Motor oil is a vehicle fluid that your car cannot live without – it is the engine’s lifeblood. That is why it is important to keep your vehicle nourished with clean engine oil. To do so, you need to get regular oil changes. When your motor is properly lubricated, it will perform smoothly and minimize friction. So, you might be wondering… how do you know when it is time to get new oil? One way to tell is by checking your oil levels! You can do this on your own using the dipstick located under the hood. Read on to learn how.
Before we get into the details, you should have your owner's manual on standby just in case you can’t find the dipstick or have other general questions regarding your vehicle’s oil. Some newer cars might not have a physical dipstick but rather electronic detection. The manual will also have other information such as the type of oil and mileage interval recommended for oil service.
Follow These Steps to Check Your Motor Oil
- Make sure the vehicle is parked on the leveled ground for an accurate reading. The engine should be off and cooled down.
- Find the dipstick under the hood. It is usually yellow.
- Pull the dipstick out and wipe away the oil using a paper towel or dirty rag.
- You will need to reinsert the dipstick and pull it out once more.
- Inspect the oil on the dipstick. Look at where it sits in between the indented lines that indicate the max and min. If it is too low, you should see help from a professional auto repair shop. If the color is dark or off or the texture of the oil is gritty, it is time to get an oil change.
Checking engine oil is an easy-peasy thing for any driver to learn. If you notice that your oil is low or dirty, we invite you to TOS Auto Repair for quality oil changes. We can replace your motor oil and change the filter. Please call or visit our auto repair shop to make an appointment for your next oil change.