How to Check Car Oil

Your car’s oil is best thought of as the lifeblood of your vehicle. Having the right amount can keep your engine’s internal parts moving and protected while you’re on the Lexington streets. Find out more about how to check the oil level in a car from our service experts below, or you can schedule service today, and we’ll take care of it in no time. 

How to Check the Oil Level in Your Car: Step-by-Step Guide

Newer vehicles with electronic oil monitors no longer need the traditional dipstick, so it’s always best to check your owner’s manual for specifics about how to check car oil in your specific vehicle. However, you can follow these steps to check the oil manually if your vehicle does have a dipstick:

1. Make sure the car is parked on level ground with the engine turned off and cold.
2. Pop the hood and find the dipstick.
3. Pull out the dipstick and wipe any engine oil from the end of it.
4. Re-insert the dipstick back into its tube, then pull it out and check both sides to see where the level is.

Most dipsticks come with a way to indicate the proper oil level, and if you see the oil streak is between two marks or within a cross-hatched area, the oil level is good. If not, you’ll need to add more oil as needed. It’s also important to purchase the grade of oil recommended in your owner’s manual, adding a little at a time until the dipstick reaches the proper level. 

Why Should You Check Your Car’s Oil Level?

The engine oil is often an overlooked but essential part of your vehicle’s performance. It’s best to have an oil replacement at least twice a year, depending on your vehicle and your driving habits. It’s recommended to check the oil at least once a month. This is so that you can make sure that there are no leaks and that you have enough oil for your drives around Georgetown. With that said, if the vehicle’s hood feels hot to the touch, or there is steam billowing out, then you’ll want to schedule service in our service department as soon as possible. These could be signs of an oil leak, and that the engine is overheating.

How to Reset Oil Change Light

No matter which type of vehicle you drive, the general process of resetting the oil replacement light is the same. The light should only be reset if you just had your oil replacement done. Missing an oil change can damage your vehicle in the long run.

Step-by-Step Guide to Resetting the Oil Replacement Light:

• Turn all systems of your car off, but leave the engine running.
• Find the “reset” button or stick on the dashboard (typically found near the speedometer and fuel gauge).
• Hold the button down until the light begins to flash (a sign of resetting may differ per vehicle).
• Turn the ignition off, wait a few seconds, then turn your car back on.

The engine oil light should be reset, but don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.

Let Dan Cummins Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM of Paris Handle Your Routine Maintenance

After learning how to check the oil level in a car, you might decide it’ll be easier to let our expert team handle the oil change process. Our service center near Nicholasville is ready to get you back on the road quickly, while making sure all of your routine maintenance needs are met, so your car can stay healthy for years to come.