When was the last time your vehicle received an oil change? If you can’t remember, it is probably time to head to your local GMC dealership and get one done! Proper servicing and oil changes will prolong the life of your vehicle by miles and help you avoid costly repairs. Keep reading to learn the best timing and practices for having your vehicle’s oil changed.
Ideal GMC Oil Change Frequency
Once upon a time, changing your oil every three months, or 3,000 miles, was the universal standard frequency for changing oil. However, with the rise of new oil life monitoring systems and higher-quality synthetic oils, you may be able to go a bit longer between changes.
Drivers who drive under ideal conditions may be able to go 5,000-7,000 miles before they change their oil. However, if you frequently drive your vehicle in extreme temperatures, such as short distances in freezing weather or long distances in hot weather, you will need more frequent oil changes. In addition, stop-and-go traffic, dusty conditions, and towing will also shorten your oil’s lifespan.
The Purpose of Oil
Your car’s engine is the heart of the vehicle and needs to be provided with the proper amount of oil. Oil serves the purpose of cleaning, protecting, cooling, and lubricating the engine.
Lubrication
When your car is running, engine parts move and create friction in the motor. Engine oil provides a slick coating of lubrication so that the friction is minimized and the engine does not overheat. This lubrication also allows your vehicle’s engine to reach its peak levels of performance and speed.
Cleaning
Oil also serves to clean debris from the engine. When oil is pumped through the motor, it collects debris as it travels. The waste rides with the oil until it is caught by the oil filter, where it is then removed when the filter is changed.
Protecting
If your engine is working without oil to lubricate it, metal pieces are grinding against metal pieces. This friction causes parts of your motor to wear away more quickly.
Cooling
Antifreeze is not the oil component responsible for cooling your vehicle. The antifreeze flowing through your radiator actually only works to cool the top portion of the motor. Oil serves to cool the friction caused by the movements of lower parts, such as the timing gears, pistons, crankshaft, rod bearings, and camshaft. Without oil, your motor will quickly overheat and seize up.
Choose a GMC Approved Service Provider
You want to feel confident with the service providers you choose to perform your car’s oil change. Using a local GMC dealership is the best way to ensure that only highly-trained and competent technicians work on your vehicle. In addition, GMC technicians will be familiar with your exact car model and know what type of care it needs. This knowledge is especially critical if your car is still under factory warranty because using the wrong oil could void your coverage.
If you need an oil change or any other services performed on your automobile, use your trusted GMC dealership in Ballinger. Come over to Toliver Brothers Chevy GMC and let us keep your car in excellent shape! Get ahead of your repair schedule your Ballinger oil change online today.
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