While many people consider an oil change to be a minor maintenance service, the truth is that it’s probably the most important service you can have performed on your car. Your car needs motor oil to keep the engine running properly. The oil prevents dirt and other contaminants from collecting in the engine, and it helps to prevent oxidation. If you live in or near Marion, oil change service is available at Jim Cook Chevrolet. 


The oil in your car’s engine should be changed at regular intervals. As the oil ages, the additives that prevent sludge from developing break down and lose their ability to work effectively. A car that drives with old motor oil is at risk for engine damage.


Most auto manufacturers recommend changing the oil every 5,000 to 10,000 miles. Look in your vehicle’s owner’s manual for the recommended schedule. If you don’t have your manual, check online or contact the Jim Cook Chevrolet Service Center. We’ll advise you when to bring your vehicle in for its next oil change service in Marion.


Most manufacturers list two different intervals for an oil change, one for typical driving and another for severe driving. While most drivers will probably fall into the former category, you might be surprised how many need to use the severe driving schedule. If you drive in at least one of these conditions in a typical week, use the severe-driving oil change schedule:

• You make several short trips less than five miles.
• Your car idles in stop-and-go traffic.
• You drive in weather hotter than 90 degrees.
• You drive in humid weather.
• You drive in weather colder than 10 degrees.
• You tow a trailer, or you haul heavy loads.

If your car doesn’t see a lot of use, it’s a good idea to change the oil every six months, or you might have to deal with engine wear. When you bring your car to the Jim Cook Chevrolet Service Center for oil change service, our service technicians will change the oil and replace the oil filter.


Check your vehicle’s owner’s manual to determine which kind of oil is best for your car and which grade to use. Synthetic oil is the costliest, but it won’t need to be changed as often as conventional oil. Synthetic blend oil is a mixture of synthetic and conventional oil. This type of motor oil offers some of the benefits of synthetic oil at a lower cost.


While it’s possible to change your vehicle’s oil yourself, we don’t recommend it. Instead, bring it to the Jim Cook Chevrolet Service Department. Our professional service technicians have the experience to ensure your car’s oil change is done correctly. Most people don’t have the proper tools to change their car’s oil.


Visit the Jim Cook Chevrolet Service Department when it’s time for your next oil change, and for all your maintenance and repair needs. You’ll find us at 1075 North Main Street in Marion. Visit our website for our hours of operation and directions to our dealership.