how to check the oil in a vehicle
- When the engine is cold (I recommend doing this in the morning before starting your vehicle) park it on level ground, in a well-lit area.
- Pulling the hood release (which is usually under the dash) - pop the hood of your vehicle.
- Find the latch up underneath the hood by sticking your hand inside and feeling around. Push it and raise the hood up. If your vehicle has a "stick" that is used to hold up the hood, put it in place so the hood will not fall down on you.
- Find the oil dipstick. It is a little loop contraption sticking out of the engine that is usually red, yellow, or orange & is usually labeled OIL.
- Pull on the dipstick to completely remove it from the engine.
- Using a CLEAN paper towel or rag, wipe the dipstick off completely.
- Replace the dipstick, pushing it all the way back into the engine.
- Remove the dipstick again, slowly, and hold it in front of you the same way you pulled it out (horizontally, with "loop" facing upwards.)
- Look at the dipstick closely and determine where the end of the oil comes to, on the dipstick (where the wet part ends and dry part begins.)
- Some dipsticks have a line that is marked "FULL" and others simply have 2 lines on the dipstick.
- If the dipstick in your vehicle has a line that is marked "FULL"- make sure the oil is not below that line.
- If the dipstick in your vehicle simply has 2 lines- make sure the oil is in the MIDDLE of those 2 lines.
- If the oil in your vehicle is low, you will need to add some. Find out, in advance, what type of oil you need and keep some handy.
- Locate the oil filler cap on the top of the engine, it is usually labeled ENGINE OIL. Remove the lid.
- Add a SMALL amount of oil at a time, and re-check the oil level with the dipstick until it is full. It is much easier to keep adding a bit more than to have to drain some, if you put in too much.
- Replace the oil filler cap.
- Congratulations, you are finished!
- Check the oil in your vehicle once a month and be sure to keep up with oil changes, these things are very important to keep your vehicle running!