Motor oil lubricates your car’s engine while carrying dirt and other contaminants into the oil filter. If you don’t change your motor oil and filter frequently, the oil becomes dirtier and thicker until it can no longer properly lubricate the crankshaft, valves, pistons, and other moving parts. The result could be a severely damaged engine. Let’s take a look at how often you should visit your local GMC dealer for an oil change.
How Often Should You Change Your GMC’s Oil?
Always Check Your Warranty and Owner’s Manual
If your car has a valid powertrain warranty, it’s wise to adhere to the warranty’s instructions, especially about changing the oil. This way, you can enjoy the warranty’s protection until it expires. Also, whether or not you have a warranty, follow the guidance in your car owner’s manual, which will tell you precisely what type of motor oil is most suitable for your car and how often to change it.
Every 7,500 to 10,000 Miles for Most Drivers
These days, the majority of cars use synthetic motor oil, which usually only needs to be changed every 7,500 to 10,000 miles. Considering that most drivers cover about 14,000 miles a year on average, you’ll probably need to change your oil every six months or so.
Some Driving Conditions Degrade Motor Oil Faster
It’s important to be aware that different driving conditions cause motor oil to wear down at different rates. If your daily driving mostly consists of very short trips, for example, then your engine and oil are put under more pressure. This is because short drivers of under five miles rarely give the motor oil enough time to warm up and lubricate properly. As a result, the engine suffers increased wear and tear and the oil also wears down faster.
A few other severe driving conditions are using particularly dirty, sandy, or dusty roads, towing heavy trailers, and driving in extreme temperatures.
Schedule Routine Oil Changes at Your GMC Dealer
Forgetting to change motor oil can lead to catastrophic consequences for the engine and a very expensive repair job. With this in mind, it’s a good idea to schedule routine oil servicing visits at your local dealership.
The technicians can take your lifestyle and regular driving habits into account when setting up a schedule. You’ll then receive courteous reminders whenever it’s time to refresh your engine’s oil.
Visit Royal Moore Auto Center in Hillsboro, OR, today to have your motor oil promptly changed. For over 50 years, the region’s drivers have trusted us to provide excellent deals on new and used cars, and a consistently top-notch customer experience.

