Oil Changes in Harvard, IL
Schedule an oil change at Harvard Chevrolet Buick GMC today, our Certified Service experts know precisely what type of oil is best for your vehicle. For more information on the important role oil plays in your car, the difference between regular and synthetic oil, and to learn how to check your oil level yourself, keep reading and don’t hesitate to contact us today.
Why Oil Changes Are Important
Oil changes help ensure your vehicle doesn’t overheat by helping to lubricate all the moving parts in the engine. Regular oil changes can help optimize the performance and fuel economy of your Chevrolet, Buick, and GMC. Older-model vehicles, including those manufactured without or before the creation of the Oil Life Monitoring System, require oil changes at 3,000-mile intervals. However, thanks to advances in engine technologies, newer models may have a longer range between oil changes. Always refer to your Chevrolet vehicle Owner’s Manual for oil-change intervals for your specific vehicle
How to Checking Oil Levels
Check your engine's oil once a month to ensure proper lubrication, proper lubrication will make sure your engine is always running as efficiently as possible. Regular oil level checks are also a great opportunity to find any issues early on before it becomes too costly. The process of checking your oil at home is easy, follow the steps below to get the most accurate reading possible.
- Park on a level ground
- Wait for your engine to cool off a little
- Make sure the oil is warm, at a normal operating temperature not hot or cold
- Review your Owner’s Manual for the proper procedure to check your oil level
- Remove dipstick found under the hood
- Clean thoroughly and insert again to get an accurate reading
Recommended Oil
Choosing the proper grade of oil is a critical step in engine maintenance. From conventional to full synthetic the Chevrolet Certified Service experts at Harvard Chevrolet Buick GMC offer a range of oil types, including ACDelco Gold Conventional Oil, ACDelco dexos1TM Full Synthetic, and Mobil™ Full Synthetic. Ask our experts which grade of oil you should use for your specific Chevrolet model. You can also check your Owner’s Manual for the correct grade.
These oils contain a variety of characteristics that can affect your vehicle’s performance, offer varying levels of engine protection, and can maximize the time between oil changes.
ACDelco Gold Conventional Oil
• Offers quality engine wear and corrosion protection
• Contains special additives that help your engine run smoothly
ACDelco dexos1TM Full Synthetic Oil
• High resistance to oxidation, which helps keep the oil from breaking down
• Excellent low-temperature flow and pumpability during cold start-ups
• Excellent protection to help prevent formation of sludge and other harmful deposits
Mobil 1 Full Synthetic Oil
• Advanced anti-wear technology for outstanding protection of critical engine parts
• Exceptional high-temperature stability helps resist oxidative thickening
• Proven to provide outstanding cold starting, lubrication and protection from wear at low temperatures
Benefits of Synthetic Oil
Synthetic oil uses all the latest research to help better lubricate your engine system. Specially formulated, synthetic oil is made from base oil, powder additives, and a carrier oil that enforces an even distribution of the additives. Just like regular oil, synthetic oil should be changed out every 7,500 miles, as well as your oil filter simultaneously every oil change. Synthetic oil technological advantages include:
- Uniform molecular size means less friction
- Refinement and engineering reduce deposits
- Additives boost protection and can clean engines
- Better function in cold and extreme weather
- Cleaner oil with fewer impurities
Chevrolet Complete Care
For 2019 and newer models, Chevrolet Complete Care includes your first required maintenance visit within the first year of vehicle delivery providing an oil change, tire rotation and a Multi-Point Vehicle Inspection.
Why trust Harvard Chevrolet Buick GMC?
The Certified Service technicians at Harvard Chevrolet Buick GMC are expertly trained to understand how your vehicle uses its oil and how it monitors oil life. An oil change from a Certified Service technician not only gives you great service, convenience, and a great price, but you also get the added value of their expertise on your Chevrolet vehicle.
Oil Change FAQs
How often do I need to change my car’s oil?
It is recommended to change your oil every 7,500 to 10,000 miles. Older cars may need oil changes more frequently to ensure proper lubrication for the older parts.
Why is my "Change Engine Oil Soon" message on?
When the "Change Engine Oil Soon” message lights up or pops on your digital cluster, you should get your oil change as soon as possible.
How do I know when my oil needs to be changed?
It’s commonly recommended to change your oil every 7,500 miles or every six months, whichever comes first. If you start noticing your engine overheating, oil leaking, or hear odd noises, the best thing you can do is contact or set up an appointment online.
Do I have to use synthetic oil?
No, however synthetic oil is recommended for the longevity and benefits it provides.
Why are oil changes important?
Regular oil changes help maintain your engine’s lubrication and help reduce the possibility of overheating caused by friction.
How often do I need a new oil filter?
Yes, having your oil and oil filter changed, at least as often as recommended by the manufacturer, is important.
How can I be sure to get the correct type of motor oil for my vehicle?
Consult your vehicle Owner’s Manual or visit the Chevrolet Certified Service experts at Harvard Chevrolet Buick GMC to be sure you get the proper oil for your vehicle. For 2011 or newer vehicles, dexos1TM Full Synthetic is the recommended oil specification (dexos1TM for gasoline engines, dexos2TM for light-duty diesel engines, 15W40 CJ-4 for Duramax diesel engines). Advantages of dexos1TM Full Synthetic over conventional motor oil include improved oil performance and protection, increased piston cleanliness, reduced oil consumption, and greater viscosity control.
I’ve heard that I should change my oil every 3,000 miles. Is that still true?
The majority of today’s Chevrolet vehicles are equipped with the Engine Oil Life System, which has made the 3,000-mile oil change obsolete. Depending on the age of the vehicle, driving habits, and road conditions, vehicles with today’s advanced engines may be able to go longer than 3,000 miles between oil changes. Always be sure to check your engine oil level regularly, even with an Engine Oil Life System.
Does regularly changing my oil filter help with the life of my engine?
Yes, because it helps ensure your engine is lubricated with clean oil which can help provide optimal engine performance. See your vehicle owner's manual for the recommended oil change interval, or follow the oil life monitoring system, if equipped.