How to Check Car Oil Levels

Considering how important motor oil is to the operation of your vehicle, it’s even more important to make sure that there’s the right amount. This is in order to protect all the engine’s internal moving parts from damage, and saving you money in the long run. If you’re unsure of how to check the oil level in your car, the service experts at Green Dodge are here to help! Read this step-by-step guide to learn how to check your vehicle’s oil level. If you still feel like you’re not comfortable doing this yourself, you can always schedule service and we’ll take care of the process for you in less than an hour.

Why Do You Need to Check Your Car’s Oil Level?

Chatham drivers often want to know why it’s important to check their oil levels. Ultimately, having the right oil level is crucial to your vehicle’s performance. How often should you change your oil? Generally, oil changes are recommended at least twice yearly, depending on the model and how often it’s driven. However, oil checks should be performed at least once a month. This way, you can catch any leaks and make sure that your vehicle has enough oil for your Rochester travels. That being said, if you notice your car’s hood is hot to the touch or steam billowing out from under the hood, schedule a service appointment immediately. Your vehicle could likely have an oil leak and the engine is overheating.

Learn How to Check the Oil Level in Your Car: Step-by-Step

When learning how to check the oil level in cars, you’ll notice that some newer vehicles have electronic oil monitors that don’t use traditional dipsticks. In turn, you’ll want to start by checking your owner’s manual for the automaker’s recommendations. If you’re checking the oil manually, follow these steps:

1. Ensure the vehicle is parked on level ground and that the engine is turned off and cold.
2. Open the vehicle’s hood and locate 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, then pull it out and look at both sides to see where the level is.

Looking at the dipstick, if the top of the oil streak is between two marks or within a cross-hatched area, the oil level is good. If it isn’t, you’ll need to add more oil. Does your vehicle need more oil? If so, you’ll want to be sure to use the grade recommended in the owner’s manual. You’ll then remove the oil filler cap, then add a little oil at a time until the dipstick indicates that you’ve reached the proper level.

Be sure to buy the grade recommended in the owner’s manual, remove the oil filler cap, then add oil a little at a time until the dipstick indicates you’ve reached the proper level.

How to Reset Oil Change Light

Every vehicle has a specific process for resetting the oil change light, the general process is the same. Although, you’ll only want to reset the oil change light if you’ve actually changed your oil. If you happen to miss an oil change, it can damage your car in the long run.

How to Reset Oil Change Light: Step-by-Step:

• Turn all systems of your car off, but leave the engine running.
• Find the “reset” button or stick on the dashboard (typically found near the speedometer and fuel gauge).
• Hold the button down until the oil change light begins to flash (sign of resetting may differ per vehicle).
• Turn the ignition off, wait a few seconds, then turn your car back on.

Learn More About the Oil Change Process With Green Dodge

Knowing how to check the oil level in cars is always a great skill to have, no matter how old you are. The service center at Green Dodge is here if you have additional oil change questions like, and you can take advantage of the service specials at Green Dodge for even more ways to save and get back on the road to Decatur and beyond in no time.