DIY: How to Check Your Car's Oil

Without motor oil, your vehicle is essentially useless. It might navigate the Wallingford area, but eventually, you’ll end up with a blown motor stranded on the side of the road. Without understanding how to check car oil, there’s no way for you to monitor the pressure of the oil that’s running through your engine. Without the appropriate amount, there’s no protection available for the important moving parts of your vehicle’s engine. If you’re overdue and need quick routine maintenance, don’t forget to schedule service with Hamden Chevrolet to get your car back running. 

Checking the Oil Level in Your Car

Many newer model vehicles have electronic oil monitors that don’t use normal dipsticks. These systems use a digital instrument that relays the data back to your dashboard, allowing you to monitor your oil level constantly. However, it never hurts to learn how to do it the old-fashioned way and not completely depend on technology. The following list explains how to check the oil level in your car: 

1. First, make sure your car is parked on a level plane then shut the engine off. If your car was previously running for an extended period, allow it ample time to cool. 
2. Pop the hood and find the dipstick in front of the engine. 
3. Remove the dipstick and use a rag to wipe the excess oil. 
4. Re-insert the dipstick into the tube, wait a second or two, and pull it back up. Examine both sides and note where the oil level is compared to the dipstick markings. 

Every dipstick has markings that serve as a reminder of where the oil level should be. Usually, these are two notches – one above an area of cross-hatched markings and the other below. The oil should be at or above the top marking. If it’s low, use the manufacturer’s suggested oil and add one quart at a time until it reaches the proper level.

Why is Learning How to Check Car Oil Important? 

The importance of having the appropriate amount of oil must never be underestimated. Oil changes should take place every 5,000 to 7,000 miles if you’re using synthetic oil – or twice per year, whichever comes first. The exception to this mileage rule is if you own a vehicle that takes standard oil instead of synthetic. In this case, you should change the oil every 3,000 to 4,000 miles. If your oil light turns on during the process, resetting it is pretty simple. 

How to Reset the Oil Change Light

Each vehicle has a specific process for shutting off the oil change dash light. However, the steps are usually similar. Remember, only reset the light if you’ve actually performed the oil change. 

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 begins to flash (sign of resetting may differ per vehicle).
• Turn the ignition off, wait a few seconds, then turn your car back on.

If you completed the steps properly, the light should turn off, and you’re good until the next oil change. 

Let Hamden Chevrolet Handle Your Routine Maintenance

If you’re in the North Haven area, don’t forget about our service specials, including oil change coupons. Do you prefer to handle your own oil changes? Check out our parts department and pick up your oil and filter. Otherwise, schedule service and let one of our technicians get you in, out, and on your way.