Q: How do I check the oil?

asked by on January 19, 2016

How do I check the oil?

Checking the engine oil is a very important part of having a vehicle. You should check your oil regularly, and always before and after a long drive. Here’s how to check the engine oil: 1. Drive your car to a flat surface. 2. Turn off the engine and wait 15 minutes. 3. Open the hood. 4. Remove the dipstick, and wipe it clean on a rag or paper towel. 5. Reinsert the dipstick. 6. Remove the dipstick again, and observe where the oil lies between the minimum and maximum lines. 7. If the oil is below the minimum line, add more by opening the oil cover and adding oil. Frequently check the oil levels as you add oil, so that you don’t add too much.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

Car not starting, even with jumpstart.
Cars now a days have a lot of electronics. In older cars the engine would crank and as the battery drained it would just crank slower. That is not the case anymore. Because of all these electronics, a car needs...
Car not revving over 3,000 RPMs
Fault codes need to be read out of the engine computer to guide the direction of diagnosis. If no fault codes are stored, then possible issues could be a camshaft sensor, or crankshaft sensor that losses its signal at that...
Car shakes and squeaks
Improperly balanced tires usually start to vibrate above 50 miles per hour. This may be fixed simply by having the tires balanced. Have an experienced technician, such as one from YourMechanic, also check the condition of the tires and integrity...
How do you know when the thermostat is stuck when the meter is broken?
Hello. If the engine is leaking coolant then the reservoir is always the first part to read low. I usually start by checking for any visual leaks on the ground or on the engine. The most common cause of a...
Battery Light is on - 2007 Chrysler Town & Country
Your battery light coming on may mean a few things such as a weak battery, a failing alternator, or a failing voltage regulator. This may be a sign of a failing voltage regulator or failing alternator. As you may know,...
Car shaking at start and check engine light on
Hi there. It sounds like the engine has a misfire and needs a proper diagnosis to determine the cause. There are many things that can cause the misfire: ignition, fuel, air, mechanical, etc... The check engine light flashes to indicate...
I replaced the fuel pump in my 2014 Chevrolet Cruze and it still will not stay running.
Hello. From what you are saying I do not think that you had a fuel pump issue to begin with. This engine has a history of vacuum leaks that can form or valve timing solenoids that can fail. These are...
Engine Light is blinking, car shakes, and gas cap light is on
For the case of the gas cap leak you will need to have a smoke test and cap test done to see where the evaporative system is leaking. In order to do this will require the system put in test...
Just replaced PCM and battery on 2012 town and country, alternator fine. check engine light and battery light came on why?
It sounds like you may have a failing voltage regulator. When the voltage regulator is not working properly, this may result in the alternator allowing too much power to be delivered to the battery resulting in damaging wires and prematurely...

Related articles

How Do Oil Filters Work?
At At the most basic level, oil filters serve the purpose of preventing contaminants, such as dirt and debris, from reaching the oil in your vehicle. This is important because grit and grime in your oil can damage engine surfaces...
A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Honda Insight
The The 2012 Honda Insight is a dedicated hybrid five-door hatchback. Designed for those who want an environmentally conscious vehicle that also saves considerably at the pump, this hybrid also features a lower price tag, even for a fully equipped...
How to Prevent a Car from Dying
Cars Cars are complex mechanical and electrical parts of our daily lives. Many different systems can cause the vehicle to die, usually when it is most inconvenient. The most important part of preparing is having regular maintenance (https://www.yourmechanic.com/cars) performed. This...