Promo banner
  • DIY experts since 1960
  • Manual owners save $3,993 USD on average each year
  • Over 200 million manuals sold worldwide
2012-2023 Impala Oil Change Tips: Keep Your Car Ready For Highway Driving

2012-2023 Impala Oil Change Tips: Keep Your Car Ready For Highway Driving

8 minute read

Regular oil changes are important for your 2012-2023 Chevy Impala, particularly when you use it for highway driving. Highway driving racks up mileage quickly, so it's important to stay on top of regular oil changes to keep your engine running smoothly. The Haynes 2012-2023 Chevy Impala Repair Manual offers plenty of DIY guidance on oil and filter changes. It comes with clear instructions to help you perform the job yourself.

Your 2012-2023 Chevy Impala deserves the best, so don’t let things like an oil change get in the way of its performance. Learn how to keep your vehicle in top condition, no expertise required.

Why Regular Oil Changes Are Important for Highway Driving

The Chevy Impala is known for its comfort, spaciousness, and reliability. It’s an excellent choice for highway trips in addition to most other types of driving (neighborhood, urban, road trips, etc.). However, regular oil changes are key to keeping it running smoothly.

Highway driving keeps your engine running at higher speeds for extended periods, making clean, effective oil especially important. If your oil is dirty or low, engine temperatures can rise, and performance can drop. So, regular oil changes help keep everything running smoothly, especially on longer trips.

Highway driving also means you're expending more time running the car at higher speeds. That puts extra stress on your engine. This causes the oil to work overtime to reduce friction and heat, preventing unnecessary wear.

Sticking to a consistent oil change schedule for your 2012-2023 Impala keeps the engine in good condition and helps prevent long-term damage.

How Often Does Your 2012-2023 Chevy Impala Need an Oil Change?

If you’re wondering, “How often does my car need an oil change?” the answer depends mainly on your driving style and how much highway driving you do.

Oil tends to last longer for highway driving than city driving because of steady speeds and fewer stop-and-go conditions.

Given that, you may need to change the oil about every 7,500 miles or more for your 2012-2023 Chevy Impala. Synthetic oil—designed for long-distance driving—can handle the demands of the highway. Since highway trips typically cause less wear on the oil due to the consistent engine load, your oil will last a bit longer.

Tips for Oil Change and Maintenance on the Highway

  • Regular Oil Checks

Before embarking on a long highway trip, make sure to check your oil levels. Keeping the oil at the correct level prevents engine friction and heat buildup. If your oil is low, top it off before you hit the road.

  • Change Oil Filters Regularly

The oil filter plays a key role in keeping the oil clean by trapping dirt and debris. A clogged or old filter can restrict oil flow, damaging your engine over time. Pro Tip: set yourself up for success by replacing your 2012-2023 Chevy Impala oil filter before a long drive, as this could help with cleaner oil circulation.

Refer to the Haynes Manual for detailed steps to replace the filter.

  • Maintain the Correct Oil Type

Highway driving puts more strain on your engine so using the correct type of oil is key. Synthetic oils suit long-distance driving better as they last longer and offer better protection against engine wear.

Refer to the Haynes Manual for guidance on how to choose the best type of oil for your 2012-2023 Impala.

  • Keep the Engine Bay Clean

A clean engine bay helps you spot leaks, worn hoses, or other issues before they become serious, especially before a long trip. While dirt and debris won’t clog the internal oil system, keeping the area clean makes it easier to maintain your engine and catch problems early.

  • Check for Leaks

If you're about to head out on a long drive, don’t forget to check for oil leaks. Leaks can cause oil to drop below the necessary level, leading to potential engine damage. Check around the oil filter, oil pan, and drain plug for any signs of oil leaks. If you spot a leak, address it quickly by consulting your Haynes Manual or talking to a mechanic. When reinstalling parts, avoid over-tightening the drain plug or oil filter; doing so can strip threads or crack components. The goal is to keep both you and your vehicle safe on the road.

  • Monitor Engine Temperature

Highway driving often means higher speeds and longer durations on the road. This can cause your engine temperature to rise. Keep an eye on your engine temperature gauge.

If it’s consistently running hot, it might be a sign that the oil isn’t doing its job correctly. Make sure that you’ve recently changed the oil and oil filter. This is because old oil can lose its effectiveness in maintaining engine temperature.

  • Regular Oil Change Intervals

On the highway, you may be able to extend the interval between oil changes, especially if you're using high-quality synthetic oil. However, don’t go too long. Follow the oil change intervals outlined in the Haynes Manual for the 2012-2023 Impala for proper guidance.

These intervals are based on driving conditions and oil types to make sure your engine runs smoothly over time. Even though highway driving is easier on the engine, regular oil changes are still necessary for optimal performance.

How to Change Oil in Your 2012-2023 Impala

Changing the oil in your 2012-2023 Chevy Impala is a pivotal part of maintaining its performance, especially when you’re on the highway.  The oil lubricates engine parts, reduces friction, and prevents overheating.

Over time, oil can become dirty and lose its effectiveness. This makes regular oil changes crucial for keeping your engine running smoothly.

In addition to changing the oil, replacing the 2012-2023 Chevy Impala oil filter is equally important. A clean oil filter prevents dirt and debris from contaminating or clogging the oil.

A clogged filter restricts oil flow, which could lead to poor engine performance and even potential damage. Both oil and oil filter changes should be done regularly to keep the engine running at peak efficiency.

If you’re not familiar with the oil change process, don’t worry.  Chapter 1, Section 2 of your 2012-2023 Chevy Impala Haynes Manual offers clear, detailed instructions on how to perform both tasks properly. This manual will walk you through step-by-step instructions on how to change the oil so you feel confident you’re doing it correctly. 

Why the Haynes Manual Is a Must for DIY Oil Changes

The 2012-2023 Chevy Impala Haynes Manual is your go-to resource to change your oil yourself.

Haynes Manuals have guided car owners for over 60 years, selling over 20 million copies worldwide. Chevy Impala owners trust these manuals to perform maintenance at home. It saves them money on costly mechanic fees.

The Haynes 2012-2023 Chevy Impala Repair Manual provides:

  • Step-by-step instructions
  • Expert tips
  • Technical illustrations to guide every stage of the oil change

No matter if you’re an experienced DIYer or a first-time car owner, the Haynes Manual gives you the knowledge to complete oil changes confidently.

With a Haynes Manual, you can avoid expensive repair bills and reduce the risk of breakdowns. Haynes users reduce annual costs by handling vehicle maintenance themselves.

The manual covers more than just oil changes. It includes detailed guidance for various repairs, including oil filter replacements and diagnostic procedures.

Haynes Manuals also feature QR codes that provide additional tutorials and repair information should you find it helpful.

Keep Your 2012-2023 Impala in Top Condition

Maintaining your 2012-2023 Impala’s oil and oil filter is one of the easiest and most effective ways to make sure your car is ready for long highway trips.

Regular oil changes not only help your engine run smoothly but also extend the life of your vehicle. Staying on top of the schedule will save you money and prevent bigger problems.

For more detailed information on how to change the oil and oil filter of your 2012-2023 Impala, the answer is simple: buy the Haynes 2012-2023 Chevy Impala Repair Manual.

With step-by-step guidance and expert advice, your Haynes Manual makes it easier than ever to maintain your car. Keep your Impala running like new for every highway adventure you take!

Lots of vehicles on a US highway

Looking For DIY Advice Specific to Your Vehicle?

Search for a Manual Now

We have thousands of manuals across North America's most popular makes and models. Enter your details now and find your matches.