How to Receive Free Oil Changes For Life At Gerry Lane

WHAT IS THE GERRY LANE CLUB?

Gerry Lane Chevrolet issues each customer a custom Gerry Lane plate with every purchase of a new or used car, truck or SUV. Join the club by plating your at the front of the vehicle and a Gerry Lane decal on the back.

At Gerry Lane Chevrolet, we want to make it as easy as possible for our valuable customers to maintain their vehicles. That's why we offer free oil changes for life. It's a great way for us to reward our amazing customers in the Baton Rouge, Louisiana, area for their loyalty and encourage them to do right by their vehicles. Learn more about this complimentary service and why we're so passionate about it.

How Free Lifetime Oil Changes Work

Every person who purchases a new or used vehicle from Gerry Lane Chevrolet becomes a Gerry Lane Club member. Club members receive a custom Gerry Lane plate to attach to the front of their vehicle and a Gerry Lane decal for the back. We provide the complimentary oil change service for as long as they own their vehicle and display their plate and decal. This free service, valued at more than $385 per year, entitles club members to the following:

• Free conventional or synthetic engine oil.
• Free oil filter.
• Free engine lube.
• Free multipoint inspection to ensure the vehicle runs reliably.
• Free air or nitrogen tire fill for a year from the date of vehicle purchase.
• Free Wi-Fi and dealership amenities to help customers pass the time while we perform the service.

This totally free offer applies to all 1999 and newer models that we sell, including cars, trucks, and SUVs. For vehicles with the GM Oil Life System, we'll perform an oil change and reset the computer whenever the change engine oil light illuminates. For vehicles without this system, we'll perform regular oil changes in line with the schedule in the owner's manual or every 7,500 miles.

The Importance of Oil Changes

Oil is the lifeblood of any vehicle. It keeps the engine and its controls thoroughly lubricated so they can stay cool, operate smoothly, and minimize wear and tear. Engine oil deteriorates over time. It becomes viscous with age, which reduces its ability to flow freely through the engine and effectively lubricate its components. It also becomes contaminated with dirt and debris that it picks up as it cycles through the engine. During an oil change, a mechanic drains the old, contaminated oil and replaces it with new, clean oil so the engine can work more efficiently.

Without regular oil changes, engine components won't get sufficiently lubricated, so they'll create friction as they move together. This overheats the engine and makes it work harder than usual. Motorists may notice their vehicle's performance and fuel economy decreasing. Extra pressure on the engine causes excess wear and tear, and contaminated oil can make the engine rust. Without oil changes, the entire engine will eventually fail. Replacing a simple four-cylinder engine can cost $4,000, says J.D. Power. Maintaining oil change consistency is one of the easiest ways to maximize a vehicle's life span and reduce the risk of costly repairs.

Following the vehicle's service schedule is also a requirement for maintaining a vehicle warranty. Failing to perform maintenance tasks, including getting the oil changed, can void the manufacturer's warranty. People with vehicles protected by a warranty should keep documentation to prove they've had regular oil changes in case they need to make a claim.

How Often Should Drivers Get Their Car Oil Changed

The right old change frequency can vary depending on different factors, including:

• The vehicle.
• The type of engine oil used.
• The motorist's driving habits.
• The driving environment.

Auto manufacturers provide a recommended schedule for oil changes in each vehicle's owner's manual. Following this schedule will keep the vehicle's oil healthy and help motorists maintain their warranty. While individual schedules can vary, Progressive suggests the following oil change schedule for different oil types:

• Synthetic: Every six months or 6,000 miles.
• Semi-synthetic: Every five months or 5,000 miles.
• Conventional: Every three months or 3,000 miles.

Engine oil can degrade even if drivers use their cars infrequently, so it's important to stick to the recommended time periods even if a vehicle has low mileage. The schedule is a good guide, but some cars may need more frequent oil changes. For example, the oil change life span decreases as vehicles age. Motorists should also pay attention to their vehicle's dashboard and book an early oil change if the check engine oil light illuminates. An oil inspection whenever the wiper fluid needs filling can also alert vehicle owners of the need for an oil change ahead of schedule.

What the Engine Oil Says About a Vehicle

Inspecting the engine oil and assessing its color, smell, and consistency can tell drivers whether they need to schedule an urgent oil change. New engine oil usually has a light brown to golden color, depending on the type and brand. Some lightweight synthetic oils are almost clear. It should be translucent and viscous, with a relatively neutral smell.

When oil becomes dark brown or black and difficult to see through, it needs replacing. It's likely to be much thicker and sludgier at this time, and old oil may also develop a strong burnt odor or smell like gasoline when it requires changing. These smells may also indicate other engine issues, so it's worth mentioning to a service technician when making an appointment. Oil may also appear a milky white if antifreeze enters the engine. This is another issue a mechanic can resolve.

Markers on the dipstick indicate the optimum level of oil in the vehicle. If the oil appears below these markers, it's worth booking a service. The vehicle may be using more oil than it should, or there could be a leak somewhere. A mechanic can give a more accurate diagnosis after inspecting your vehicle and suggest the best course of action.

Get Started Today With Gerry Lane

Contact us today to learn more about our free lifetime oil change program or schedule your next service. Ask us questions online, give us a call, or come and visit our Baton Rouge, Louisiana, dealership to browse our quality selection of new and used vehicles. We're open Monday through Saturday to serve our local community better.

*On models 1999 and newer, with the GM Oil Life System "Change Engine Oil" light illuminated in the Message Center, and at which time we will change the oil and reset the oil change computer settings. For vehicles 1999 and new that do not have the GM Oil Life System, we will change the oil in accordance with the Highway Driving Guidelines in your owner's manual OR every 7500 miles. This also applies to Non-GM model vehicles. Nitrogen fill free for a year from the date of purchase. See Dealer for Complete Details.