How to Check Car Oil

Motor oil is a crucial vehicle component because it protects all of the engine’s moving parts. As a result, it’s important to routinely check your car oil level to make sure your vehicle runs properly on Cheektowaga roads. Learn more with Joe Basil Chevrolet on how to check the oil level in your car so you can always be a prepared driver in Depew.

How to Check the Oil Level in Your Car

Since some newer vehicles have electronic oil monitors that don’t use traditional dipsticks, you’ll need to consult your owner’s manual for the automaker’s recommendations. If you’re checking the oil manually, follow the steps below:

1. Park your car on even ground and make sure the engine is turned off and cold.
2. Open the car’s hood and locate the dipstick.
3. Remove the dipstick from the engine and wipe away any oil at the end of it.
4. Re-insert the dipstick all the back into the tub, pull it out again, and look at both sides of it to see where the oil level is.
5. Dipsticks can indicate the car’s proper oil level. If the top of the oil streak is between two marks or within a cross-hatched area, the level is good. If it isn’t, you’ll need to add more oil.
6. When replacing the oil, you’ll want to be sure to buy the grade recommended in your owner’s manual. Remove the oil filler cap, then add a little oil at a time until the dipstick indicates that the oil has reached the proper level.

Why is it important to Check Your Car’s Oil Level?

Having the right oil level is crucial to your vehicle’s performance. You should typically conduct an oil check at least once a month, and an oil change should be conducted about twice a year. This way, you can be sure there aren’t any leaks or potential mishaps on the horizon while driving through Lancaster. As a result, if you notice that your car’s hood is extremely hot, or see steam coming out from under the hood, there could be an oil leak and your engine might be overheating. If this happens, schedule service as soon as possible to quickly remedy this issue.

Keep Your Car Up and Running with Joe Basil Chevrolet!

Now that you know how to check your car’s oil level, contact the Joe Basil Chevrolet service center to have your vehicle’s oil changed. Want to know more about how to better take care of your car? Check out our service tips and tricks such as how often you should change your oil, how much an oil change costs, and how to check your transmission fluid so you can become a vehicle expert, right from the comfort of your own home.