How to Check Car Oil

Motor oil is affordable to buy and easy to change, and it’s also one of your vehicle’s most vital fluids. If your motor oil runs low or starts to break down, your vehicle will no longer be able to keep internal parts cool, prevent metal-on-metal contact, or clean away contaminants.

That’s why knowing how to check car oil is so important. Since we’re always happy to provide servicing tips and tricks, we’ve put together a simple step-by-step guide to tell you everything you need to know to learn how to check the oil level in your car!

How to Check the Oil Level in Your Car

Some new vehicles come fitted with electronic oil monitors that don’t use the traditional dipstick, so the first thing you should do is check your owner’s manual for the automaker’s recommendations. If you do need to check the oil level in your car manually, go ahead and follow these steps to avoid anything from overheating around Omaha to breakdowns in Gretna.

• Park the vehicle on level ground, turn off the engine, and leave it to cool.
• Pop the hood and find the dipstick. You can check your owner’s manual for its exact location.
• Pull the dipstick out and wipe away any oil that’s stuck to it.
• Fully re-insert the dipstick, then pull it out and check where the level is.
• Pull the dipstick out of the engine and wipe any oil from the end of it.

The level should be between the minimum and maximum markers. If it isn’t, you just need to slowly add some more. Buy the grade recommended by your owner’s manual and add a little at a time until your dipstick indicates the proper level has been reached.

You might also keep in mind that oil can break down and become contaminated if you don’t change it as recommended. If that’s the case, you may notice metal particles in the oil or that it has taken on a darker color than before. Feel free to arrange a service appointment to get your oil changed if you notice those telltale signs.

Learn More About How to Check Car Oil by Visiting Us Today

It’s always best to seek servicing from an authorized service center instead of a random Bellevue auto shop, so feel free to contact the Honda of Lincoln service center today for any further assistance or to hear about our latest service specials. Our team is always here to help you learn how to check the oil level in your car, or to provide you with affordable service! Visit us in Lincoln today!