How to Check Your Car’s Oil

Clean motor oil is imperative to the performance and efficiency of your vehicle; without it your engine would be at risk of overheating on the road in Matthews, among other issues. Keeping up with routine oil changes is the first step to keep your car running at peak performance, but what about when you’re in between oil services? Once per month, it’s smart to check the oil level and assess the oil quality so you can catch any potential problems before they worsen. Learning how to check car oil at home is simple! Get step-by-step instructions from Hendrick Chevrolet Monroe, below!

How to Check the Oil Level in a Car, Step-by-Step

If you’re driving a newer vehicle, it may have an electronic oil life monitor that tracks oil level and quality for you. However, many vehicles still use a traditional dipstick. The steps for how to check the oil level in a car using a dipstick are as follows:

1. Park on level ground and allow the engine to cool completely.
2. Pop the hood and locate the oil dipstick.
3. Remove the dipstick and wipe the oil off with a rag.
4. Re-insert the dipstick completely into its holder, then remove it again, this time leaving the oil on it. Inspect both sides of the dipstick to check the oil level against the indicator. If the top of the oil streak sits between two marks or within a crosshatched section, then the oil level is where it should be. If not, you need to top off with new oil.
5. Note the color and quality of the oil while you’re at it. If it looks very dark or has visible contaminants in it, you should take your car in for further inspection.

Why Should You Check Your Oil Periodically?

In addition to regular oil changes, why is it important to check the oil periodically? Waxhaw drivers should check their oil once per month so they can be sure that there are no leaks in the system and that the oil filter is doing its job. The earlier you catch an oil leak or any other problem with the oil system, the higher the likelihood of resolving the issue before it becomes more serious and more expensive.

Schedule Oil Service in Monroe!

Learning how to check your car’s oil in your own Weddington garage is simple! If you discover any issues with your oil and would like to have the system inspected, schedule an appointment at our service center. Our technicians will diagnose the issue in a timely manner. If you’re due for an oil change, we offer affordable prices and quick service!