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Regular oil changes keep your Chevy used engine in the best condition possible. Most Chevy engines need an oil change at least once a year or every 10,000 miles. So, if you’re driving a Chevy used engine, staying on top of your regular maintenance needs is imperative.
But when was the last time you changed your Chevy engine’s oil? If you can’t remember that it has probably been too long. Yet you can pay attention to your car engine and notice the signs indicating a need for an oil change.
5 Signs Your Chevy Engine Needs an Oil Change
- Mileage
If it’s been a while since your last oil change, and you’ve driven quite a few miles since then, it might be time to schedule an oil change appointment. In case you’re unsure about the mileage, check your odometer and notice how many miles have passed since the last time you changed the oil. It is recommended to get an oil change every 3,000 to 6,000 miles. You can find more about this in the owner’s manual.
- Signal of Oil Service Light
Like check engine oil light, there’s a light dedicated to oil change reminder on the dashboard. It lights up when it’s time for an oil change. Don’t ignore this signal from the car and make an appointment to change the oil immediately. It should be taken as the final warning sign.
- Louder Noises from Engine
Since engine oil is responsible for the smooth functioning of the engine, loud noises from the engine are a clear sign. It means that the engine is not functioning efficiently and needs to be changed. Usually, dirtier oil can’t lubricate your engine very well and causes the parts to grind together, creating abnormal sounds.
- Low Oil Level
Oil levels deplete at a set rate over time. But if you suspect faster depletion of oil, it means your engine is using more oil than normal. It could be because of a number of things. The best idea here is to check the engine oil level regularly, so they don’t get too low and have a mechanic who can take a look at it.
- Spotting Particulates
If you notice metal particles in your motor oil when you peek at the engine oil, you might have internal engine damage. Particulates appear when there’s excessive wear on the engine body. These particulates are aluminum and metal shavings from the surface of the engine. You may need a proper diagnosis from the mechanic.
Factors Affecting the Frequency of Your Chevrolet Oil Change
Your Vehicle’s Age: Like old vehicles need oil changes more frequently, used engines also require a bit extra care to function normally. So, if the used engine you’re driving is on the old side of the spectrum, you may need to change the oil more frequently than others.
Your Driving Habits: The second factor that affects the oil change period is how you drive your vehicle. Aggressive driving equals more usage of engine oil to prevent friction and cool down the engine. Whereas the same is not true in the opposite case. So, if your driving is strenuous, you may need to make oil checks frequently.
Chevrolet Recommended Oil Change Intervals
In case you can’t figure out the ideal oil change interval for your used Chevy engine, stick to Chevy recommendations. Chevy’s engine oil change interval is between 7,000-10,000 miles.
This is a quite broad specification. As an owner, only you can figure out if your Chevy engine needs more or less frequent than that oil changes. Here’s how you can figure it out.
If your vehicle is usually involved in any of the following situations, you may need to schedule oil change appointments frequently:
- Off-roading
- Commercial use
- Racing
- Heavy towing
Conclusion
Regular oil changes are an integral part of Chevy engine maintenance. Whether you’re looking for a used Chevy engine for sale or already have one, you have to be diligent about this aspect of the engine maintenance or you may expose your engine to several malfunctions.
