New & Used: 9673 Kings Auto Mall Road, Cincinnati, OH 45249
Used: 435 E Galbraith Rd. Cincinnati, OH 45215
Sales:
(513) 741-1111
Service:
(513) 697-5200
Whether you live on the outskirts of Cincinnati or in the heart of the metropolis, your life can be incredibly full and busy. From your weekday commute to the office to picking up groceries, running errands around town, and managing your kids’ hectic schedules, there’s always something to do that keeps you in the driver’s seat of life. But what happens when your vehicle needs your attention, like a blinking oil life indicator that leaves you searching for an oil change? Cincinnati drivers don’t have to worry, thanks to McCluskey Chevrolet.
You can turn to our incredible team to handle all your automotive needs, especially routine oil changes that extend the life of your vehicle and its performance. But what makes us different? How do we redefine the service experience and roll out the red carpet for our Cincy customers?
Our state-of-the-art dealership is exceptional because it showcases our role as a full-service automotive center. Cincinnati drivers can trust our team to help them find the best car, truck, or SUV at an affordable price, knowing our work doesn’t end when the sale is final; instead, that’s when the real work begins as our technicians help you get the most out of your investment every mile and adventure ahead. It’s a lifetime partnership that gives you a front-row seat to our expertise.
Fortunately, that partnership begins now as we take a closer look under the hood at your vehicle’s engine and why oil changes are essential. From there, we’ll tackle the most common signs that indicate it’s time for an oil change and explain everything you can expect from a routine oil change at our dealership, including how we make the most of your time by including several other essential services. So, are you ready to jumpstart the process and see why we’re the most trusted service center in Cincinnati?
How do you know when it’s time for an oil change? For most drivers, it’s as easy as looking at the driver instrument display. For example, you’re running errands in downtown Cincinnati when you notice an indicator on the driver's display. It’s not the 'check engine' light but the oil life icon that tells you it’s time for an oil change. Easy enough, right?
Most newer vehicles are tech-savvy and feature oil life indicators that actively evaluate the quality and level of the engine’s oil. As you navigate the display, the oil life indicator is typically displayed as a percentage, like "60% oil life." This percentage is based on your driving style and the conditions, offering a more accurate and fluid representation of the oil’s quality and level. But what if your vehicle doesn’t have this feature? How do you know the ideal oil change interval for your model, and what symptoms indicate it’s time for an oil change?
For years, the automotive industry operated on a general rule of thumb that oil changes should occur every three months or 3,000 miles. While this frequency isn’t detrimental to your vehicle, industry-wide advancements in engine design and oil composition extend these intervals. As a result, the best way to determine the ideal oil change interval for your car, truck, or SUV is to check your owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s recommendation; this will include the best maintenance schedule for your make and model and the recommended type of oil.
One of the best ways to evaluate the quality and level of your oil is to go old school and pop the hood. Once the hood is raised and secured in place, locate the oil reservoir, remove the dipstick, and wipe it clean using a rag or paper towel. Then, reinsert the dipstick, removing it again to note the level and color of the oil. Most dipsticks have indicators at the bottom that make it easy to determine if your engine is low on oil. Additionally, this is an excellent time to evaluate the color of the oil: older oil is typically dark, thicker, and visibly dirty.
Situational awareness is critical when you’re behind the wheel, beyond being aware of other drivers, pedestrians, and your surroundings. What do we mean? It’s also important to tune into your senses and evaluate your vehicle’s performance. For example, you may see smoke from the exhaust or hear the engine knocking or running louder than usual. These all indicate engine trouble, primarily due to the engine being forced to work harder due to a lack of oil.
As you navigate your life in Cincinnati, the last thing you want to do is spend an afternoon tied down at a service center waiting for an oil change. The idea makes you cringe, mainly because your schedule is packed, and you’re already pressed for time to get everything done during your workweek. How can you fit something else in, especially something that seems as trivial as an oil change?
The traditional service experience leaves much to be desired, which is why we’re excited to offer something unique that entices you to bring your vehicle in for the services it needs. We value your time and trust in us, promising to get you and your car in and out of our service department as quickly as possible. As a result, you get the most from your vehicle, and it gets top-notch treatment without compromise.
Our factory-trained technicians will be the first to tell you why high-quality oil is essential to the longevity and performance of your car’s engine. Every engine relies on many moving components, which generate excessive heat as they work together. This heat threatens the engine’s operability and performance, but the oil saves the day by lubricating the components and effectively reducing this heat or friction. The components move fluidly against one another, allowing the engine to operate more efficiently or not work as hard.
At the same time, the oil also acts as a housekeeper. Despite being protected under the hood, the engine in your vehicle is prone to the elements wherever you travel. Dirt and other debris can be incredibly harmful to the engine, leading to damage and corrosion. However, as the oil lubricates and mitigates friction, it also picks up dirt and debris, filtering it away from the engine.
As expected, the oil level drops as you spend more time in the driver’s seat. Likewise, the quality of the oil also declines as it picks up more dirt and debris, eventually turning into sludge. Routine oil changes remedy these issues, with our technicians draining the old oil, replacing the filter, and adding new oil to get you and your vehicle back on the road as quickly as possible.
Now that you understand the critical role that oil plays in how your engine operates, you might think twice before skipping a routine oil change. As the oil levels decrease and the quality of the oil declines, your engine has to work harder than usual. The harder your engine works, the more wear and tear it undergoes and the less efficient it runs when you travel. Because of this, you’re actively reducing the engine’s longevity and forcing it to use more fuel, which costs you more at the pump and could potentially lead to expensive engine repairs.
As your trusted team for oil changes in Cincinnati, we know that one of the biggest concerns around this routine service is recognizing the best type of oil for your vehicle. Terms like viscosity and abbreviations like SAE and 5W-30 add to the confusion if you aren’t well-versed in all things oil-related. Fortunately, we’re here to help by breaking down these basic terms and outlining the three primary types of motor oil: conventional, full synthetic, and synthetic blend.
Every automaker outlines the best oil for your make and model in the owner’s manual. However, this often looks like a strange language with a combination of letters and numbers. Decoding that language starts by understanding a few basic terms...
Viscosity: This is how thin or thick the oil is as it moves through the engine. The viscosity of oil is affected by temperature, with oil thickening in cooler temperatures and thinning as it heats.
SAE: An abbreviation for the Society of Automotive Engineers, which created the system for grading oil viscosity. For example, SAE 5W-30 is a common type of oil where the "5" indicates the viscosity and the "W" indicates it is "Winter grade," signifying the oil is multi-grade.
API Classification: Another integral component to selecting the right oil, the API classification is a standards-based system that classifies oils and lubricants. This classification is typically a two-letter code printed on what’s known as the "API Donut."
Additives: These enhance the properties of motor oil, from heightening performance to protecting the engine. Types of additives include antioxidants, detergents, anti-wear agents, and inhibitors.
If you rely on an older vehicle to get you from Point A to Point B in Cincinnati, you may find it runs on conventional oil. Conventional motor oil was once widely used across the industry but has since been replaced by synthetic and synthetic blends, which are higher quality and more effective. However, one advantage to conventional oil is that routine oil changes are often more cost-effective than a synthetic or synthetic blend oil change.
Most newer cars, trucks, and SUVs run on a synthetic blend oil, which delivers the best of both worlds because it’s affordable and effective. As its name suggests, a synthetic blend combines conventional oil, synthetic oil, and additives. The combination offers outstanding protection and performance but not at the cost of a full synthetic oil. It's a win-win for any Cincinnati driver looking to get the most from their vehicle without paying a premium for oil.
If you’re a performance-focused driver in Cincinnati, you likely know the benefits of investing in a full synthetic oil for your car, truck, or SUV. Full synthetic oil is the best quality because it’s engineered for performance. It proactively mitigates sludge buildup, extending its effectiveness and longevity as it heightens the engine’s responsiveness, power output, and fuel efficiency. With higher viscosity levels, it performs its best even in extreme conditions, explaining its higher price tag and why it’s a must-have in performance vehicles, those tasked with towing heavy loads, or those that endure extreme climates.
Your vehicle is your lifeline, so finding a team you can trust to handle routine maintenance and repair needs is critical. We want to be that team and prove as much by valuing your trust in us and respecting your time. We know the last thing you want is to spend an entire afternoon in our service department or make frequent visits for different services, so how can we help?
Our Cincinnati customers make the most of every service appointment when they trust us with all their automotive needs. For example, a routine oil change also includes rotating the tires, which gives our technicians a chance to evaluate the wear pattern, tread depth, and any areas of concern. They can also perform an alignment, completing another service in the same appointment to save you valuable time that you can spend beyond the walls of our service center.
In addition to tire rotations and alignments, our oil changes include multipoint inspections. These assessments give you more insight into your vehicle’s condition, with our technicians going over your car’s main components to determine if they are working correctly, need immediate attention, or will likely need future attention. They’ll check everything from the wiper blades and fluid levels to the brakes and battery, sharing the assessment results with you once the service is complete.
Integrity is incredibly important to us, so we mean it when we promise to handle all your automotive maintenance, repair, and service needs. While we’re proud to carry the Chevrolet banner, our talents aren’t limited to the beloved bowtie brand. Instead, our technicians are some of the highest trained in the industry and can service all makes and models. Whether you drive a Honda, Toyota, Kia, Hyundai, or another brand, we want to be your automotive destination and service center of choice.
Our factory-trained and certified technicians are excited to put their talents to use and oversee your vehicle’s next oil change, repair, or other service. More importantly, they operate with integrity and transparency, ensuring you have an excellent experience anytime you’re here. That experience is also defined by an open line of communication that prioritizes your needs and eliminates any guesswork around the services provided and their costs. Surprises aren’t part of the deal when you trust us with your vehicle.
We make the entire service experience straightforward and enjoyable. You can reach our service department by phone or in person, where a member of our service team will listen attentively to better understand your service needs before scheduling an appointment. You can also schedule your service appointment online, making the process even simpler and more convenient wherever you are!
You wouldn’t take medical advice from anyone without credentials, so why not set the same standard for your vehicle? Whether you drive a car, truck, SUV, or van, your vehicle is integral to your life in Cincinnati. It navigates your commute just as readily as it ventures beyond the city limits for weekend getaways with your partner, family, or friends. It deserves the best service possible; it deserves McCluskey Chevrolet.
We’re dedicated to handling all your automotive maintenance and repair needs, from your next oil change to helping you shop for new tires and beyond. Our state-of-the-art service center speaks for itself, but our technicians are what truly shine because of their dedication to our customers and their passion for what they do. You won’t find a team like ours anywhere else.
Whether the 'check engine' light is glaring back at you or you know it’s time for your next routine oil change, make us your first and only stop. We are honored to handle your automotive needs and put you back on the road in Cincinnati as quickly and safely as possible. You’re our top priority, and that means your vehicle is too!
