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How To Check Car Oil

A Mechanic's Hand Pulling Out an Oil Dipstick on a Car to Check Oil Level

Preventative maintenance is key to keeping your vehicle running smoothly for years to come. Part of this is having your oil checked. Do you know how to check oil level in your car? If not, we can help you learn so you don’t have to worry about scheduling service once a month or our service team to check for you. Find out how to check oil in a car in your car at home with MINI of Warwick today!



Learn How to Check Oil in A Car Like the Pros

Wondering how to check car oil at home on your own? Learning how to check the oil in your car is easy. Simply check the dipstick! Check your owner’s manual to see where it’s located as well as to find out what type of oil your vehicle needs should you need to top it off.

How to Check the Oil Level in Your Car With a Dipstick in a Few Short Steps

  1. Park your vehicle on level ground and turn off the ignition. Make sure you give your engine plenty of time to cool down.
  2. Pop the hood. Locate the dipstick.
  3. Remove the dipstick from the engine and carefully wipe all the oil from it.
  4. Replace the dipstick fully into the tube, then remove it once more to get a gauge of your oil level.

Once you have the dipstick out, check the two marks on it to see where the oil levels fall. If it’s in between these marks, you’re golden. If lower, you’ll want to add more slowly, continuously checking to make sure you don’t overfill.

More Oil Service Tips

After learning how to check the oil in your car for the proper levels, you’ll want to make sure you know how to check for contaminants and age issues. The color and appearance of the oil should indicate its functionality. Fresh oil has an amber color. Old oil will be sludgy, have particles in it, or will look black. If you notice these signs, it’s time for an oil change. Here are more service tips beyond how to check car oil:

  • Even if you don’t drive that often, your oil should be changed at least twice a year. Oil breaks down over time, and if you run your car with old oil, your coils may cause serious damage to your engine.
  • Whether you know how to check the oil in your car and change it yourself or allow the experts to handle it, the oil filter should be replaced as well. The oil filter is an important component of oil circulation.
  • Newport, RI drivers who don’t maintain regular oil maintenance risk damaging their engine. Oil is a necessary lubricant that keeps the small moving parts of your engine running. Long periods of wait may create expensive repairs.

MINI of Warwick, Your Local Service Experts

After checking out our guide on how to check car oil, schedule an appointment to have your oil checked near Cranston, RI by the experts at MINI of Warwick. Have questions about our services, how to rotate tires, how to remove a car battery, how to check tire tread, or service specials? Don’t hesitate to contact us.

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