Change Oil Soon Chevrolet: What It Means and How to Handle It

If you drive a Chevrolet, you’ve probably seen the “Change Oil Soon” warning pop up on your dashboard at some point. This alert is part of your vehicle’s advanced Oil Life Monitoring System, designed to keep your engine running smoothly by reminding you when it’s time for an oil change. But what exactly does this warning mean, and how should you respond when it appears?

In this blog post, we’ll dive into the significance of the “Change Oil Soon” message, how the Oil Life Monitoring System works, why oil changes are critical for your vehicle’s health, and step-by-step instructions on what to do next. If you’re a Chevy owner looking to maintain your vehicle’s performance and longevity, this guide will provide all the information you need.

What Does the “Change Oil Soon” Message Mean?

The “Change Oil Soon” message in your Chevrolet is a notification from the vehicle’s Oil Life Monitoring System. Unlike traditional oil change reminders based on mileage alone, this system takes into account various factors such as your driving habits, engine conditions, and the quality of the oil in your engine. Once the oil life reaches a low percentage -usually around 15% -the system will display the “Change Oil Soon” message to prompt you to schedule an oil change in the near future.

It’s important to note that while the system calculates the remaining oil life, it doesn’t measure the level of oil in the engine. Therefore, it’s still a good idea to regularly check your oil levels manually to ensure they are within the correct range.

How the Oil Life Monitoring System Works

Chevrolet’s Oil Life Monitoring System is an advanced feature designed to calculate the remaining life of your engine oil based on real-time data. The system monitors several factors, including:

• Driving Conditions: It considers how often you drive in extreme temperatures, heavy traffic, or at high speeds, all of which can shorten the lifespan of your oil.
• Driving Habits: Frequent short trips and stop-and-go driving cause your engine to work harder, leading to quicker oil degradation. Long highway drives are generally easier on your engine and oil.
• Engine Conditions: The system tracks engine operating temperature and engine load to determine how much strain is being placed on the oil.

Based on this data, the system calculates when your oil is no longer effective and needs to be replaced. When it calculates that the oil is nearing the end of its life, it triggers the “Change Oil Soon” alert.

Why Oil Changes Are Critical for Your Chevrolet

Engine oil serves multiple vital functions in your vehicle, including lubricating moving parts, reducing friction, and helping to dissipate heat. As oil ages, it becomes contaminated with dirt, metal particles, and other debris that can compromise its effectiveness. Over time, this can lead to engine wear, overheating, and ultimately, engine failure if the oil isn’t replaced.

Here are some key reasons why regular oil changes are essential for your Chevrolet:

1. Prolonged Engine Life: Fresh oil ensures that the moving parts of your engine are properly lubricated, reducing wear and tear. This helps extend the life of your engine.
2. Improved Fuel Efficiency: When your engine is well-lubricated, it operates more efficiently, leading to better fuel economy.
3. Reduced Emissions: Clean oil helps your engine burn fuel more efficiently, reducing the amount of harmful emissions your vehicle produces.
4. Optimal Engine Performance: Regular oil changes help prevent engine buildup and sludge, which can decrease performance and cause overheating.

What to Do When You See the “Change Oil Soon” Message

If the “Change Oil Soon” message appears on your Chevrolet’s dashboard, follow these steps to ensure your vehicle continues running smoothly:

1. Check the Oil Level: Before scheduling an oil change, it’s a good idea to check your engine’s oil level. Here’s how:
   • Park your vehicle on a level surface and allow the engine to cool.
   • Open the hood and locate the oil dipstick.
   • Pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean with a rag, reinsert it fully, then remove it again to check the oil level.
   • If the oil level is low, top it off with the appropriate type of oil specified in your owner’s manual.
2. Schedule an Oil Change: After checking the oil level, the next step is to schedule an oil change. Most Chevrolet models require an oil change every 7,500 to 10,000 miles, but this can vary depending on your driving habits. Consult your owner’s manual or the Oil Life Monitoring System for the recommended interval.
3. Choose the Right Oil: It’s important to use the correct oil for your Chevrolet model. Most newer Chevrolet vehicles require 5W-30 full synthetic oil, but always refer to your owner’s manual for the recommended oil type and specifications.
4. Reset the Oil Life Monitor: After completing the oil change, don’t forget to reset the Oil Life Monitoring System so that it can accurately track the next oil change interval. Here’s how to do it:
   • Turn the ignition to the “On” position without starting the engine.
   • Press the “Menu” button on the Driver Information Center (DIC) until you see the “Remaining Oil Life” display.
   • Press and hold the “Set/Reset” button until the display resets to 100%.
   • Alternatively, some newer models allow you to reset the oil life through the infotainment system.

Performing an Oil Change on a Chevrolet: Step-by-Step Guide

If you’re comfortable performing an oil change yourself, here’s a step-by-step guide to changing the oil in your Chevrolet:

Tools and Materials You’ll Need:

• Full synthetic oil (consult your manual for the correct type and amount)
• Oil filter (ACDelco PF63 or equivalent)
• Oil filter wrench
• Socket wrench set
• Drain pan
• Funnel
• Gloves and rags

Instructions:

1. Prepare Your Vehicle: Park your vehicle on a flat surface and ensure the engine is cool. Engage the parking brake and jack up the car if necessary.
2. Drain the Old Oil: Place a drain pan beneath the oil drain plug, which is located on the oil pan under the engine. Use a socket wrench to loosen and remove the drain plug. Allow the oil to drain completely.
3. Remove and Replace the Oil Filter: Use an oil filter wrench to remove the old oil filter. Before installing the new filter, apply a small amount of fresh oil to the gasket to ensure a good seal. Screw the new oil filter in place by hand, then tighten it with the wrench.
4. Add New Oil: Remove the oil filler cap under the hood and use a funnel to pour the new oil into the engine. Refer to your owner’s manual for the correct quantity.
5. Check the Oil Level: After adding the oil, start the engine and let it run for a few minutes. Turn off the engine and check the oil level using the dipstick. Add more oil if necessary.
6. Reset the Oil Life Monitor: Follow the steps outlined earlier to reset the Oil Life Monitoring System.

Conclusion

The “Change Oil Soon” message on your Chevrolet is more than just a reminder; it’s a critical alert that helps ensure your engine continues running efficiently and reliably. By paying attention to this warning and following through with regular oil changes, you can protect your vehicle from unnecessary wear and prolong its life. Whether you decide to perform the oil change yourself or take it to a professional, maintaining fresh oil in your Chevrolet is key to optimal performance.