How to Check Car Oil

Knowing how to check car oil is critical to keeping your car running smoothly on our East Boston roads. Running on too little oil can cause catastrophic damage to an engine. Fortunately, checking a car’s oil is one of the simplest things you can do to maintain your vehicle. That’s why we’ve put together the helpful guide below on how to check the oil level in a car. Of course, you can always schedule an appointment with our service center if you have a problem, but let’s take a look at how to perform this important task.

How to Check the Oil Level in a Car

If you need any help at all, feel free to schedule a service appointment with us. But, there’s no need to feel overwhelmed about learning how to check car oil. Many of our Swampscott drivers learned how to do it very quickly. Here’s how to check the oil level in a car:

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

Reading the Dipstick

Knowing how to check car oil includes knowing how to read a dipstick. Dipsticks can be confusing for some, but they’re not that hard to figure out. Just follow these simple steps:

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

Let Pride Chevrolet, Inc. of Lynn Help

Now that you know how to check car oil, be sure to bring your car in if you have any issues with your vehicle or if it’s time to get it serviced. Our trained professionals will treat your car with the tender loving care it deserves. If you found this guide to be helpful, check out our posts on how long an oil change takes and how much you can expect one to cost. We’re just down the road from Revere, so drop by or contact us today!