How To Check Oil In Car

Some newer cars have electronic oil monitors and don t have traditional dipsticks for manual inspection.

How to check oil in car. Then pop the hood and locate the dipstick which is a long rod with a ring on the end of it that s usually found near the front of the engine block. 9 steps to check your oil like a pro. When you check your oil if it is dirty or smells of gasoline it s time for your oil to be changed you should also check the levels using the oil dipstick if you re oil. Oil reduces the friction in your engine and keeps it running smoothly.

Manufacturers used to recommend that you check your oil when the engine was cold to give the oil a chance to settle in the oil pan. Checking the oil once a month will keep your engine running smoothly between oil changes which should be done every 3 000 to 5 000 miles. First check the owner s manual and follow the automaker s recommendations. If your check indicates you have low oil you ll want to add half a quart at a time.

To check the oil level in your car first make sure you re parked on a flat area and the engine is off and cool. Turn off the engine and wait 10 to 15 minutes for it to cool down. Park your car on level ground to ensure you get an accurate reading. Be extra careful with hybrids vehicles as they have a high sensitivity to oil levels and you could cause warning lights to turn on.

The oil dipstick is almost always yellow and it often says engine oil on top. By deanna sclar. Check the oil first thing in the morning when the car is cool and hasn t been running and have a quart or two of oil ready to go in case you need it.