How Often Should You Change Your Oil?

If you’re new to car ownership, you may still need to know: How often should you change your oil? In years past, Charlotte car owners were told to have their vehicle’s oil changed every 3,000 miles. These days, most drivers can adhere to a slower oil change frequency. Thanks to advancements in oil and engine technology, modern vehicles can typically go 7,500 to 10,000 miles between oil change services! Learn all about oil change frequency with the service professionals from Hendrick Cadillac Monroe, below.

Oil Change Frequency Guidelines

Ballantyne drivers can consider 7,500 to 10,000 miles as a general guideline to follow, but it’s important to note that there are still some vehicles that may require a higher oil change frequency. If you frequently use your vehicle for the following activities, for example, you might need your oil changed sooner than most:

• Off-roading
• Commercial use
• Racing
• Heavy towing

What if You Don’t Change Your Car’s Oil?

In order to deliver optimal performance on Weddington roads and highways, your car requires clean, fresh oil. Oil lubricates the moving components of the engine, preventing issues like friction and overheating. But that’s not all. Oil also takes debris as it moves through the engine and transfers it to the oil filter. This means that with time, the filter and eventually the oil itself will get dirtied to the point of needing a replacement. If you don’t adhere to the correct oil change frequency, you’ll be on an unpleasant road to the following issues:

• Check engine and/or oil change lights are illuminated
• Knocking sound coming from the engine
• Dark and dirty oil
• Smoke emitting from the exhaust pipe
• Engine overheating

Pro Oil Change Tips

When you visit the Hendrick Cadillac Monroe service center, you can get a speedy oil change at a fair price! Before your visit, check out these oil change tips that can answer some preliminary questions you may have:

• Don’t take your car out very often? You should still follow an oil change frequency of at least once or twice per year. Even without regular use, engine oil breaks down over time.
• With every oil change, the oil filter will also be replaced. At Hendrick Cadillac Monroe, our parts department supplies OEM oil filters made for your Cadillac vehicle.
• Wondering whether to use synthetic or conventional oil? Check your owner’s manual. Synthetic oil can cost more, but some vehicles require it.

How Often to Check the Oil Level

Now you know how often you should change your oil, but you may still be wondering: How often should you check the oil level in your car? It’s recommended to do so once per month. Checking the oil level frequently will help catch an oil leak in its early stages when it’s easiest and cheapest to repair. Additionally, you should look for any change in the oil’s color and take note of any small metal particles that appear to be floating about. Both of these could point to a serious issue that should be addressed without delay.

Schedule Your Next Oil Change With Us!

Searching for a fast, affordable, and reliable oil change near Charlotte? Schedule an appointment at Hendrick Cadillac Monroe! Our expert techs work efficiently and with great precision, ensuring a job done right every time. Before your appointment, check out our service specials for money-saving oil service coupons!