The Chevrolet Malibu competes against other midsize sedans in an extremely
competitive segment. This year, however, it received a refresh and some upgraded
features to increase its chances of success in that regard.
Engine oil provides fast-moving parts with the lubrication they require and prevents
friction that generates heat. Over time, however, engine oil may break down and
lose its viscosity, potentially resulting in engine seizing up.
What is an Oil Change?
An oil change involves replacing old, dirty motor oil with fresh and clean fluid,
providing your engine with proper lubrication to prevent overheating, damage and
over-exertion. Furthermore, oil also serves to separate its parts to minimize friction
and heat build-up between them and prevent potential friction issues that might
otherwise arise from using too little.
Your owner’s manual should contain information about when it’s best for you to get
an oil change, while some service centers may reset the oil life monitor on your
instrument cluster so you’ll know when it’s time to visit for maintenance.
An oil change involves having your vehicle serviced by a trained service technician
who will drain and replace its oil using only grade-approved GM oils (dexos1(tm),
dexos2(tm). They’ll also change out your filter, replace drain plug and conduct a
thorough courtesy inspection so you can leave confident that your Chevrolet Malibu
will continue running well for miles to come – saving both time and money by
eliminating costly repairs later on.
Oil Change Intervals
If you want your Chevy Malibu to last as intended, be sure to follow its recommended maintenance schedule. This is provided by Chevrolet and includes various services designed to keep it running efficiently.
As per your owner’s manual, regular oil changes at a dealership should be
undertaken for several reasons. An oil change provides several advantages.
Motor oil keeps your engine clean – It picks up dust particles and dirt, transporting
them to an oil filter where they become trapped, thus decreasing their risk of
reaching other areas of your engine and potentially causing damage.
Your engine needs protection from corrosion – Many additives in most oils are
designed to decrease oxidation and prevent corrosion, and also stop pistons from
touching each other, using less force for movement and improving fuel efficiency.
Be mindful of any changes to its color or texture; darker oil could indicate that its
time has come for replacement sooner.
Oil Filter Replacement
Motor oil serves several functions in an engine. It lubricates moving parts to reduce
friction and wear, cools components by dissipating heat away, and even helps clean
it by flushing away contaminants from pistons.
Your Chevrolet Malibu should receive its conventional or synthetic oil change every
3,000-5,000 miles or 6-12 months, whichever comes first. However, more frequent
changes may be necessary if you regularly haul heavy loads, drive on dirt roads, or
spend long periods sitting in traffic jams.
Conventional and synthetic oils possess different attributes that may impact your
vehicle’s performance and engine protection, and your Certified Service expert can
assist in selecting which grade best meets your needs and budget.
Synthetic Oil
Chevy Malibu’s combustion engine relies on internal lubrication for optimal
functioning. Without clean motor oil, components may struggle to move freely, black
smoke may escape from the system and the risk of permanent damage increases
significantly. Regular oil changes remove old motor oil containing debris while
installing fresh viscosity-enhancing motor oil that offers maximum protection.
Not all engine oils are created equal, however. General Motors suggests using
engine oils with dexos1 specifications for optimal performance and protection for
your car. These engine oils meet industry standards to deliver maximum protection
and performance benefits to ensure optimal protection and performance from your oil changes.
Although synthetic oil costs more, it’s worth the additional investment. Not only will
the high-performing formulation safeguard against engine damage and save on
maintenance costs in the long run; following manufacturer recommendations for oil
changes ensures your engine stays safe and efficient over its lifespan.