How to Check Car Oil

Do you own a new or used vehicle that runs on gasoline? It will need an oil change every 6,000 to 10,000 miles. As part of this regularly scheduled maintenance, we encourage you to check the oil level in your car at least once a month before your next oil change. This is to make sure your engine works properly on every Mineral Wells drive.

Discover how to check the oil level in a car thanks to the service team at Bayer Chevrolet. After reading our step-by-step instructions on how to check a car’s oil, you’ll have peace of mind that your vehicle is running like it should be.

Learn How to Check the Oil Level in Your Car

Modern Buick and Chevy vehicles have oil life monitors, a computerized system that tells you when it’s time for an oil change in Breckenridge. Some vehicles with these high-tech systems might not have traditional dipsticks where you could check the oil yourself. Start by checking your owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s recommendations. If you have an older vehicle, you might need to check the oil manually once a month by looking at the dipstick.

Learn how to check the oil level in your car by following these easy steps:

1. Make sure the vehicle is parked on level ground.
2. Turn off the engine.
3. Make sure the engine is cold.
4. Open the vehicle’s hood.
5. Find the dipstick, which is usually yellow or perhaps orange.
6. Pull the dipstick out of the engine.
7. Wipe any oil from the end of the dipstick.
8. Re-insert the dipstick all the way back into its tube.
9. Pull the dipstick out.
10. Look at both sides of the dipstick.
11. See where the oil level is.

You will see markings on the thin metal rod of the dipstick. These markings show you what the correct oil level should be. If the top of your oil streak is between two marks or within a cross-hatched area, the oil level is just fine and you don’t need to do anything. If it isn’t at normal levels, add more oil. If the oil is dark and isn’t very thick, it’s time for an oil change at our service center!

If you need to add oil yourself, this is very easy.

1. Purchase the grade of oil recommended in the owner’s manual.
2. Remove the oil filler cap.
3. Add oil a little at a time.
4. Look at the dipstick until it indicates you’ve reached the proper level after each addition.
5. Try not to overfill your engine with too much oil.

How to Check a Car’s Oil: Why Do This?

We recommend an oil change twice a year for a new Buick or Chevy vehicle. If your oil level is low, your vehicle might overheat on Eastland roads as you drive. This could cause permanent damage to your engine, leading to a very expensive repair.

How to Reset the Oil Change Light

If you love DIY oil changes in your Graham garage, you must reset the oil change light on your vehicle after doing this. Please only do this after you’ve actually changed your oil. Resetting the oil change light outside of its normal time can cause problems because you won’t change the oil at the right time.

How to Reset the Oil Change Light Step-by-Step:

1. Turn all systems of your car off.
2. Leave the engine running.
3. Find the “reset” button or stick on the dashboard (typically found near the speedometer and fuel gauge).
4. Hold the button down until the oil change light begins to flash (signs of resetting may differ per vehicle).
5. Turn the ignition off.
6. Wait a few seconds.
7. Turn your car back on.

The oil light should now be reset. If you have any questions about any of these processes, please contact us. Our team can teach you how to check the oil level in a car when you come to see us for your next service appointment.

Fast Oil Changes in Breckenridge

Is your vehicle ready for its next oil change? Contact us or call (260) 204-0021. We’re happy to help in any way we can!