How to Check Car Oil Levels
Your vehicle’s oil plays a vital role in your car’s maintenance schedule and ability to function, and making sure you are keeping up with your regular oil changes is important. But if you’re unsure if your vehicle is due for an oil change or you think you might be leaking oil, checking your oil levels can also be important. Munster drivers should always know how to check car oil levels so that they know their vehicles are running properly, and Webb Ford, Inc. is here to help. Read more below and learn how to check your car oil with this information from Webb Ford, Inc.’s service center. Have any questions? Then don’t hesitate to contact our service department.
Why Check Your Car’s Oil Level?
Most people probably don’t check their car’s oil level every month, but your car’s oil is essential to your vehicle’s performance. Oil changes are generally recommended twice a year depending on factors like how often you drive and how the car is driven. Checking your oil once a month is generally recommended. If you notice your car’s hood is unusually hot to the touch or steam is billowing out from under the hood, stop driving your vehicle immediately and schedule service for your vehicle. You may be experiencing an oil leak, and your engine is overheating.
How to Check the Oil Level in Your Car
To start, check your owner’s manual for your specific automaker’s recommendations. Some newer models out on Schererville roads have electronic oil monitors and don’t use traditional dipsticks. If you’re checking the oil manually, follow the steps below:
- Make sure your vehicle is on level ground with the engine turned off and cold.
- Open your vehicle’s hood and find the dipstick.
- Pull the dipstick out of the engine and wipe off any oil from the end of the stick with a rag or paper towel. Doing this ensures that when you place the dipstick back in, you’ll get a clear level reading.
- Re-insert the dipstick all the way down into its tube, and then pull it back out. Look at both sides of the dipstick to see where the level is.
- Dipsticks always have a way of indicating the proper oil level. If the top of your oil streak is between two marks or within a cross-hatched area, the level is good. If not, then you’ll need to add more oil. It may also be time for an oil change.
If you’re adding oil, be sure to buy the grade recommended in your vehicle’s owner’s manual. Remove the oil filter cap and add the oil a little at a time, checking the oil level with the dipstick until it’s sufficiently filled.
How to Reset Oil Change Light
If you’re looking to change your car’s oil change light, we recommend only doing it after you’ve changed your oil and the notification won’t turn off. If you reset your oil change light without changing your oil, you put your vehicle at risk.
How to Reset Oil Change Light: Step-by-Step
- 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 oil change light starts to flash (signs of resetting may differ per vehicle).
- Turn the ignition off, wait a few seconds, then turn your car back on.
The oil light should be reset. If you’re still experiencing issues or your light won’t go off, we recommend reaching out to our service team.
Get All Your Service Needs at Webb Ford, Inc.
Now that you know how to check your car’s oil, you’re well-prepared for the road ahead. If you need an oil change in the Griffith or Merrillville area, then don’t hesitate to schedule a service appointment. We’ll take care of all of your vehicle’s service needs quickly, so you don’t have to wait. And with our service specials, you’re going to save even more money.
