Knowing when to get a GMC oil change is simple when you have a plan in place. The problem is, most people never get on a regular maintenance schedule with their GMC, and the vehicle suffers the consequences.
Most newer cars come with an oil-life monitoring system that automatically determines when you need to get an oil change. Once this happens, you’ll receive an alert on your dash saying that it’s time for service. This tells you that the oil is starting to degrade, and ignoring it can impact the performance and longevity of your vehicle.
Whenever the oil is changed, the technician will then reset the oil monitoring system, and if you’re changing it yourself, you’ll be able to read in your GMC vehicle manual how to do it yourself. Depending on the type of oil you use and the driving conditions, you’ll want to change your oil every 3,000 miles to 5,000 miles. If you’re using semi or full synthetic oil, you may even be able to last between 7,000 and 15,000 miles. Keep in mind that you can never judge the condition of your oil just by looking at its color.
Changing Oil in Older Cars
If you’re driving an older GMC that doesn’t have the oil monitoring system, you’ll want to factor in a few extra things. First, you need to factor in how you’re driving the vehicle. If you’re driving it for short distances most frequently, you’ll want to service it more often. If you do a lot of stop-and-go driving for work-related activities such as deliveries, Uber, or anything similar, you’ll also need to service the vehicle more often.
Lastly, if you drive in hot, cold, or dirty climates, you’ll need to change the oil on a more frequent basis. Reaching out to a trained and experienced technician can help you get on a planned maintenance schedule so you never have to worry about damaging your engine.
The Importance of Changing Oil
One thing we always try to drive home is the importance of getting on a planned maintenance schedule when it comes to changing the oil in your GMC. Regular oil changes keep your engine clean, and they help it last longer. When oil flows from other areas of your vehicle into the engine, it brings all the particles along with it, and those start to accumulate. Eventually, you have sludge buildup in your engine, which makes it harder for the oil to make it through.
Think of oil as the blood of your vehicle: the car can’t run properly without it. By changing the oil regularly, checking oil filters, and changing them out regularly, you’re supplying an ample amount of clean oil to your car, which will extend its life.
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