Step by Step: Oil Check Instructions
You can do it yourself, but I always like to take it to a Sacramento Oil Change pro.
You can do it yourself, but I always like to take it to a Sacramento Oil Change pro.
- Turn off the vehicle and let it sit still for five to 10 minutes; your owner's manual may provide guidance on how long or whether to check oil level when the engine is hot or cold.This allows the oil sitting on top of the engine to drain into the drain pan.
- Open the hood and locate the oil dipstick; reference your owner's manual for exact location.The dipstick typically has a yellow handle and, in many cases, an oil lamp icon on the handle.
- Pull the dipstick out using the handle and wipe any oil residue off the stick. Re-dip the stick until it's fully seated, and pull out to see the oil level.Wiping it clean ensures you're measuring the accurate oil level and not any residue that may falsely indicate higher levels.
- Check the oil level to make sure it's in the right operating range, which will be indicated on the stick.If it's low, top off with the manufacturer's recommended oil.