Many car owners feel unsure when it comes to basic car maintenance, and checking the engine oil level is often one of those tasks. If you’re looking to learn how to confidently check your car’s oil, you’ve come to the right place. Understanding how to perform this simple check is crucial for maintaining your vehicle’s engine health and preventing potential problems down the road. At service centers like Jiffy Lube®, technicians perform oil checks and changes daily as part of the Jiffy Lube Signature Service® Oil Change, demonstrating the routine nature and importance of this maintenance task.
It’s important to remember that while this guide provides general steps on How To Check Car Engine Oil, you should always consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s specific recommendations and procedures for your particular make and model. Car designs vary, and knowing the specifics for your car is essential.
The method for checking your car’s oil can differ based on the vehicle’s age and model. Modern cars often feature digital oil level monitors directly on the dashboard, offering a quick and convenient way to stay informed about your engine oil status. However, knowing how to manually check your oil level using the dipstick remains a valuable skill and a reliable way to confirm your oil levels. Below are the general steps for manually checking your car’s engine oil:
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Gather Your Supplies: Have a clean rag or paper towels readily available. Checking your oil can sometimes be a bit messy, and you’ll need these to wipe the dipstick and your hands.
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Park on Level Ground: Ensure your car is parked on a level surface. This is crucial for getting an accurate oil level reading. If your car is on a slope, the oil will pool to one side, giving you a false reading.
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Engine Condition: Turn off your engine and allow it to cool down. For most vehicles, a cold engine is recommended for checking the oil. This prevents burns from hot engine components. However, some car manufacturers advise checking the oil when the engine is warm. Always refer to your owner’s manual to confirm the recommended engine temperature for checking oil in your specific vehicle.
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Locate the Dipstick: Open your car’s hood and find the oil dipstick. It’s typically easy to identify by its brightly colored handle, often orange or yellow. The dipstick is usually located near the engine block.
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Initial Dipstick Removal and Wipe: Pull the dipstick out completely from its tube. Use your rag or paper towel to wipe off all the oil from the dipstick. This initial wipe cleans the dipstick for a fresh and accurate reading.
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Re-insert and Remove Again: Carefully re-insert the dipstick all the way back into its tube until it is fully seated. Then, pull it out again for the second time. This second removal will give you the current reading of your engine oil level.
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Read the Oil Level: Examine the end of the dipstick. Every dipstick is designed with markings to indicate the correct oil level range. Your dipstick will likely have one of the following types of indicators:
- Two Pinholes: These pinholes indicate the minimum and maximum oil levels. The oil level should be between these two holes.
- Letters L and H: These letters stand for “Low” and “High.” The oil streak on the dipstick should be between the “L” and “H” markings.
- Words MIN and MAX: Similar to L and H, “MIN” indicates the minimum level and “MAX” the maximum. The oil should be between these marks.
- Crosshatched Area: A simple area with crosshatching or knurling indicates the acceptable oil level range. If the top edge of the oil streak is within this crosshatched area, your engine oil level is within the proper range.
If, after reading the dipstick, you find that the oil level is at or below the “Low” or “MIN” mark, or below the lower pinhole or crosshatch boundary, it indicates that your engine oil level is low and needs to be topped off.
Car engine oil dipstick being checked to assess engine health and oil level.
What to Do If Your Car Needs Oil
Whether you’ve received a warning from a digital dashboard oil monitor alert or you’ve manually checked your dipstick and found a “low” reading, it’s important to address low engine oil promptly. Low oil levels can lead to increased engine wear and potential damage. When adding oil, always ensure you use the correct grade of motor oil recommended by your car’s manufacturer. This information is typically found in your owner’s manual and often printed on the oil filler cap itself. Common oil grades include 0W-20 or 5W-30, but your vehicle may require a different specification. If you’re unsure about the correct oil grade for your car or cannot locate your owner’s manual, it’s best to visit a trusted service center like your local Jiffy Lube®. A trained technician can quickly access the correct oil information for your vehicle and assist you.
How to Add Oil to Your Car
If you need to add oil, follow these simple steps. It’s helpful to have a funnel to prevent spills and make the process cleaner.
- Locate and Remove the Oil Filler Cap: Find the oil filler cap on top of your engine. It is usually clearly marked with an oil can symbol and/or words like “Oil” or “Motor Oil.” Unscrew and remove the cap.
- Add Oil Gradually: Carefully pour in the recommended grade of motor oil, adding it a little at a time. It’s crucial to avoid overfilling your engine with oil, as this can also cause damage.
- Start with Half a Quart: Begin by adding about half a quart (approximately 16 ounces) of oil.
- Wait and Re-Check: Give the oil a minute or two to settle and drain down into the oil pan. Then, re-check the oil level using the dipstick, following the steps outlined earlier.
- Add More if Needed: If the oil level is still below or near the minimum mark on the dipstick, add the remainder of the quart of oil. Check the level again after each addition, adding oil in small increments until the level is within the acceptable range on the dipstick – ideally towards the middle or maximum mark, but never above the maximum.
- Replace the Filler Cap: Once the oil level is correct, securely replace the oil filler cap.
When Should You Check Your Car Oil Level?
Checking your engine oil level should be a regular part of your car care routine. A good practice is to make it a habit to check your oil at least once a month or every few fuel fill-ups. Regular checks allow you to catch any slow leaks or increased oil consumption early before they become serious problems. Consistent oil level monitoring is a simple yet effective way to contribute to the longevity and health of your car’s engine.
Let Professionals Handle It
If you prefer not to check your oil yourself, or if you’d like a professional opinion on your vehicle’s overall fluid levels and engine condition, Jiffy Lube® is ready to assist. When you bring your car to your local Jiffy Lube® location, a certified technician will:
- Check your engine oil level as part of a comprehensive service.
- Explain your options for oil changes or top-offs based on your current oil condition and level.
- Inquire about your driving habits and conditions to recommend the best motor oil for your specific needs.
- Help you determine whether your car requires a full oil change or simply a top-off of the existing oil.
Complimentary Fluid Top-Off Service
Did you know that with every Jiffy Lube Signature Service® Oil Change, you receive a valuable perk? You are entitled to complimentary fluid top-off service for vital fluids between your regular oil changes. If you are within 3,000 miles of your last Jiffy Lube Signature Service Oil Change, simply stop by, and they will top off essential fluids as needed, helping to keep your vehicle running smoothly.
The Importance of Regular Oil Changes
Understanding how to check your car oil is a great first step in car maintenance. However, regular oil changes are equally, if not more, critical. Engine oil degrades over time and miles, losing its effectiveness in lubricating and protecting engine components. Neglecting oil changes can lead to significant engine wear and tear. To learn more about why regular oil changes are so important, you can read articles detailing what happens if you don’t change your oil. Regular oil changes are a key aspect of preventive maintenance, helping to extend the life of your engine and avoid costly repairs.
Please note: Services may vary by Jiffy Lube location. Check with your local service center or visit jiffylube.com for specific service offerings.
