The Importance of Oil Maintenance

Many people overlook their engine oil maintenance because they don’t understand how vital it is to the longevity of their vehicle. While it’s the maintenance item that needs to be done on the most regular basis, it’s also the most important because it’s keeping your engine healthy. Your engine is the most crucial part of your vehicle, and it can also be the most expensive part to replace if it’s damaged, so you should always make sure that you’re keeping up with your regularly scheduled auto service.

Why Should You Change Your Oil?

The oil is responsible for keeping your engine lubricated because there are a lot of moving parts inside of it. You have chains, valves and pistons that are all moving on a regular basis while your fuel is igniting to keep your vehicle running. Over time, the viscosity of the oil begins to break down and it’s not lubricating your motor as well as it once was.

A common misconception about oil changes is that it doesn’t need to be changed if the vehicle isn’t driven that often. Even if the vehicle is sitting in a garage, it’s still important to have the oil changed on a regular basis. The oil still breaks down and gets debris mixed with it even when the vehicle is sitting, so you should continue to change it to ensure that your vehicle is in good shape.

When Should You Change Your Oil?

There are a variety of different factors that come into play when it comes to when the oil should be changed. The best way to know that you’ll always be on time with your oil maintenance is by taking your vehicle into the Buick GMC dealership where the technicians specialize in your particular make and model. They’ll let you know if weather conditions or other factors mean that you should come in sooner for oil changes and what type of schedule to keep.

You can also tell when the oil should be changed based on a few different signs. Every 1,000 miles or so, you should check your dipstick to see what the oil level is. The dipstick will show you the minimum and maximum level. Since the vehicle will naturally burn oil, it’s normal for it to get a little low after a couple thousand miles. If you notice that the oil is lower than it should be, this may be a sign that you have an oil leak somewhere.

If you’ve noticed any type of white smoke coming from your vehicle, this can also be the sign of an oil leak. It’s important to have your leaks addressed as soon as possible because this means that your vehicle isn’t running off of a sufficient amount of oil and can cause engine damage.

The Benefits of Coming to the Dealer

The best way to stay on track with your oil changes and ensure that your vehicle is in great shape is by bringing it Dave Arbogast Service. The dealership will do a thorough inspection of your oil system during each visit and also do a multi-point inspection to give you a heads up if there are any potential problems. This way, you can have other issues addressed while your vehicle is already in the shop.