Getting an Oil Change for Your Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, or RAM

You should get a regular oil change for your Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, or RAM to keep the engine running smoothly. Clean, fresh oil cools and lubricates the moving parts, allowing the engine to operate at peak performance. Let’s look at how often you should visit your Chrysler dealer to change your motor oil.

How Often Should You Get an Oil Change From Your Chrysler Dealer?

The old rule of changing your oil every 3,000 miles comes from days when motor oil technology was far behind where it is today. Modern synthetic blend motor oils are formulated to remain stable and effective for up to 7,500 miles. Fully synthetic oils can last over 10,000 miles before degrading.

Check your owner’s manual for the prescribed interval based on your engine type and recommended motor oil. Modern CDJR vehicles come with an oil life monitoring system that monitors driving habits and engine conditions and recommends the best oil service interval. Once the oil life monitor light comes on, you should visit the dealer to get fresh oil.

Factors That Cause Engine Oil to Degrade Fast

Driving habits like taking short trips, frequent idling, and stop-and-go driving can cause your motor oil to degrade quickly. This is because they prevent the oil from getting hot enough to burn off moisture and acidic contaminants. Longer trips are ideal as the engine reaches full operating temperature, allowing moisture and acids to evaporate.

Frequently towing or hauling heavy loads can also stress the engine and cause the oil to contaminate faster. If your vehicle has an oil life monitor, you will get a warning light once the oil is due for a change. On the other hand, if you have an older car with no oil life monitor, look out for signs of oil degradation.

Signs You Need Fresh Motor Oil For Your Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, or RAM

Burning Smell in the Cabin

Have you noticed a burning smell coming through the vents in your cabin? This shows your oil is old and should be changed. As oil oxidizes and breaks down due to heat, it can take on a burned smell. Change the oil immediately to optimize engine lubrication.

Dark or Sludgy Oil

Check your oil’s dipstick and see if the oil is dark black or thick and sludgy. Once oil is contaminated with moisture, blow-by gases, and combustion particles, it turns sludgy and dark. This is a sign that it can no longer cool down or lubricate the engine and should be changed.

Engine Noises

Listen for unusual grinding or clattering noises from under the hood. These may indicate that the oil has lost its lubricating properties. This allows the metal components to grind against each other and produce unusual sounds. Inadequate lubrication can also cause the engine to overheat and trigger the check engine or oil light.

 

You don’t have to wait for your service interval to elapse to get fresh oil. If your oil is degraded, contact Cunningham Chrysler of Edinboro to schedule a comprehensive oil service.

 

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Tags: Automotive Service, Edinboro, Oil Change
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