One of the most crucial maintenance tasks for your Buick or GMC is regularly changing your engine’s oil. Oil cools down the engine and lubricates the moving parts to prevent metal-on-metal wear and tear. Getting an oil change at your local Buick dealership will keep the engine running smoothly for years.
How Often Should You Get an Oil Change at Your GMC/Buick Dealership?
The most definitive way to determine the best oil service intervals for your GMC or Buick is to check your owner’s manual. The manual specifies the best interval based on your engine type, recommended oil type, and normal operating conditions. Older vehicles that use conventional motor oil generally require an oil service every 3,000 miles.
Newer GMCs and Buicks have more advanced engines and use fully synthetic oil that has a longer lifespan. These vehicles can go 7,500 to 10,000 miles before requiring an oil service. Confirm with your manual, so you can adhere to the right service intervals. It’s also good to be on the lookout for signs that your oil has degraded, even if the car isn’t yet due for service.
Signs Your GMC or Buick Is Due for an Oil Service
Oil Life Monitor Warning
Newer GMC and Buick vehicles come with an oil life monitoring system. This is a system that uses sensors to monitor engine operations, driving habits, and climatic conditions, and adjust the oil service interval. If your vehicle has an oil monitor on the driver information system, keep an eye on it.
Schedule an oil service as soon as you get an alert on the dashboard. However, you don’t have to wait for the oil to degrade completely to change it. Watch out for other signs and change the oil promptly to keep the engine well cooled and lubricated.
Dark and Sludgy Oil
Checking your oil regularly can help you catch the early signs of degradation. Pull out the dipstick and check the oil’s appearance and consistency. If the oil looks dirty, gritty, or sludgy, it’s time to change it. Dirty oil can’t lubricate your engine properly, and you will start to notice a decline in performance over time.
Overheating Engine
As oil ages and breaks down, it is no longer able to lubricate and cool down the engine components. This creates overheating issues as heat is trapped within the engine’s metal components. If your temperature gauge is reading higher than normal, and you have a check engine light, change your oil immediately.
Weird Engine Noises
Grinding noises could be caused by friction between metal engine components. If these parts aren’t getting enough lubrication due to degraded oil, they will grind against each other during operation. You may even notice a burning smell in the cabin due to the heat and friction in the engine.
If you’re not sure when to change your oil, it’s best to err on the side of caution. Contact Dutch Miller’s Beckley Automall in Beckley, WV to schedule an oil service.
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