Oil Change Service At Stevens Creek Cadillac!

Oil Type and Why its Necessary

All automobiles need oil, but not just any oil will suffice. Modern engines are designed and built to very specific standards and as a result require oils that meet these exacting industry and automaker specifications. Using the proper oil ensures a long service life for the engine and less trips to the service shop for you. Failure to use the correct oil and documenting its use can void new-car warranties.

Most late-model cars require synthetic-blend or full-synthetic, low-viscosity, multi-grade, resource-conserving oils that minimize friction and maximize fuel economy. That said, picking the right oil is not always an easy decision. The correct oil for your vehicle's make and model needs to have correct SAE viscosity grade, meet performance standards set by the API, ILSAC and/or ACEA, and comply with any unique specifications established by the automaker or engine manufacturer. These requirements will be detailed in your vehicle's owner manual, and your local auto repair shop (especially the service department at Stevens Creek Cadillac) can provide information about your vehicle's recommended oil specifications as well.

Oil Change Intervals

Depending on your vehicle's age, type of oil and driving conditions, oil change intervals can vary. In the past, it was normal to change oil every 3,000 miles, but with modern lubricants most engines today will have a recommended oil change interval of 5,000 miles to 7,000 miles. If your car uses full-synthetic motor oil it might go as far as 15,000 miles between changes! Oil condition cannot be judged by color, so its necessary to follow the factory maintenance schedule for oil changes.

Oil Change Intervals - Older Cars

Older vehicles usually have oil change intervals based on mileage, and have two maintenance schedules; one for cars driven in "normal" operation and another for those used in "severe service". The latter category involves operating your car under one or more of the following conditions:

• Primarily short trips (5 miles or less)
• Extremely hot, cold, or dusty climates
• Sustained stop-and-go driving
• Carrying heavy loads or towing a trailer

If your vehicle use falls under the sever service definition in your owner's manual, maintain your car using the more frequent schedule. If you drive under normal circumstances however, be wary of spending hard-earned money for oil-change services and other maintenance work your car may not need or get a benefit from. The service techs at Stevens Creek Cadillac will always make sure your vehicle is getting the EXACT care it needs!

Oil Change Intervals – Newer Cars

Most newer vehicles come equipped with oil-life monitoring systems that will automatically determine when an oil change is needed and will notify you with an alert on your instrument panel. The earlier systems were time and mileage based, but current more advanced designs will actually analyze vehicle operating conditions to best determine when the oil has begun to degrade. In fact, these systems are so precise many of the manuals for newer vehicles no longer include a "sever service" recommendation for oil change intervals because the oil-life monitoring system automatically shortens the oil change interval once it detects heavy-duty operation.

Whenever you have you oil changed, the service tech should reset the oil-life monitoring system. If you change your own oil, you can do this yourself by following the instructions in the vehicle's owner manual.

With less frequent oil changes on newer engines, it is essential you check the oil level monthly and top it up as needed. While many engines use less than a quart of oil between changes, other can burn through as much as a quart every 600-700 miles. Maintaining proper oil levels helps you to avoid cost and unnecessary car repairs such as from engine wear or damage resulting from low oil levels. Especially since repairs of this nature wont be covered by your new-car warranty. Note: If you don't put many miles on your vehicle, most automakers recommend an oil change every 12 months even if the maintenance reminder indicator has not turned on.

What Happens during an Oil Change?

During an oil change, we do more than pour new oil in your engine. We’ll remove your old, gunky oil and replace it with a full synthetic oil, synthetic blend, conventional, or high mileage oil depending on your vehicle’s needs. We’ll also replace and recycle your oil filter and perform a courtesy inspection which includes fluid, light, and battery checks to make sure you drive away confident in your vehicle’s safety.

Why Should I do a full oil change instead of just topping it off?

When you add new motor oil to bring your oil levels back up to normal, the old, sludgy, dirty oil doesn’t disappear—it’s just mixed with the new, fresh, clean oil. This puts more stress on the new oil and keeps it from working as well as it could. By all means, top off your oil if you’re in an emergency low-oil situation, but make sure to follow up with a full oil change!

Can I switch brands of oil between oil changes?

As long as the motor oil meets the viscosity grade and engine oil specification listed in your owner’s manual, switching motor oil will not be a problem. In fact, we recommend chatting with your technician to see if we have a motor oil that offers better performance than what you’re currently using! And yes, you can easily switch back-and-forth between synthetic and conventional motor oils!

Should oil be siphoned or drained?

Traditionally, oil changes involve draining the oil (aka using gravity to do all the dirty work). In recent years, a suction method (known as “siphoning”) has experienced a gain in popularity. These new siphoning machines, using a method adapted from motor boats, attach to the dipstick and suction oil out of the engine. There's some disagreement on which method removes oil the best, but everyone agrees that getting your oil changed is a must!

Cadillac Maintenance & Service

Our Cadillac service center near San Jose is staffed with expert technicians who can handle your maintenance needs.

• Schedule Service
• Air Conditioner Repair
• Check Engine Light
• Seasonal Maintenance
• Catalytic Converter Replacement
• Transmission Repair
• Engine Sputtering
• Brake Pad Squeaking
• Oxygen Sensor
• Oil Change
• Shop Tires
• Coolant Leaks