will even collect data regarding your driving habits, and you'll be alerted when it's time to bring your vehicle in. Take this notification seriously. If another check engine light comes on, have your vehicle serviced as soon as possible.
If you'd like to talk to one of our professional vehicle technicians about your oil change schedule, you can contact Van Chevrolet anytime convenient. We'd be happy to help you out by putting you in touch with one of our experts on-site.
