Regular oil changes are an essential part of maintaining the performance and longevity of your 2017 Chevy Cruze. Engine oil lubricates the moving parts, reduces friction, and helps dissipate heat, ensuring your engine runs smoothly. Over time, the oil can break down and lose its effectiveness, leading to increased wear and tear on the engine. By following the proper oil change schedule and using the right oil, you can keep your Chevy Cruze running at its best.
In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to perform an oil change on a 2017 Chevy Cruze, discuss the recommended oil type, and highlight the signs that indicate your vehicle needs an oil change. By the end of this article, you’ll feel confident in maintaining your vehicle’s oil system to prolong engine life and boost performance.
The Importance of Regular Oil Changes for Your Chevy Cruze 2017
Oil is the lifeblood of your engine, and keeping it clean and at the right levels is crucial for the proper functioning of your vehicle. Over time, oil becomes contaminated with dirt, debris, and combustion byproducts, causing it to lose its ability to lubricate effectively. Without regular oil changes, your engine could suffer from excessive wear, overheating, and even damage.
For the 2017 Chevy Cruze, maintaining the correct oil type and changing it at the recommended intervals ensures that your engine stays well-lubricated, performs efficiently, and remains protected against wear. Consistent oil changes also help improve fuel efficiency, reduce emissions, and prevent costly engine repairs.
Recommended Oil Types for a 2017 Chevy Cruze
Choosing the right oil for your 2017 Chevy Cruze is essential for keeping the engine in good condition. Chevy recommends using full synthetic oil with a viscosity of 5W-30 for the 2017 Cruze. Full synthetic oils offer superior protection and stability, particularly in extreme temperatures, making them ideal for modern engines that require optimal lubrication under various conditions.
Here are the oil options recommended for the Chevy Cruze 2017:
- 5W-30 Full Synthetic Oil: This oil provides excellent protection in both high and low temperatures, reduces engine wear, and helps improve fuel efficiency. It is the preferred oil type for maintaining optimal engine performance in your 2017 Chevy Cruze.
- High-Mileage Synthetic Oil (5W-30): If your vehicle has higher mileage, a high-mileage oil can be beneficial. It includes additives that help protect older engines by reducing leaks and improving oil consumption.
- Synthetic Blend (5W-30): While not as robust as full synthetic, a synthetic blend still offers good protection and can be a cost-effective alternative for those who prefer more frequent oil changes.
How Often Should You Change the Oil in a Chevy Cruze 2017?
The frequency of oil changes depends on the type of oil used, your driving habits, and the conditions in which you drive. For the 2017 Chevy Cruze, it is recommended to change the oil every 7,500 to 10,000 miles if using full synthetic oil. However, if you use a synthetic blend or drive under severe conditions, such as frequent short trips, stop-and-go traffic, or extreme weather, you may need to change the oil every 5,000 to 7,500 miles.
Always refer to your vehicle’s owner manual for the specific oil change intervals and recommendations. Additionally, if you notice any signs of dirty or degraded oil, it’s a good idea to change it sooner.
Signs That Your Chevy Cruze Needs an Oil Change
It’s important to recognize the signs that indicate your Chevy Cruze needs an oil change. While following a regular oil change schedule is essential, these symptoms can alert you that it’s time to change the oil:
- Oil Change Indicator or Check Engine Light: The most obvious sign that your oil needs changing is when the oil change indicator light or check engine light appears on your dashboard. This indicates that the oil level is too low or the oil quality is compromised.
- Dirty or Dark Oil: Regularly check the oil using the dipstick. If the oil appears dark, dirty, or gritty, it’s a sign that it’s time for a change. Clean oil is amber in color and translucent.
- Unusual Engine Noise: As the oil breaks down, it becomes less effective at lubricating the engine’s moving parts. This can cause the engine to become noisier, producing ticking, knocking, or grinding sounds.
- Poor Fuel Efficiency: Old, degraded oil forces the engine to work harder, reducing its overall efficiency. If you notice a drop in your fuel efficiency, it could be due to old oil.
- Oil Smell in the Cabin: If you smell burning oil while driving, it may indicate that the oil is breaking down and burning, which means it’s time for a change.
Step-by-Step Guide to Changing the Oil in a Chevy Cruze 2017
Performing an oil change on your 2017 Chevy Cruze is a simple process that you can complete at home with the right tools and materials. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
Materials Needed:
- 5W-30 full synthetic oil (4-5 quarts)
- Oil filter (compatible with your Chevy Cruze)
- Oil drain pan
- Funnel
- Socket wrench and oil filter wrench
- Jack and jack stands
- Oil filter gasket (if needed)
Step 1: Prepare Your Vehicle Start by gathering all the necessary tools and materials. Make sure your engine is cool before beginning the oil change, as hot oil can cause burns.
Step 2: Lift the Vehicle Use a jack to lift the front of your Chevy Cruze and secure it on jack stands. Ensure that the vehicle is stable and level before proceeding.
Step 3: Drain the Old Oil Locate the oil drain plug under the engine and position the oil drain pan beneath it. Using a socket wrench, loosen and remove the drain plug, allowing the old oil to drain completely into the pan. Once drained, replace and securely tighten the drain plug.
Step 4: Remove the Old Oil Filter Using an oil filter wrench, carefully remove the old oil filter. Some oil may spill out when the filter is removed, so be prepared to catch any remaining oil with the drain pan.
Step 5: Install the New Oil Filter Before installing the new oil filter, apply a small amount of fresh oil to the rubber gasket to ensure a proper seal. Screw the new filter into place by hand, then tighten it with the oil filter wrench.
Step 6: Add New Oil Using a funnel, pour the recommended amount of 5W-30 full synthetic oil into the engine through the oil fill cap. The 2017 Chevy Cruze typically requires around 4-5 quarts, but refer to your owner’s manual for the exact capacity.
Step 7: Check Oil Levels After adding the oil, replace the oil fill cap and start the engine. Let it run for a few minutes to allow the oil to circulate through the engine. Turn off the engine and wait a few minutes, then check the oil level with the dipstick. Ensure the oil reaches the “Full” mark, adding more if necessary.
Step 8: Clean Up and Dispose of Used Oil Once the oil change is complete, properly dispose of the used oil and filter at a recycling center or an auto parts store that accepts used oil. Never dispose of oil in household trash or pour it down the drain.
Benefits of Regular Oil Changes for Your Chevy Cruze 2017
Sticking to a regular oil change schedule offers numerous benefits for your Chevy Cruze 2017:
- Enhanced Engine Performance: Fresh oil reduces friction and allows engine components to move more smoothly, improving overall performance.
- Prolonged Engine Life: Regular oil changes prevent buildup of harmful sludge and deposits, reducing the wear and tear on your engine and extending its lifespan.
- Improved Fuel Efficiency: Clean oil ensures that the engine runs efficiently, helping to maximize fuel economy and reduce emissions.
- Reduced Emissions: Properly maintained oil helps your engine burn fuel more cleanly, reducing harmful emissions and contributing to environmental protection.
Conclusion
Performing regular oil changes is essential to maintaining the health and performance of your 2017 Chevy Cruze. Using the right type of oil, following the recommended intervals, and paying attention to signs of oil degradation will help keep your vehicle running smoothly for years to come. Whether you perform the oil change yourself or rely on a professional, ensuring that your engine is always lubricated with clean oil is the key to prolonging its life and avoiding costly repairs.