How to Check Car Oil

Checking your vehicle’s oil level is an important part of routine auto maintenance–and, fortunately, it’s also one of the easiest car-care tasks. All you need is a clean rag or paper towel and your vehicle’s owner’s manual. When you know how to check car oil, you can ensure proper oil levels and optimize your vehicle performance on the roads of North Haven and Meriden. In this tutorial, the Executive Chevrolet service center guides you through how to check the oil level in your car.

How to Check the Oil Level in a Car: A Step-by-Step Guide

If your vehicle has an electronic oil monitor, a dashboard alert will illuminate when low oil levels are automatically detected. If you have a traditional dipstick instead, you’ll have to check the oil manually. Not sure if you have an electronic monitor or a dipstick? Consult your owner’s manual.

For vehicles with dipsticks, here is how to check the car oil:

1. Park the vehicle on a flat surface and turn it off. Allow the engine to cool completely.
2. Open the hood and find the dipstick.
3. Remove the dipstick and wipe the oil from the end.
4. Insert the dipstick all the way back into the tube. Now, pull it out again and check both sides of the dipstick end to check the oil level. The end will typically have either a set of markings or a cross-hatched area; if the level falls between these markings or within the cross-hatched area, your oil level is fine. If it falls below these spots on the dipstick, you need more oil.

Using the type of oil recommended by the automaker in the owner’s manual, add small amounts of oil at a time. Keep checking with the dipstick until you’ve filled the reservoir to an adequate level.

Benefits of Checking Car Oil

By checking your car oil at least once a month, you can stay on top of regular oil changes. Oil changes minimize engine friction and heat, which protects your engine against wear and tear and maximizes the overall performance and reliability of your vehicle. You can drive with confidence in Cheshire or wherever the road takes you. 

How to Reset Your Oil Change Light

Now that you know how to check car oil, you may be wondering how to reset the oil change light. If this light has illuminated, you can reset it yourself once your oil has been changed. Follow these steps:

1. Turn off all your vehicle systems except the engine.
2. Locate the Reset button on the dash, usually near the speedometer and fuel gauge.
3. Hold the button in until the oil change light flashes.
4. Turn the engine off, wait a few seconds, then restart your car. The light should now be off.

The Executive Chevrolet Service Team is Here for All Your Automotive Needs

This tutorial on how to check car oil shows you how easy it is to perform this crucial task. If you’d rather leave it to professionals, or you’re due for an oil change, our service technicians can help. Schedule an appointment online today. Don’t forget to browse our service specials for money-saving opportunities. By regularly checking and changing the oil, you are caring for your vehicle so it can continue to care for you throughout the years ahead.