Maximizing Your Oil Change: Services That Keep Your Car Running Smoothly

Your vehicle is likely one of the biggest investments you’ll make, which means it’s essential to do all you can to ensure it remains in good working condition. All vehicles—regardless of whether they’re used sparingly or daily—require maintenance, such as oil changes, brake work, fluid flushes, and more. The key to making sure your vehicle continues to run well for a long time is knowing what services are needed, when they’re needed, and who can complete them. For instance, what services should you schedule alongside an oil change?

Our team at North Park Chevrolet can help you with the answer to that question and many more regarding your vehicle’s maintenance. If you’ve been searching for “oil change near me,” let us help you out. Our factory-trained technicians have access to the latest tools in our state-of-the-art service center, which allows them to assist you with a number of maintenance tasks. Not only that, but their knowledge gives you a heads-up about replacements or repairs you might need in the future so that you can better plan for them. Keep reading to learn more about our services and how to maximize your oil change by including vital services that keep your car running smoothly.

Making the Most of an Oil Change Appointment

If you’ve ever owned your own vehicle, you know that an oil change is a standard maintenance requirement, but you might not know why it’s important. Oil is what lubricates the engine’s moving parts, reducing friction, preventing overheating, and limiting wear. Over time, it begins to degrade, which makes it less effective. An oil change removes the old oil and replaces it with new oil, which guarantees optimum lubrication, improves engine efficiency, and extends engine life. Regular oil changes also help to preserve fuel economy and avoid costly engine damage.

By combining extra services with your oil change, you can save time and money while keeping your vehicle running smoothly for longer. Some of the additional services you should consider when bringing your vehicle to our team are explored below.

Check and Replace the Air Filter

The engine’s air filter ensures that only clean air enters the engine. In doing so, fuel efficiency and performance are improved. Over time, the filter can become clogged with dirt, debris, and dust, limiting airflow and decreasing engine efficiency. During an oil change, we can inspect the air filter and replace it if necessary, helping to significantly improve engine performance and longevity.

Focus on Fluids

Your car relies on a variety of fluids to run properly. During an oil change is a great time to inspect and top off these essential fluids:

• Coolant: Coolant, or antifreeze, protects the engine from overheating or freezing.
• Brake Fluid: Keeps the braking system running smoothly.
• Transmission Fluid: Promotes proper gear shifting and decreases wear on transmission components.
• Power Steering Fluid: Helps your steering wheel operate smoothly and easily.

Keeping these fluids at optimal levels can help prevent issues as you travel from point A to point B, so be sure to take advantage of this when you bring your vehicle in for an oil change.

Tire Rotation

Tires wear unevenly based on their position on the vehicle. Regular tire rotation ensures even wear, extending tire life and improving fuel efficiency. Because your car is already on a lift for an oil change, it’s a great time to request that your tires be rotated. Most manufacturers recommend a tire rotation every 5,000 to 7,500 miles. However, there are some exceptions. For instance, if your vehicle is all-wheel drive or you often drive for long distances, you might need to have the tires rotated sooner, say every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. Additionally, road conditions can also affect tire wear, which might lead to a need for earlier than normal rotation services.

Tire Pressure and Condition

Tire rotation isn’t the only thing that should be included when getting the car’s oil changed. Underinflated or overinflated tires can cause uneven wear, decreased fuel efficiency, and even blowouts. When you bring your vehicle in for an oil change, we will check the tire pressure, making sure it matches the manufacturer’s recommended level. In addition, we can also check for signs of damage, such as punctures, cracks, or uneven wear patterns. If we notice issues, we can offer recommendations so you have the details you need to make an informed decision.

Brake Inspection

Your vehicle’s brakes are an important safety feature that requires frequent inspection. When you bring your car in for an oil change, we can check the brake pads and rotors for wear. If they are thin or your rotors are damaged, replacing them before they fail will save you money on repairs and ensure that your vehicle stops when you need it to.

Replace the Cabin Air Filter

Many drivers underestimate the significance of the cabin air filter, which keeps the air inside the vehicle clean by filtering out dust, pollen, and other contaminants. Like the engine filter mentioned above, the cabin air filter can become clogged over time, limiting airflow and increasing the workload on your vehicle’s climate control system. During an oil change, the filter should be examined and replaced as needed. Doing so will help keep your heating and air conditioning running smoothly and allow you and your passengers to breathe easier.

Inspect Belts and Hoses

Your car’s belts and hoses are key components that power vital systems like the alternator, power steering pump, and air conditioning compressor. Belts can wear down or split over time, while hoses might leak or deteriorate. Having them inspected during an oil change can help you avoid unexpected problems and expensive repairs. Plus, early detection of a worn belt or a leaking hose helps avoid becoming stuck on the side of the road.

Test the Battery

Speaking of getting stuck on the side of the road—or anywhere your vehicle might be when your battery stops working—it’s important to make sure the battery is tested regularly. Your car’s battery is essential for starting the engine and powering electrical systems. Extreme temperatures and age can degrade it, resulting in delayed engine starts or full failure. During an oil change, we can check the battery’s voltage and overall health. If it’s weak or nearing the end of its life, we can change it for you, saving you from the frustration of a dead battery later.

Examine the Exhaust System

A well-maintained exhaust system keeps your car running smoothly and reduces dangerous emissions. During an oil change, the exhaust system can be checked for rust, leaks, or signs of damage. Addressing exhaust system issues early on can improve fuel efficiency, reduce noise, and help your vehicle pass emissions testing.

Wiper Blade Replacement

Wiper blades wear down over time due to their exposure to the weather, resulting in poor visibility when you need it most. With this in mind, it makes sense to have them inspected during an oil change so that you don’t have to worry about poor performance during an inclement weather event.

Benefits of Combining Services With an Oil Change

There are a number of reasons to combine some or all of the above mentioned services with an oil change, with the biggest one being that it saves time. Rather than making a few trips to our service center, you only need to make one. Also, regularly inspecting the various components of your vehicle helps with early diagnosis of issues as well as helping you prepare for future expenses. Additionally, maintaining the entire vehicle allows it to perform at full efficiency, improving fuel economy and extending the life of key components.

Schedule a Service Appointment Today

An oil change is a necessary maintenance task, but it’s also a great time to complete a variety of other services to keep your car in peak condition. You can maximize the benefits of your oil change by having our team complete the services above and any others that your particular vehicle might need. Taking the proactive approach will save you money, keep you from being stranded, and give you greater peace of mind.

It’s easy to schedule a service appointment with our team. You can either set it up online or you can call our team to see when the next available appointment might be. We can also answer any questions you have about the services we complete or any you might be curious about. Set up your appointment today and take the first step to boosting your vehicle’s longevity.

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