How to Check Car Oil

Many parts work together to keep your vehicle moving around Lincoln, but motor oil is the lifeblood that protects your engine’s internal moving parts. Learning how to check the oil level in a car is one of the simple ways you can make sure this essential oil allows your vehicle to perform as it should. Read on with Sid Dillon Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram to learn how to check car oil, then explore other service tips you’ll find useful on trips around Crete.

Steps for How to Check Oil Level in a Car

If you have a newer Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, there’s a chance that it has an electronic oil monitor without a traditional dipstick. Check your vehicle’s owner’s manual to see your manufacturer’s recommendations. Vehicles with traditional dipsticks can follow these steps for how to check car oil: 

1. The simple steps for how to check the oil level in a car are best performed on level ground and when the engine is turned off and cold.
2. Once you’re ready, pop the vehicle’s hood and locate the dipstick.
3. Remove the dipstick out of the engine and use a rag to wipe away any oil. 
4. Re-insert the dipstick back into its holder. Once again, remove the dipstick and look at where the oil level lies.

Dipsticks usually indicate the proper level with two marks or a cross-hatched area. If it falls within those marks, the oil level is where it should be. However, if it doesn’t meet those marks, you’ll need to add more oil. Your owner’s manual will recommend the right oil type. 

Importance of Checking Oil

Now that you know how to check car oil, it’s important to understand why it’s necessary. While often overlooked, it’s recommended that you change your oil at least twice a year, depending on your performance around Seward. Oil checks should be performed at least once a month to ensure there are no leaks and your car has enough oil for family trips outside of Omaha. Since oil is essential to your engine performance, it’s important that you schedule service immediately if you notice the hood is hot to the touch or steam is billowing out from underneath. This means that you could have a leak, and your engine is overheating. 

Resetting the Oil Change Light

After performing an oil change at your home around Lincoln, you’ll likely need to reset your oil change light. However, you should only reset this light after you’ve completed a change. Missing an oil change can damage your vehicle in the future. Here’s the general process for resetting the oil change light (this can vary by vehicle). 

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

• Ensure all systems are turned off, but the engine is running.
• Locate the “reset” button or stick on the dashboard. This is usually found by the speedometer or fuel gauge. 
• Press and hold the button until the change light begins to flash. The sign of resetting can look different depending on the vehicle. 
• Turn off the vehicle completely, wait a few seconds, and turn the vehicle back on. Now, you’ve reset your oil change light! 

Schedule Your Oil Service with Sid Dillon Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram!

As you can see, checking your oil is a quick and easy car care tip you can perform at home to make sure your vehicle is running as it should. Stay on top of your vehicle’s health by learning more about the signs it’s time to change your oil or contact us at Sid Dillon Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram if you have any questions.