How to Check Car Oil

Your motor oil plays a huge role in your vehicle’s performance and even fuel economy, so learning how to check your car oil can keep your car in great shape. What if you’re not sure how to check the oil levels in your car? Evolution Cars is here to walk you through the simple steps. No matter your skill level, anyone can learn how to check car oil in their very own garage. Let’s get started, and be sure to find out more service tips with our team.

Learn How to Check the Oil Level in Your Car

Before you get to far in the process, we recommend reading your owner’s manual. Some vehicles have an electronic oil monitor, which will tell you everything that you need to know from your touchscreen. However, other cars rely on manual oil checks using a traditional dipstick. If you’re checking your oil manually, here are the steps you’ll need to follow:

1. Park your car on level ground
2. Wait until the engine is turned off and cold.
3. Pop the vehicle’s hood and locate the dipstick. Check your owner’s manual if you need pointers.
4. Pull the dipstick out of the tube and wipe the oil from the end of it.
5. Re-insert the dipstick all the way back into its tube.
6. Pull the dipstick out and look at both sides to see where the level is.

Some dipsticks have a marker to indicate the proper oil level, while others use a cross-hatched section. If your oil appears to be at the proper level, there’s nothing else you need to do. If your oil level is low, use a funnel to fill it with the proper amount and formation of oil — but, don’t overfill!

Why Check Your Car’s Oil Level?

Now you know how to check your car oil, but why check your oil level at all? Maintaining the right oil levels will ensure that your engine gets the best support it needs to function properly. You’ll check your oil two times per year in Duluth, but checking your oil level monthly ensures that your car has everything it needs to navigate the roads safely. If your oil level is too low or if you have a leak, your engine may overheat or malfunction completely. Be sure to schedule your service appointment immediately if your car hood is hot to the touch or if you notice large amounts of steam.

How to Reset Oil Change Light

What if you need to reset your oil change light while waiting for your appointment? Every car is a little bit different, but in general, the process to reset your oil change light is similar.

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

• Turn all systems of your car off, but leave the engine running.
• Look for the “reset” button or stick on the dashboard near the speedometer and fuel gauge.
• Hold the button down until the oil change light begins to flash.
• Turn the ignition off, wait a few seconds, then turn your car back on.

The oil light should reset at this point. But be sure to keep up with your oil changes, or you’ll run into bigger problems down the road!

Schedule Your Maintenance with Evolution Cars 

Now you know how to check the oil level in your car, but there’s plenty more to explore at Evolution Cars. Schedule your next service appointment with us in Conyers or contact us to learn more about what we can do for you. Whether you want to find out the best motor oil to have on hand or the best maintenance schedule for your car, our technicians will assist you every step of the way.