How to Check Car Oil

How often do you check your car’s oil? Once a week? Once a year? Never? We hope you check your new or used vehicle’s oil level at least once a month for the best results on every Tallahassee drive. That’s because your vehicle travels 6,000 and 10,000 miles between oil change intervals, and you should keep an eye on things to make sure the oil level is where you expect it to be. See how to check your car’s oil with this handy guide from the service team at INFINITI of Tallahassee. You’ll know how to check the oil level in your car like a pro when you’re done!

Step-by-Step Instructions on How to Check the Oil Level in Your Car

Some modern vehicles utilize automated oil life monitors and might not have traditional dipsticks. If you have an older vehicle or one that isn’t as high-tech, you’ll need to find the dipstick in your vehicle’s engine compartment before checking the oil.

Begin by reading your owner’s manual to see what the manufacturer recommends. For an older vehicle, follow these steps on how to check the oil level in your car:

1. Park the vehicle on level ground, like your driveway or garage.
2. Turn off the engine.
3. Make sure the engine is cold, like first thing in the morning.
4. Open the vehicle’s hood.
5. Find the dipstick, which is usually yellow, orange, or red.
6. Pull the dipstick out of the engine.
7. Wipe any oil from the end of the dipstick with a clean cloth or paper towel.
8. Re-insert the dipstick all the way back into its tube.
9. Pull the dipstick out.
10. Look at both sides of the dipstick.
11. See where the oil level is.
12. Look at the markings on the dipstick.
13. Ascertain the oil level.

If the top of your oil streak is between the two marks on the dipstick, the oil level is perfect. Add more oil if the level is below the low mark. If you see dark oil that is opaque and black, perhaps it’s time for an oil change!

If you need to add oil yourself, follow these instructions:

1. Purchase the grade of oil recommended in the owner’s manual.
2. Remove the oil filler cap.
3. Add a little oil at a time.
4. Look at the dipstick until it indicates you’ve reached the proper level after each addition.
5. Do not overfill your engine with too much oil.

Why Check Your Car Oil Level?

We recommend checking the oil just to keep an eye on things in between oil changes. If your oil level is too low, your vehicle might overheat when driving on Pensacola roads. Overheating can lead to warped pistons and an expensive repair bill.

How to Reset the Oil Change Light

If you love changing the oil yourself in your Dothan, AL garage, you must reset the oil change light after performing this DIY maintenance. Please reset the oil change light only after you’ve actually changed your oil. Otherwise, you could develop problems with the engine.

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

1. Turn all systems of your car off, but leave the engine running.
2. Find the “reset” button or stick on the dashboard (typically found near the speedometer and fuel gauge).
3. Hold the button down until the oil change light begins to flash (signs of resetting may differ per vehicle).
4. Turn the ignition off.
5. Wait a few seconds.
6. Turn your car back on.

Convenient, Fast & Quality Oil Changes in Tallahassee

Ready for an oil change in Tallahassee? Contact us or call 866-984-2856 to make an appointment with our team. We want you to get the most out of owning your vehicle! Check out our service specials to see how much you could save on your vehicle’s next maintenance.