Chevrolet Cavalier Engine oil is black and gritty Inspection at your home or office.

Our certified mobile mechanics come to you 7 days a week between 7 AM and 9 PM.

Estimate price near me

Service Location

Customer Ratings

(374)

How A Diagnostic Works

Instantly book a certified mobile mechanic to come to you

Mechanic diagnoses the problem and quotes necessary repairs

Your vehicle is ready to go

Fair, upfront & transparent pricing for all services

Our certified mobile mechanics can come to you now.

Customer Ratings

(374)

Engine oil is black and gritty Inspection Service

How much does a Engine oil is black and gritty Inspection cost?

On average, the cost for a Chevrolet Cavalier Engine oil is black and gritty Inspection is $95 with $0 for parts and $95 for labor. Prices may vary depending on your location.

CarServiceEstimateShop/Dealer Price
1985 Chevrolet CavalierV6-2.8LService typeEngine oil is black and gritty InspectionEstimate$114.99Shop/Dealer Price$124.99 - $132.49
1988 Chevrolet CavalierV6-2.8LService typeEngine oil is black and gritty InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$105.01 - $112.52
1989 Chevrolet CavalierL4-2.0LService typeEngine oil is black and gritty InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$105.01 - $112.52
2000 Chevrolet CavalierL4-2.2LService typeEngine oil is black and gritty InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$104.99 - $112.48
1997 Chevrolet CavalierL4-2.2LService typeEngine oil is black and gritty InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$105.02 - $112.55
1995 Chevrolet CavalierL4-2.3LService typeEngine oil is black and gritty InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$105.01 - $112.52
1992 Chevrolet CavalierV6-3.1LService typeEngine oil is black and gritty InspectionEstimate$99.99Shop/Dealer Price$109.87 - $117.28
1986 Chevrolet CavalierL4-2.0LService typeEngine oil is black and gritty InspectionEstimate$99.99Shop/Dealer Price$110.24 - $117.94
Show example Chevrolet Cavalier Engine oil is black and gritty Inspection prices

Car engines need oil to operate smoothly and efficiently. Engine oil helps lubricate the dozens of moving and interacting parts, helps prevent rust and corrosion as well as aiding in removing the heat that an engine generates. Modern oil also helps keep an engine clean by removing sludge and build-up. An engine without oil simply will not function.

Brand new engine oil is a lovely amber color but over time it will turn black and in some cases will get gritty. Fortunately, this is usually not a problem, it is simply a result of the oil doing the job it was designed to do.

How this system works:

The primary function of engine oil is to lubricate the various moving parts of an engine. The constant contact between these moving parts generates both heat and wear and tear. Engine oil keeps friction to a minimum and dissipates the heat.

Engine oil is stored in the oil pan. The pan holds between 4 and 6 quarts of oil. When an engine is started, an oil pump sucks the oil from the pan through the pickup tube. The oil then travels to the oil filter, which removes any dirt and debris that has accumulated in it and then sends the oil into the engine via spurt holes. The oil moves through the engine and eventually makes it way back to the oil pan where the process starts again.

Common reasons for this to happen:

  • Normal Wear and Tear: Regardless of how often oil is changed, eventually it becomes black and slightly gritty. This simply means it is doing its job. Modern detergent engine oils which have detergent additives are designed to disperse the tiny particles or engine sludge and hold them in suspension in the oil so they do not build up on engine parts.

This will make the oil darker in color, and slightly gritty but it’s better for the build up to be trapped in the oil then building up on the vehicles engine parts. Oil can only hold so much sludge and eventually it will need to be replaced.

  • Dirty Oil Filter: An oil filter’s primary function is to filter out contaminants in the oil that it picks up while cycling through the engine. Over time an oil filter will become full and will need to be replaced. If it is unable to filter the oil the contaminants will remain in the oil and possibly damage the engine.

  • Overdue for an Oil Change: Oil needs to be changed on a regular basis. While oil turning black and getting slightly gritty is normal, extremely black oil that develops globs on the dipstick needs to be changed immediately. The interval between oil changes will vary depending on the type of oil being used but it is a good idea to follow the manufacturers recommendations.

While 3,000 miles used to be the recommendation, most modern oils, especially synthetics can go between 7,000-10,000 before an oil change is needed.

  • Oil Light Comes On: In most vehicles, if the Oil Warning light comes on, it is reason for immediate concern. In most cases this will indicate a low oil pressure situation, which could be the result of a failing oil pump or a leak. This can do severe damage to the engine. The vehicle should be inspected and repaired immediately.

  • Oil Level is Dropping: If the vehicle is consistently low on oil or the level is dropping sharply over a short period of time, there is probably an oil leak somewhere in the system. An oil leak can lead to a dangerously low amount of oil in the car and should be repaired immediately.

What to expect:

A top-rated mobile mechanic will come to your home or office to determine the source and cause of the Oil is Black and Gritty issue, ​and will then provide a detailed inspection report that includes the scope and cost of the necessary repairs.

How it's done:

The mechanic look for normal wear and tear of the engine oil, along with the oil filter, oil level and other indications that will help determine if any problem exists or if additional procedures are required in order to provide you with an accurate diagnosis.

How important is this service?

In most cases black and gritty engine oil is normal. Engine oil should be changed on a regular basis according to the manufacturers recommendations. Going too long between oil changes can affect the performance of the engine and lead to expensive repairs.

Fast and easy service at your home or office

Backed by 12-month, 12.000-mile guarantee


Meet some of our expert Chevrolet mechanics

Real customer reviews from Chevrolet owners like you.

Excellent Rating

(374)

Rating Summary
352
8
5
2
7
352
8
5
2
7

Alejandro

9 years of experience
82 reviews
Alejandro
9 years of experience
Chevrolet Cavalier L4-2.2L - Car is not starting Inspection - Los Angeles, California
Alejandro did a great job doing the inspection and detailing needed repairs, highly recommend.

Glenn

43 years of experience
36 reviews
Glenn
43 years of experience
Chevrolet Cavalier L4-2.2L - Starter - Kenner, Louisiana
Repeat customer here. Glenn worked with my time schedule and made himself available when I was off. Would recommend to anyone who needs car repairs done at home.

Brian

23 years of experience
690 reviews
Brian
23 years of experience
Chevrolet Cavalier L4-2.2L - Oil Change - Orange Park, Florida
Brian is an A+++ mechanic!

Christopher

27 years of experience
356 reviews
Christopher
27 years of experience
Chevrolet Cavalier L4-2.2L - Inspection / Diagnostics - St. Leo, Florida

Excellent Rating

(374)

Rating Summary
352
8
5
2
7
352
8
5
2
7
Number of Chevrolet Cavalier services completed
4114+
services done by our mechanics
TOTAL NUMBER OF EXPERT Chevrolet MECHANICS
1600+
experts on our platform

Recent articles & questions

Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Door Striker Plate
If your car door rattles, feels loose, moves up and down when shut, or is difficult to close, you may need to replace the door striker plate.
How to Replace a Driveshaft Center Support Bearing
The center support bearing for the driveshaft is simple in design and function. It can be difficult to replace due to the driveshaft's complex build.
How Do I Get Healthcare as an Independent Mechanic?
Independent automotive technicians can secure health care through an employer or through the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

Oily fluid leaking after reverse parking?

Hi There, You may have a transmission fluid leak (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/transmission-fluid-is-leaking-inspection) that may be a result of a few different possibilities such as bad seals, broken fluid lines, a damaged torque converter or even a leaking transmission fluid pan gasket. Any...

My valve gasket was done wrong so it leaked into spark plug wells. Then my battery died and the coils are now bad. What happened?

Hi A.S. Thanks for contacting us today. Typically, when oil leaks into the spark plug holes, it will create an electrical short and cause the plugs and wires to fail. The solution to this issue is to resolve the oil...

is it the waterpump going out or gone out

Hi Linda. Thanks for contacting us tonight. Typically, water leaking from the water pump location is an indication of damaged inner seals, which means the pump is damaged. It's recommended to replace the water pump when this happens.

How can we help?

Our service team is available 7 days a week, Monday - Friday from 6 AM to 5 PM PST, Saturday - Sunday 7 AM - 4 PM PST.

1 (844) 997-3624 · hi@yourmechanic.com