You can also check your owner’s manual that comes with your car. This handbook has all the information you need about your vehicle including when to bring it into service.
Relying on mechanics can be difficult at times because they want to overcharge you and their advice may be skewed in their favor. For this reason it’s best to go to your designated service department such as GMC, Honda, or Chevy.
Another great indication would be looking at the user interface in your vehicle. It will often tell you whether or not you should bring your car in for service, so make sure you look out for those alerts. If you see one pop up, get your car serviced as soon as possible.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU CHECK YOUR OIL LEVEL?
It’s best to check your oil level at least once a month. You can use the Owner’s manual to see what the recommended oil level is for your specific make and model.
One way to check your oil level is to use a dipstick. With the car in park, open the hood and pull out the dipstick and clean it with a rag. Next push it back in and pull it out to assess where the oil level is on the stick. If it’s within the two indicated hashes, your oil level is fine, if it’s below this oil is needed.
When doing your monthly maintenance you should also check your oil's color. It should appear dark brown or black. If it appears light colored, your coolant is leaking and you should get that checked by a mechanic for further diagnostics.
WHICH TYPE OF OIL SHOULD YOU CHOOSE?
The last thing you should be doing is choosing the right type of oil. Choosing oil that’s not optimally compatible with your vehicle can cause it to lose its pristine shape.
Again, look at your owner’s manual and seewhat is recommended for your vehicle. If the information is not in your manual it may be located on your oil cap. Using this indication will give your car the optimal oil weight to keep it running smoothly.
What do you do in the case of an older car? Does it need older, rare oil? Not necessarily. If the vehicle is running normally, there’s no need to mess with it as it’s clearly accepting the current oil intake and it does not need to be switched.
Taking care of your car can be difficult with a busy schedule. Hopefully, with a little time, practice, and the information in this article, you can keep your vehicle in great shape. Don't forget, the owner's manual will be your best friend for all of your vehicle's needs.
