FAQs on vehicle maintenance schedule

Q: Should I maintain a regular vehicle maintenance schedule? And when should I perform vehicle performance?
A: It is a good idea to have and maintain a regular vehicle maintenance schedule. It is very helpful and beneficial in the long run. Certified Service experts can recommend your vehicle’s optimum maintenance schedule. Also, your Owner’s Manual is a great tool to help understand your vehicle’s maintenance needs.
Q: My Owner Manual refers to Maintenance I and Maintenance II. How do I know which maintenance service I need performed?
A: When the “Change Engine Oil Soon” message displays, certain services, checks, and inspections are required. For 2004-2010 model year vehicles, required services are referred to as “Maintenance I” and “Maintenance II”.
Generally, it is recommended that your first service be Maintenance I, your second service be Maintenance II, and that you alternate Maintenance I and Maintenance II thereafter. However, in some cases, Maintenance II may be required more often.
Maintenance I — Use Maintenance I if the “Change Engine Oil Soon” message comes on within 10 months of the vehicle purchase or after Maintenance II was performed.
Maintenance II — Use Maintenance II if the previous service performed was Maintenance I. Always use Maintenance II whenever the message comes on 10 months or more since the last service or if the message has not come on at all for one year.
Q: What do I need to do when my “Change Engine Oil Soon” message displays?
A: When the “Change Engine Oil Soon” message displays, service is required for the vehicle as soon as possible, within the next 600 miles. If driving under the best conditions, the engine Oil Life System might not indicate the need for vehicle service for more than a year. The engine oil and filter must be changed at least once a year and the Oil Life System must be reset. Your dealer has trained service technicians who will perform this work and reset the system.
Q: When should I get my tires rotated?
A: For 2011 model-year owners of Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, and Cadillac vehicles, it is recommended to see a dealer for a tire rotation every 7,500 miles. However, any time you notice unusual wear, you should have your tires rotated as soon as possible. Check to ensure that your vehicle is properly aligned and that there are no suspension issues causing irregular tire wear.
Q: Is it OK to rotate my tires earlier than 7,500 miles on a 2011 model-year vehicle and newer?
A: Yes, particularly if you notice signs of irregular wear appearing on the tires.
Q: Why are tire rotations so important?
A: Because each tire on a vehicle performs a different task, they wear at different rates. Regular rotations allow tires to wear evenly, maximizing tire life, and allowing tires to be replaced in sets of four, which is preferable.
Q: I’ve heard that the first tire rotation on my new GM vehicle is the most important. Why is that?
A: Irregular tread wear occurs fastest when tires are new and at full tread depth, thus the first tire rotation has been found to be of the greatest importance.
Q: Is it okay to rotate my tires earlier than 7,500 miles on a 2011 model year vehicle and newer?
A: Yes, it is okay, particularly if you notice signs of irregular wear appearing on the tires.
Q: If I have an older GM vehicle–for example, model year 2000–does the 7,500-mile tire rotation recommendation still apply?
A: While the 2000 Owner’s Manual recommends a range of 5,000 to 8,000 miles, the 7,500-mile tire rotation interval is a good rule of thumb. However, any time you notice unusual wear, you should rotate your tires as soon as possible. Check to ensure that your vehicle is properly aligned and that there are no suspension issues causing irregular tire wear.
Q: My GM vehicle has an Engine Oil Life System. Can I have my tires rotated when I get my oil changed?
A: Yes. For your convenience, you can have both the tire rotation and oil change service completed at the same time, as long as you are rotating the tires approximately every 7,500 miles.
Q: My father always told me that I should change my oil every 3,000 miles. Is that still true?
A: The majority of today’s Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, and Cadillac vehicles are equipped with the Engine Oil Life System, which has made the 3,000-mile oil change obsolete. Depending on the age of the vehicle, driving habits, and road conditions, vehicles with today’s advanced engines can go much longer than 3,000 miles between oil changes. Always be sure to check your engine oil level regularly, even with an Engine Oil Life System.
Q: Why is tire pressure important?
A: Improperly inflated tires are a leading cause of tire failure. Proper tire inflation helps a tire have optimum tread contact with the road, which improves traction and braking, and reduces tire wear. Underinflated tires generate heat, which is the tire’s worst enemy, so maintaining the right amount of air keeps temperatures where they should be and results in fewer blowouts. Also, keeping tires properly inflated and wheels aligned can help you improve your gas mileage up to 3 percent. Source: www.fueleconomy.gov
Q: How often should I check my air pressure?
A: You can check your Owner Manual for specific information on your vehicle, but once a month is a good guideline. Be sure the tires are cold (driven less than one mile), and don’t forget to check your spare tire. You should always use a good-quality tire gauge to check pressure–don’t ever try to “eyeball” tires because they can look fine even when they are underinflated. And remember that tires can lose air pressure in cold weather.
Q: How will I know when I need new tires?
A: One sure way to know when to replace your tires is when the treadwear indicators–called “wear bars”—appear. These wear bars look like narrow strips of smooth rubber across the tread and appear when it’s time to replace the tires. You should replace the tires if you can see three or more tread-wear indicators around the tire. Other ways to know when you need new tires include cord or fabric showing through the rubber, cracks or cuts in the tread or sidewall deep enough to show cord or fabric, bulges or splits in the tire, and punctures or damage that cannot be repaired correctly.
If you have questions about whether your tires need replacing, see the experts at your nearest Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, or Cadillac dealer.
Q: There are a lot of places that sell tires. Where should I go to get the right tires for my car at the right price?
A: You may not realize it, but most Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, and Cadillac dealerships sell brand-name tires such as Bridgestone, Firestone, Goodyear, Michelin and many more. The Certified Service technicians at your dealership can recommend the tires that are right for your vehicle, your driving habits and your budget. And, participating dealers offer a 30-day price-match guarantee, so if you find the same tires at a better price within 30 days of purchase, they’ll refund the difference. Click here for additional details.