Owners of certain Chevy models may need to change their oil more frequently than previously thought, according to a recent release from parent company General Motors.

In the past, most car owners needed to change their vehicles' oil every 3,000 miles in order to keep their car running smoothly and extend the life of the engine. However, thanks to recent developments in engine technology and oil chemistry, such frequent changes aren't usually necessary if you have a newer vehicle. In fact, many manufacturers of new cars now suggest that you can wait as long as 8,500 miles between oil changes or even longer, depending on your driving habits.

Some manufacturers, including Chevrolet, have even created oil-monitoring software that continuously evaluates the vehicle's activity and alerts you when an oil change is necessary. These systems work by monitoring the vehicle's drive time, temperature, and engine revolutions. This information is then run through a mathematical program, which determines when the vehicle is most likely to need an oil change. The life of the oil is displayed on a screen as a percentage so that you won't be surprised when the oil change light activates.

Unfortunately, recent news releases indicate that this software may not be functioning properly on certain Chevy vehicles.

According to Automotive News, General Motors has released a warning to owners of certain 2010 to 2012 models informing them that their built-in oil monitoring systems may not be alerting them soon enough as to when an oil change is needed. GM began investigating potential issues with these systems when it received a large number of warranty claims on some of its vehicles. The only Chevrolet models affected are the 2010, 2011, and 2012 Chevy Equinox with LEA four-cylinder engines or 2.4-liter LAF engines.

To deal with the problem, owners of affected vehicles can bring them back to the dealerships for a software update that will cause oil change warning lights to activate more frequently. The exact frequency of required oil changes will vary based on the owner's driving habits. GM will provide updates for free until Feb. 28, 2015, regardless of whether the vehicle is still under warranty. All vehicles sold in the U.S. or exported to other countries will be eligible for this free service.

Although the software update will solve the problem with oil change notification on affected Chevy vehicles, it won't solve any of the problems the lack of necessary oil changes have already caused, such as worn engine balance chains. Owners whose vehicles are still under warranty can easily return to the dealership to resolve these issues. However, it isn't yet clear whether GM will offer repair services to vehicle owners whose cars aren't under warranty anymore.

Regardless of whether your vehicle is under warranty or not, you can expect more frequent oil changes and possible engine trouble if you own an affected Chevy. If your Chevy needs an oil change or engine service, schedule your appointment today! Currently, you can get oil changes for only $19.95, and you can receive a 10 percent discount on any service you need.

In late 2012, Popular Mechanics released a list of the top 100 “Hottest Cars of All Time,” with the guidelines requiring that at least one mobile, fully-operable version of the car be produced. While that seems to leave the playing field wide open—the Batmobile, anyone?—Chevy is pleased to find themselves in the number seven seat with the second generation Stingray.

While seventh place may not seem much to brag about, the second-gen Stingray was competing against models ranging from the classic Porsche 550 to the modern Nissan GT-R. With such strong competition, who took home the title? The 1962-64 model Ferrari 250 GTO, shown in candy-apple red, of course.

The second-generation Stingray debuted in 1963 and wasn’t remodeled until 1967. Besides an exterior design overhaul, the new Stingray featured a new take on handling. With a lighter body, the Corvette was able to accelerate faster, although the horsepower remained the same from the previous model, which was also on Popular Mechanics’ list. The original Corvette, which ran from 1953 to 1962, came in at number 86.

For about $3,500 in 1953, you could have a first generation Chevy Corvette with clip-in plastic side curtains instead of roll-up windows, a cloth-top, and no outside door handles. Although a little shaky during its debut, the remodeling it would undergo in 1963 produced Chevy’s first real sports car: the second-generation Corvette Stingray.

The convertible model and new coupe model of the second-gen Stingray quickly began to outsell the original Corvette, which had previously set records for its 1962 production year.  The sleek, rounded body and wraparound windshield were phenomenal, and was totally unique in its design. It certainly didn’t resemble anything Chevy had ever built before.

If the 1960s were a little before your time, the production of the second-gen Stingray also debuted a few new features that quickly became popularized: the power brake and power steering. On the other hand, sales of air conditioning and leather seating decreased, giving Chevy a clear indication of what their Corvette-lovers were after: speed.

Drastic remodeling must be a Chevy tradition, because they’re at it again. At the Detroit Auto Show earlier this year, Chevy announced that the Stingray would be undergoing yet another facelift—it’s seventh to date—to produce a new take on an old love.

Although the 2013 Corvette Stingray certainly looks different from its record-setting ancestor, nothing much has changed. A powerful 6.2-liter V-8 engine with direct injection can be paired with either a 7-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission. Cranking out an estimated 450 horsepower, it certainly has more kick than its grandpa did.

The exterior continues with the same sleek, hard lines and grooved aerodynamic hood. Brake and powertrain cooling controls temperature and delivers extraordinary performance. Newly-designed seats styled for comfort and cut from Napa leather combine with an 8-inch diagonal instrument screen to create an interior you’ll never want to leave.

The price tag is a far cry from what it was in the 1950s---the seventh-generation Stingray starts out at $51,000. But can you put a price on unparalleled performance? If you haven’t yet, stop by and see why Chevy changed history with the Corvette Stingray.