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Wondering just how often you need to swap out your old oil? Getting an oil change at our Chevrolet Buick GMC dealership is critical for keeping your car running right, so it's important to know when to do it. Finding the Sweet Spot for Your Oil Change Thanks to better engine designs and the magic of synthetic oil, the intervals for changing your oil have gotten a nice stretch. For newer models, you're looking at hitting up the service center every 5,000 to 7,500 miles, but don't forget the golden rule. Always check your owner's manual for the final word. Be aware that your driving habits can impact how often your car needs oil. If you spend a lot of time towing, off-roading, or sitting in stop-and-go traffic, there's a good chance you'll need service more frequently. more Why Bother Changing Your Oil, Anyway? Over time, the oil in your engine breaks down, getting contaminated with dust and dirt and becoming less effective. Fresh oil performs some critical tasks, helping your engine run better, last longer, and avoid unexpected trouble down the road. Keeping Things Smooth Oil lubes up the moving parts of your engine, reducing friction and preventing wear and tear. Not replacing your oil can lead to parts rubbing or even grinding together, and that's bad news for your engine. Cooling It Down When it's running, your engine gets hot. Very hot. Oil carries some of that heat away, keeping your engine cool enough to avoid overheating. Cleaning House All kinds of dirt and debris make their way into your engine, and they could really clog up the works. Oil picks up these particles and carries them away to the filter, where they can't do damage. Signs It's Time for Oil at the Chevy Dealership Seeing the Oil Light If this light pops up on your dash, don't wait around. Check your oil and, probably, change it. Dark, Dirty Oil Check your oil with your car's dipstick: it's supposed to be a golden amber color. If it looks dark and gritty instead, it needs to be changed. Extra Engine Noise Do you have more rumble than usual under the hood? It could be that old oil has stopped lubricating properly, leaving the parts of your engine to knock together without cushioning. Sluggish Performance If your car's not zipping around like it used to or it's guzzling extra gas, take a moment to check your oil. Seeing Smoke If you can see smoke coming out of your exhaust, that's not a good sign. It could mean oil issues, including something serious, like a leak. By hitting those recommended intervals, you can ensure that your car keeps running smoothly. Call Sapaugh GM Country in Herculaneum, MO, to schedule your next oil service.

Your Herculaneum, MO Chevy Buick GMC dealership does a lot more than sell cars. Our dealership is the go-to place to get all the essential services that help your vehicle stay in peak condition for years. From oil changes to tire rotations, there are tons of services you won't want to miss out on. 1. Oil Changes Chevrolet, Buick and GMC cars need their oil changed anywhere from once a year to every six months. Drivers who tow a lot may even need to get their oil changed even more often. So if you regularly use your sturdy Chevy Silverado to tow for work, then make sure you tell your mechanic about it. Our factory-trained mechanics know exactly what oil your vehicle needs, so they'll change out the oil, replace the oil filter when necessary, and top up your oil level between changes. Our mechanics will also speak to you about topping off and replacing the other fluids in your car as necessary. more 2. Brake Service Have your brakes started squealing when used? That's a sign you need brake service. You probably need new brake pads, and if you've needed new ones for a while, then your rotors may be damaged and need resurfacing. We can perform those services for you, and we'll also check out your entire braking system to make sure it's in good working condition. If you notice any other issues with your brakes, such as under-responsiveness, overheating, or a potential brake fluid leak, then be sure to bring your car to us so we can fix it for you. 3. Tire Service Taking good care of your tires is vital, as they play a huge role in the safety and quality of your ride. Visit the dealer for tire rotations and to have more air put into your tires as needed. Modern cars will let you know when you need an air top-up, and you can buy a tire pressure gauge for older vehicles. We'll also check on your tread and get new tires for you when your tread becomes too low. 4. Battery Replacements Batteries last around 3 to 5 years. We have a range of batteries we can fit into your vehicle depending on what kind of battery your car or truck requires. You can also stop by anytime and let us your battery's health. This can give you an estimate of how long it'll be before you need to replace your battery. We recommend getting a battery health check at least once a year. Come to Sapaugh GM Country to get all the services above and the many more we offer. Want to book a time slot? You can do that online or call our service department at 636-486-4981.