What Does Oil Even Do?
Oil is the lifeblood of your engine, but if you don’t know what it does, it can be hard to justify why it’s so important. In your engine, you have a lot of small metal parts that are moving at high speeds. Your engine is also constantly combusting oxygen and fuel, which generates a lot of heat. Oil lubricates your engine so that these small metal parts can move freely. This also reduces friction, which is what causes most of the wear and tear. Additionally, your oil works hard to keep the temperature down. It’s constantly moving throughout your engine, which helps to dissipate heat. This is why your engine is bound to overheat if you ignore your regularly scheduled oil change for long enough.
How Do I Know When to Change My Oil?
You never want to skip this service, but if you don’t know how to properly check your oil, then you won’t know when you need to bring your model in. Your first step should be to pop the hood so that you can get a good look at your engine. You’re going to want to find where your dipstick is. Once you’ve located it, you can take it out, wipe it down, and check your oil. If the level is too low, then it’s probably time for an oil change. If you notice that the color has gone from amber to black, then this is another sign that you might need service. If you’re near Sharpsburg, Union City, or South Fulton, then you can stop by ALM Chevrolet South today.
Why Do I Need to Change My Oil So Often?
Before you head back to Sharpsburg, you might have a few questions about your oil.
- What Is Synthetic Oil?: If you’re looking for an option that will last longer, then you should check if your Chevrolet model is compatible with synthetic oil. Synthetic oil is not only better for your engine, but you can usually drive for a longer period of time before having to change it.
- What Happened to My Oil?: Your oil was a pretty amber color when it entered your engine, but within a few months, it’s going to be colored with soot until it turns black. Your oil will also pick up contaminants. You have an oil filter that’s designed to block out grime and dirt, but things will eventually find their way past it, which is why your oil needs to be replaced so often.