Oil Change Service Near Oceanside, CA

Close up view of oil being poured from a bottle

Oil Change Service at Premier Chevrolet of Carlsbad

Oil is one of the most important aspects of a well-maintained vehicle. It circulates throughout your engine to lubricate moving parts, reduce friction, lessen wear, and form seals between rings, pistons, and cylinder walls. It also helps keep the engine clean by moving particles through the system into your oil filter where it is trapped. Oil also helps keep your engine cooler because it lubricates parts, so your engine generates less heat. For these reasons and more, it is important to change your oil regularly. If you live in Oceanside, Vista, or Claremont, bring your car, truck, minivan, or SUV to Premier Chevrolet of Carlsbad for a professional oil and filter change service.

On average, an oil change only takes about an hour or less. During that time your old dirty oil is drained, the oil filter is replaced, and fresh new oil is added so that your vehicle will run smoother.

Oil Types

There are three main types of oil:

  • Conventional Oil: Motor oil derived from crude oil with several additives.
  • Synthetic: Derived from man-made ingredients with several additives. This type of oil is increasingly more common. Full synthetic oil protects your engine better than conventional oil, because of the purity of the ingredients and the uniform molecular structure. Synthetic oil has added environmental benefits, making it far superior to conventional oils. There are conventional and synthetic blends also available that are more cost-effective.
  • High Mileage: This type of oil is recommended in vehicles that have over 75,000 miles on the odometer. It contains anti-wear additives designed to extend the life of your engine and it is available as conventional, synthetic blends, and full synthetic.

How Often Should My Oil Be Changed?

If your vehicle was made in the last decade, automotive manufacturers usually recommend getting an oil change every 5,000-7,500 miles. Certain models have even longer intervals. Most owner’s manuals recommend synthetic blends or full synthetic oils at these intervals. In older vehicles, best practice recommends getting an oil change every 3,000 miles.  As always, consult your vehicle owner’s manual for manufacturer recommendations for oil changes or any other preventative maintenance to keep your vehicle running properly.

How Can I Tell If I Need an Oil Change?

Follow the maintenance schedule in your owner’s manual, but here are some other signs to pay attention to:

  • Dashboard oil reminder (in newer vehicles).
  • Dark oil on your oil dipstick; fresh oil is amber, light brown, or transparent.
  • Frequent overheating.
  • Tapping or grinding noises; metal-on-metal sounds may mean your oil level is dangerously low and is ineffective in protecting your engine.
  • Finding signs of oil leaks or seeing actual fresh oil beneath your vehicle. It is important to have oil leaks addressed and repaired to keep your vehicle functioning properly.

If it is time for an oil change, or if you are noticing signs that your engine isn’t running as smoothly, contact Premier Chevrolet of Carlsbad and set up an appointment with our Service Center or schedule online.