OIL CHANGE & ENGINE OIL LIFE SYSTEM
Your vehicle's engine is the heart of your vehicle, which makes the oil is its lifeblood. When you don't check or change your oil often enough, it will shorten the life of your engine. Over time, as your engine heats, cools and runs, it can make your oil thicker and dirtier. Not only can this decrease its ability to flow (also known as viscosity), it leaves harmful deposits in your engine and may even cause extensive damage. At McElwain Cadillac our certified service technicians know how your vehicle uses oil, and when your vehicle needs the oil changed. Keep on top of engine troubles by scheduling your next checkup with McElwain Cadillac when it’s time for your vehicle’s next oil change.
CHOOSING THE BEST OIL FOR YOUR VEHICLE
Choosing the right oil is a critical step in maintaining your engine. From conventional to full synthetic, our McElwain Cadillac Service Department offers the full range of oil types, including ACDelco Conventional Oil, ACDelco dexos1™ Full Synthetic, and Mobil1™ Full Synthetic. Our experts will know the right grade of oil to use for your and advise you when we change your oil.
CHECKING YOUR OIL LEVEL
It’s a good idea to periodically check your oil level yourself to watch for any potential problems. To get the best reading, your car's oil must be warm, at normal operating temperature, and the vehicle must be on level ground. You should always check your Owner’s Manual for the correct way to check your oil level, or check online, there may be a video available. You’ll get a more accurate dipstick reading by following those instructions.
Signs of Transmission Problems
Your transmission can be very expensive to repair, and signs of transmission trouble can be subtle. Keep an eye out for the following signs, if you begin to notice any of these problems, schedule service with McElwain Cadillac to have your vehicle inspected.
Grinding or Shaking When Driving
Your vehicle's automatic transmission normally operates smoothly when shifting from gear to gear. You shouldn't feel any grinding, slipping or shaking sensations as it switches gears.
Your Vehicle Won't Respond When in Gear
When you put your car into drive or reverse, it should respond immediately without any kind of delay.
Burning Smells or Other Strange Smells
Like your car’s engine, the transmission operates at high temperatures, without transmission fluid to lubricate it, your transmission can overheat and cause problems.
Unusual Noises in Neutral
If you suddenly start to hear whining, humming or clunking noises when your vehicle is in neutral, you may have transmission trouble.
Fluid Leaks or Puddles Under Your Vehicle
The proper amount of transmission fluid is absolutely essential for normal transmission operation. If you notice brown, bright red or pink puddles or leaks under your vehicle, it could be a transmission leak from a faulty gasket or seal. Have it looked at immediately.
Gears Slipping While Driving
If your car’s automatic transmission is slipping in and out of gears, that's a serious safety hazard. Bring your vehicle to McElwain Cadillac as soon as possible. If you don't feel safe driving, call us and we can help arrange a tow.
Check Engine Light Is On
If your check engine light is on, have it checked immediately. It may be something small that your computer has sensed and could save you money by having it checked by McElwain Cadillac rather than waiting.
Automotive Service You Can Count on in Ellwood City
The expert team at McElwain Cadillac is committed to caring for your vehicle for as long as you own it. We have state-of-the-art service facilities and use the latest diagnostics to maintain and repair your Cadillac at a competitive price. At McElwain Cadillac, we use only genuine Cadillac parts, so you can be sure your vehicle will perform as well as the day you got it.
