How to Check Car Oil

Checking your car’s oil is one of the easiest things you can do to maintain your vehicle. In fact, it’s an important way to detect a problem before it becomes serious and causes catastrophic damage to your vehicle. But if you don’t know how to check the oil in a car, don’t worry. Our service department wants to help you keep your car running in top shape on our White Plains roads. That’s why we’ve put together the helpful guide below on how to check car oil.

How to Check Car Oil in 5 Easy Steps

Did you know that an engine can overheat or even seize up when there is not enough oil running through it, causing the car to be mechanically totaled? That’s why so many Yonkers drivers check their oil during each visit to a gas station, and why it’s so important to know how to check the oil level in a car. Of course, if you need any help at all, feel free to schedule a service appointment with us. Here’s how to add oil to your car:

How to Check the Oil Level in a Car

• Make sure the car is off and the engine has had enough time to cool down.
• Open the hood and locate the dipstick.
• Pull out the dipstick and wipe it clean with a rag or paper towel.
• Stick the dipstick back in all the way.
• Pull out the dipstick again and examine the tip.

Reading the Dipstick

We can’t explain how to check car oil without going over how to decipher a dipstick. Some dipsticks can be confusing or hard to read. Follow these steps:

• Locate the cross-hatched area on the dipstick near the tip.
• Oil should reach somewhere inside the cross-hatched area.
• If the oil does not reach the cross-hatched area, add a quart of oil.
• Run your car’s engine, turn the car off, then check the oil again.

Let the Pepe Auto Group Service Experts Help

If you enjoyed this handy guide on how to check car oil, make sure to check out our guides on how to check tire tread depth and how often tires should be rotated. And remember, our service centers are here to help with any of your automotive needs. We have six convenient locations, like the ones in the New Rochelle and Stamford areas. So, drop by or give us a call!