To check your engine oil level, park on a level surface and turn off the engine. Open the hood and locate the dipstick. Remove, clean, and reinsert the dipstick fully. Then, remove it again to check the oil level compared with the dipstick’s markings (maximum and minimum).
Detailed Steps:
- Park on a level surface and turn off the engine: Wait 5 to 10 minutes for the oil to settle to ensure an accurate reading.
- Open the hood and locate the dipstick: It usually has a yellow or orange handle and sits near the front of the engine bay.
- Remove and clean the dipstick: Pull it out and wipe it with a clean rag or paper towel.
- Reinsert the dipstick, then remove it: Fully insert the dipstick into the tube, then remove it again.
- Check the oil level: It should be between “Min” and “Max” or “L” and “H.”
- Inspect the oil: If it’s dark, gritty, or smells burnt, an oil change is imperative. If the level is low, but the oil is clean, top it up with the right oil.
- Reinsert the dipstick: Slide the dipstick back into its tube and close the hood.
Important Notes:
- Check your owner’s manual: It includes details about the right engine oil and warm or cold check procedures.
- Avoid overfilling: This can also cause damage.
- Consult a mechanic: Experts at AutoNation Mobile Service can provide the necessary assistance if you’re unsure.
Want to know more about how to check the engine oil level?
In this guide, we cover detailed steps to check the fluid level, how to top up if needed, and discover the benefits of an oil change.
This Article Contains:
- How to Check Your Engine Oil Level the Correct Way
- Should You Check the Oil Level When the Engine Is Hot or Cold?
- How to Add Engine Oil the Right Way
- How Often Should You Check Your Engine’s Oil Level?
- How Much Does an Oil Change Cost?
- 3 FAQs about Motor Oil
How to Check Your Engine Oil Level the Correct Way
Checking your engine oil level is simple. Here’s what you need to do:
- Park on a level surface and turn off the engine: Ensure the vehicle is secure on level ground. Wait 5 to 10 minutes for the fluid to settle in the oil pan to ensure an accurate reading.
- Open the hood and locate the dipstick: The oil dipstick usually has a yellow or orange handle and sits near the front of the engine bay. If there’s no dipstick, refer to your owner’s manual, as some modern cars use an electronic oil monitor.
- Remove and clean the dipstick: If an oil dipstick is present, pull it out and wipe it with a clean rag or paper towel.
- Reinsert the dipstick, then remove it: Insert the dipstick into the tube, then remove it again.
- Check the oil level: It should be between “Min” and “Max” or “L” and “H.” If it’s below these marks, there’s too little oil.
- Inspect the oil: It should be amber or light brown. If it’s dark, gritty, or smells burnt, an oil change is imperative. If the level is low, but the oil is clean, you can top it up.
- Reinsert the dipstick: Slide the dipstick back into its tube and close the hood.
If you’re unsure how to check the oil and your car lacks an electronic oil monitor, hire a mechanic for an accurate measurement.
Now, let’s look at the ideal condition to inspect the oil.
Should You Check the Oil Level When the Engine Is Hot or Cold?
It’s best to perform the oil check when the engine is warm (at a normal operating temperature of 230-260°F). To achieve this:
- Drive for a few minutes to get the engine to operating temperature.
- Turn the engine off and wait 5 to 10 minutes.
- Check the dipstick on a level surface.
This allows the oil to expand and settle back into the pan, giving the most accurate reading.
Avoid checking the oil if it’s above normal operating temperature. The heat causes the oil to expand, preventing accurate measurement.
Measured the oil level and found it a bit low?
Check out how to top it up correctly.
How to Add Engine Oil the Right Way
Adding too little oil can cause performance issues and engine damage, so it’s best to have a trained technician handle it.
Here’s how they’d add or change it (if there’s contaminated oil):
- Verify the amount and oil type needed: Check the owner’s manual for the correct oil type, viscosity, and quantity. Then, park the vehicle on a level surface.
- Remove the drain plug: If they need to change the oil, raise the vehicle and place a drain pan under the oil pan. Then, unscrew the drain plug to release the oil until it drains completely.
- Replace the old oil filter: Remove the old oil filter, install the new one with a light oil coating on the gasket, and tighten it by hand or possibly with an oil filter wrench.
- Clean the oil drain plug: Wipe the plug, inspect the gasket, and tighten the plug according to the manual.
- Add oil slowly: Using a funnel, pour about half a quart into the oil filler cap (typically found on top of the engine block).
- Recheck the dipstick: Allow the oil to drain into the pan, then recheck the dipstick. They’ll add more fluid in small increments to the oil filler cap. This ensures the vehicle reaches the proper oil level without overfilling.
- Reattach the oil cap: Once the fluid reaches the correct level, screw on the oil cap securely and close the hood.
- Run the engine briefly: Start the engine and leave it on for a few minutes to circulate the oil, then turn it off and check again to ensure it’s still at the correct level.
- Dispose of the old oil: Pour the used car oil into a secure container and take it to a recycling facility or auto shop.
While topping up your car oil is essential, knowing when to check it is also vital.
How Often Should You Check Your Engine’s Oil Level?
You should get an oil check every 1,000 miles or the third or fourth time you fill your tank with gas. Also, ensure your vehicle has a proper oil level before a long trip to prevent overheating and wear.
Additionally, if your vehicle has a low oil level, you’ll notice an illuminated check engine light, a burning smell, and an oil pressure warning light.
Unsure about refilling your engine’s oil level?
Knowing how much it costs to hire a trained technician can help you decide.
How Much Does an Oil Change Cost?
The cost of an oil change service depends on the type of oil your vehicle needs. Typically, it’ll cost between $35 and $250.
Here are some estimates:
- Conventional oil: $30 to $75
- Synthetic blend oil (semi-synthetic oil): $40 to $100
- High-mileage oil: $50 to $75
- Diesel oil: $50 to $70
- Full-synthetic oil: $65 to $120
- Oil change for luxury vehicles: $250+
Still have some unanswered questions about engine oil?
We’ll cover them below.
3 FAQs about Motor Oil
Here’s some additional information you should know:
1. What Does an Oil Change Do?
Changing your engine oil is an integral part of routine car maintenance that:
- Lubricates engine components, reducing friction and preventing engine damage
- Flushes out grime that could clog your car’s engine
- Dissipates heat in areas the coolant can’t reach
- Keeps your car’s engine running efficiently, boosting engine responsiveness and fuel economy
- Prevents long-term damage, helping you avoid costly repairs
2. Which Oil Does Your Car Need?
Based on your car’s model and age, one of these will be the right engine oil for you:
- Synthetic oil is the most common in newer vehicles, ensuring optimal performance and longer life.
- Synthetic blend oil provides protection against oxidation and better cold-weather performance for light trucks and cars.
- High-mileage oil is ideal for older cars with over 75,000 miles as it reduces oil burn-off and leaks.
- Conventional oil is best for simple engines without features found on modern cars like turbocharging.
3. What Happens If You Use the Wrong Car Engine Oil?
While your vehicle may not present with immediate issues, not using the right oil can lead to a range of problems, including:
- Poor engine lubrication, leading to increased wear on engine parts
- Hard starting in cold weather due to thick oil being unable to circulate
- Overheated engine parts from thin oil breaking down
- Increased sludge deposits, which clog vital engine components
- Reduced fuel efficiency caused by increased internal resistance
- Damaged engine components due to poor lubrication
- Voided warranty for newer vehicles
Get a Complete Engine Oil Service with AutoNation Mobile Service
Engine oil lubricates your engine, prevents overheating, and improves fuel efficiency. So, maintaining an adequate oil level is essential.
Want a reliable mechanic to handle the oil change service for you?
AutoNation Mobile Service will check the oil level and change or refill it from your driveway. We offer easy online booking and provide a 12-month,12,000-mile repair warranty.
Contact us for a quick oil service or any other car maintenance needs.