How to Check Car Oil

Car oil keeps all the working parts under the hood working properly, preventing friction and that mysterious banging sound you hear sometimes coming from under the hood. Knowing how to check your car oil will save you a trip to a service shop near Minneapolis, by keeping your car oil at the correct levels with routine checks each month. Find out how to check oil level in a car, and explore our car maintenance tips by our Waconia Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram service team. 

Learn How to Check the Oil Level in Your Car

Some new vehicles have electronic oil level monitors that don’t work like traditional dipsticks. Check your owner’s manual to discover if your car uses a dipstick or electronic monitoring system. If your car uses a dipstick, follow the instructions below to check your car oil levels. 

1. Park your vehicle on level ground and make sure your engine is cold. It’s best to check your oil levels in the morning when your vehicle has been off all night. 
2. Pop the hood and locate the dipstick. 
3. Take the dipstick out of the engine and wipe off the oil on it. 
4. Re-insert the dipstick, then pull it out again to see what your oil level is. 

Each dipstick is a bit different, depending on the brand and model of your car. But all have a way to monitor oil levels. Typically, if the top oil streak is between two lines or within a cross-hatched area, then your car oil is at its proper level, and if it isn’t, you need to add more oil. 

Note: Make sure you’re using the correct oil grade recommended in your owner’s manual, as using a lower oil grade can damage your engine. 

Why Check Your Car’s Oil Level?

Checking your oil once a month during your routine maintenance is essential, as dirty or expired oil will damage your engine. It is generally recommended that Chaska drivers get their oil changed twice yearly, but your owner’s manual will give you a more precise maintenance schedule for your model. Schedule an appointment at our service center when it’s time for routine maintenance. 

Our Waconia Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram Service Team is Here to Help!

Now that you know how to check car oil, do you have more service questions? We can answer them! Our service department offers at-home maintenance tips as well as rotating service specials to make professional, routine service easier on your wallet. Visit us in Waconia, near Chanhassen, today!