How to Check Car Oil

Your engine’s oil is one of the most important components of your vehicle. Without the proper amount or quality of oil, your engine is likely to fail resulting in very expensive repairs.  Many drivers prefer to take their vehicle in for oil changes but learning how to check your own oil in between routine changes is the best way to know for sure when it is time for an oil change. If you are in Oklahoma, you can learn more about the importance of oil checks by visiting one of our Bob Moore Auto Group service departments. Our service technicians are highly trained to provide the best auto care advice and service around Oklahoma.

Guide to Checking Your Own Oil

Oil checks are simple, all you have to do is follow a few easy steps. The first thing you will want to do is prepare. Make sure you are parked on level ground and the engine is off. Lift the hood and unlatch the safety hatch. Now that your hood is popped open, you will want to grab a rag or paper towel and then locate the dipstick. It should be easy to find because of its yellow or orange handle marked with the symbol for an oil can. Grab the handle and pull it all the way out of its tube and use your rag to wipe off any oil or residue left on the dipstick. Then, at the tip of the dipstick, you should see two lines. The lower line shows you where the oil will reach if the level is one quart low, and the upper line shows you where the oil will reach if the oil tank is full.

To check your current oil level, put the dipstick all the way back into its tube. Pull it back out and look at the oil on the tip of the dipstick. You will know that your vehicle has a good amount of oil if the oil reached anywhere between the two lines. If it only reached the low mark or below, that means your oil is low and you should add a quart. If you decide to add a quart yourself, make sure you wait a while and then repeat these steps to check your oil level once more.

How Often Should I Check My Oil?

How often you need to check your engine’s oil will depend on your specific vehicle. Every vehicle is different, so it is important to refer to your owner’s manual or consult with a professional about what your vehicle needs. The frequency of vehicle maintenance can depend heavily on the vehicle’s year, make, model, and how many miles it has on it. For example, if your vehicle has 100,000 miles or more, you will want to check the oil more often as older vehicles are prone to oil leaks. Engines with more wear are also likely to burn oil quicker than newer vehicles.

To learn more about how and when to check your oil, visit one of the service departments with Bob Moore Auto Group.