All Chevy models are well-built vehicles that will serve their owners for years if treated correctly. This means performing all maintenance operations on time. Motor oil plays a vital part in keeping all engine components from wearing down prematurely, but it gradually loses its lubricating properties and needs replacing after a few thousand miles.
It’s not easy to know exactly when you’re due for an oil change, but all relatively recent Chevy models come with an oil life monitor (OLM). Keep reading to learn more about how it works and how to reset the oil light after an oil change.
What Is the OLM and How Does It Work?
The OLM is a computer-based system that helps you know exactly when your Chevy is due an oil change. While each vehicle has a specific oil change interval listed in its owner’s manual, several factors may affect that interval. These include driving style, driving habits, local climate, and whether you’re using the vehicle to pull heavy loads. The OLM uses software to analyze the engine’s operating conditions, such as running temperature, idling time, speed, and driving distances. It uses the accumulated data to calculate oil quality.
The OLM displays the oil’s quality as a percentage, starting with 100% right after an oil change. The number will gradually drop as you drive, and you’re due for an immediate oil change when it reaches 0%. However, the system will warn you when the marker reaches 15%, so you’ll have plenty of time to schedule a service visit to a local dealership, such as Gerry Lane Chevrolet.
The Importance of Monitoring the Oil Life of Your Vehicle
Your Chevy’s OLM can help you avoid changing its oil either prematurely or later than you should. It’s important to know exactly when it’s time for an oil change because it’s better for the environment and can save you money.
It Can Save You Money
While oil changes are relatively inexpensive, performing them more frequently than needed can add up over time. Of course, not changing it in time can be even more costly because you risk damaging various engine components that suffer from a lack of proper lubrication. Having a precise measurement system can help you avoid these situations.
It’s Good for the Environment
Oil changes produce hazardous waste, such as discarded oil and used oil filters. While dealerships have ways to dispose of them, they’re still an environmental burden, and changing your oil more frequently than you need to will produce more of them. Likewise, not changing your oil on time will not only hurt your engine but may also release harmful gases into the atmosphere.
How To Reset the OLM
Resetting your OLM after each oil change is essential because this will let you know exactly when it’s time for the next oil change. While dealerships, such as Gerry Lane Chevrolet, will reset it for you after changing your oil, it still helps to know how to do it yourself. Chevy is constantly improving vehicle technology, and this includes the OLM. This means that the method you use to reset it depends on your Chevy model.
Reset Procedure for Older Chevy Models
If you drive an older Chevy with no vehicle information center or driver information console, you can reset your OLM using your gas pedal. Once in your Chevy, close all the doors. You then need to put the key in without turning on the engine. Turn it to the accessory power position, which lights up your dashboard without actually cranking your engine.
Wait a few seconds, and then press the gas pedal slowly all the way down to the floor. Press and release it three times in about five seconds. Your oil light should flash for a few seconds and then turn off. If this doesn’t happen, repeat the whole operation from the start.
Reset Procedure for Newer Chevy Models
Newer Chevy models have touch-screen interfaces and driver information centers, making it easier to reset their OLMs.
Driver Information Center
With the driver information center, you need to turn the vehicle on and scroll through the menu with the help of the thumbwheel controls on your steering wheel. Keep scrolling until you see your remaining oil life percentage displayed on your screen. Then press and hold down the thumbwheel until you’re asked if you want to reset your OLM. Use the thumbwheel to select this, and the indicator will then show your oil life is at 100%.
Touch-Screen Interface
You can also reset your Chevy’s OLM by using your touch-screen interface. With the vehicle on, navigate through your touch-screen menu until you find the Vehicle Information or Oil Life section, depending on your exact model. You’ll then find the option to reset the OLM. After doing so, the oil life percentage should be at 100%.
Schedule Your Chevy’s Oil Change at Gerry Lane Chevrolet
Your Chevy is likely to run smoothly for many years if you perform the basic maintenance operations on time. If your OLM shows less than 15%, come for an oil change at Gerry Lane Chevrolet in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Our certified technicians have the training to work on your model and know the precise motor oil your Chevy needs. While you’re here, you can also perform other routine maintenance operations, such as tire rotations and air filter changes. Contact us today to schedule your service visit.
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