How to Check Car Oil

Motor oil is a vital component in your car’s performance, and low oil levels can cause major problems on the Farmerville roads. Luckily, learning how to check the oil level in your car is a simple maintenance task that doesn’t require any special skills. All you need is a few spare minutes and a willingness to learn. Find out how to check your car oil in just five steps, and be sure to contact our service center with any questions along the way!

Why Check Your Car’s Oil Level?

Your engine depends on motor oil to run smoothly, and it needs the proper amount to avoid any malfunctions. Why? Motor oil draws heat away from the engine and keeps all the moving parts lubricated. When oil levels get too low, you run the risk of overheating and even permanent damage to the powertrain. We recommend checking your oil levels every month at home and scheduling oil changes twice per year. And if you notice any engine issues on the Alexandria roads, don’t hesitate to schedule an inspection. Our team of technicians is always happy to assist.

How to Check the Oil Level in Your Car Automatically

Before we dive into how to check your car oil, it’s important to take inventory. Most new vehicles are equipped with electronic oil monitoring systems. These systems keep track of your oil’s age and quality as you navigate Monroe, and they alert you when your oil is nearing the end of its useful life. Once you see an alert on your dashboard, simply schedule your oil change at Benoit Motors.

How to Check the Oil Level in Your Car Manually

If your car does not have an electronic oil monitor or you’d prefer to check the oil yourself, you can also learn how to check car oil manually. Here are the steps:

1. Park on a level surface and wait until the engine is cold.
2. Open the hood and locate the dipstick.
3. Pull the dipstick out of the tube and wipe off any oil.
4. Put the dipstick back in the tube, pull it out again, and see where the oil level falls.
5. If the oil level streak falls between two lines or a cross-hatched area, you’re good to go. If not, add more oil with a funnel until the level is sufficient. Consult your owner’s manual to find out what type of oil your car needs.

Schedule Your Service with Benoit Motors

Now you know how to check the oil level in your car, but if you have any questions, just ask! Contact us to learn all about proper car maintenance, and we’d be happy to help. You can also schedule your next service appointment with us in DeRidder at your convenience.