How to Check Car Oil

Motor oil is designed to protect all the engine’s internal moving parts. While often overlooked, it is a critical component of your vehicle. Knowing how to check car oil can help ensure your vehicle performs at its best on the roads of Toms River and Trenton. Learn all about checking car oil in this guide below from Automotive Avenues.

How to Check the Oil Level

If you drive a newer vehicle in Howell Township, your vehicle may be equipped with an electronic oil monitor. If not, you will have to learn how to check car oil with a traditional dipstick. Learn how to check the oil level in a car with these simple steps.

1. Park the vehicle on level ground. Make sure that the engine is off and that it has had time to cool down properly.
2. Pop the hood of the car to find the dipstick.
3. Pull the dipstick out of the engine and wipe any oil from the end of it.
4. Re-insert the dipstick all the way back into its tube. Take the dipstick out once again to inspect both sides. Note where the oil level falls.

Dipsticks always have some way of indicating the proper oil level. If the oil level is as it should be, you’re good to go! If not, you will need to slowly add oil until it reaches the recommended level.

Why is Checking Car Oil So Important?

As mentioned above, motor oil is the lifeblood of your vehicle. Typically, oil changes are recommended at least twice yearly, depending on the model and how it’s driven. We recommend checking car oil at least once a month. This allows you to catch leaks early and make sure your vehicle has enough oil to safely do its job. If you notice your car’s hood is hot to the touch or there is steam billowing out from under the hood, you should schedule service right away. There may be an oil leak.

Contact Automotive Avenues for More Information

At Automotive Avenues, we want to be sure your vehicle performs at its best for many years to come. Peruse our service tips and tricks, or contact us with any questions you may have.