How to Check Car Oil

If fuel is the food for your internal combustion engine, oil is the lifeblood. You should always make sure your engine has the right amount of oil and to change it within the right interval if you want to protect the engine’s internal moving parts. Whether you’re sticking to the streets of Hartselle or heading to weekend getaways to the Gulf, engine oil is crucial to the longevity of your vehicle. Read on to learn more about how to check car oil from the service team at Mitch Smith Chevrolet, Inc.! 

Learn How to Check the Oil Level in Your Car

Many new vehicles have electronic oil monitor systems that don’t use traditional dipsticks, so start by checking your owner’s manual for the automaker’s recommendations when you learn how to check the oil level in your car. 

If you’re checking the oil using a dipstick, follow these easy steps:

1. Make sure the vehicle is parked on level ground and that the engine is turned off and cold.
2. Open the vehicle’s hood.
3. Find the dipstick, usually colored red or sometimes yellow.
4. Pull the dipstick out.
5. Wipe any oil from the end of it.
6. Re-insert the dipstick all the way back into its tube.
7. Pull it out again.
8. Look at both sides to see where the level is.
9. Reinsert the dipstick.
10. Close the hood.

Dipsticks always have some way of indicating the oil level. If the top of your oil streak is between two marks or within a cross-hatched area, the oil level is fine. If the oil level is lower than the minimum mark, you’ll need to add more oil.

Here’s how to add more oil:

1. Purchase the grade recommended by the owner’s manual or driver’s information center.
2. Remove the oil filler cap.
3. Add a little oil at a time.
4. Check the dipstick to see if the oil level is where it should be.
5. If not, repeat steps three and four until the oil is at the right level.

If the oil is dark and not as thick as it used to be, bring your vehicle in for an oil change as soon as you’re able.

Why Check Your Car’s Oil Level?

The right oil level is absolutely essential to your vehicle’s performance and longevity. Generally, we recommend oil changes twice yearly, depending on the model and how it’s driven. Definitely do not go more than one year without an oil change. Regular oil checks can make you feel confident about no leaks, and that your car has enough oil for all your journeys from Hanceville to your cross-country summer excursions. 

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 car could have an oil leak and the engine is overheating because there isn’t enough oil lubricating the pistons. 

Schedule Service at Mitch Smith Chevrolet, Inc. Today

Ready to save some money on your vehicle maintenance? We offer service specials on various types of auto repairs. Our service team is always ready to help in any way we can! Schedule service with us today or contact usfor further assistance. We hope to be your go-to car service resource near Decatur!