Top 5 Oil Change Frequently Asked Questions

Without proper lubrication, each of these components would create high amounts of friction as their mating surfaces rub up against each other. That friction can cause serious damage to your engine, requiring extensive repairs – or in the worst of cases – a complete engine rebuild.

When your GMC or Chevrolet car, truck, or SUV has an oil change, our Glockner of Ironton service department essentially drains the old oil from your engine. Once this older oil is removed, we then replace it with new engine oil. That new engine oil is free of contaminants and provides improved protection for your engine and all its components. We will also replace the oil filter as the older filter will have collected a lot of dirt.

Over time, older engine oil loses its viscosity which affects the oil’s ability to properly lubricate your engine and its parts. By replacing the older oil with new oil, your engine gets a fresh infusion of oil with good viscosity that ensures all your parts are properly lubricated.

The oil change vs. adding oil question is always asked by our customers. After all, can’t you just add new oil without getting an oil change? The best way to answer this question is to think about what happens when old oil is allowed to stay inside your engine. Again, older oil loses its viscosity. Once it does, it begins to thicken and collects remnants of metal and dirt, which further decreases its effectiveness.

Simply adding oil doesn’t solve the problem of older oil losing its viscosity. That older oil continues to collect debris and its ability to keep your engine’s components properly lubricated severely decreases. Eventually, the friction between parts will increase which can lead to your engine overheating and developing serious issues.

Depending upon the model and make of your car, truck, or SUV, you will typically need an oil change done every 5,000 to 8,000 miles. It largely depends upon the model of vehicle you drive, and the suggested oil change schedule as defined by the manufacturer. Some Glockner of Ironton customers try to exceed the manufacturer’s suggested oil change frequency. They’ll instead try to go beyond the 5,000 or 8,000 miles as specified in their owner’s manual.

There isn’t any definitive answer as to how many additional miles you can drive beyond the manufacturer’s suggested oil change. It’s ultimately a question of taking a risk you should never take. Unfortunately, our service center has encountered customers who went well beyond the suggested oil change only to encounter higher costs for engine repair.

There are a couple of ways how to check if you need an oil change. The first – and perhaps most obvious way – is to refer to your owner’s manual. It will provide plenty of information about general maintenance and when you should get oil and filter changes done. Second, if your check engine or oil change light comes on, then an oil change is needed. Third, if you notice noise coming from your engine or an oily smell either inside or immediately outside your engine, then an oil change is likely needed.

Fourth, more serious signs can include smoke coming from your exhaust or an overheated engine. While some clear fumes always come from your exhaust, the moment it turns to smoke is the moment you need it checked. Finally, a simple way to check if you need an oil change is to raise your hood and remove your vehicle’s dipstick. Wipe it with a towel and return it to your oil tank. Take it out again and if the oil appears clear or isn’t dark, then you should have an oil change.