How to check your oil level
Checking your oil once a month, and before road trips, is the cheapest insurance you can buy for your engine.
2 minutesEasyCatches leaks and oil burning early
What you need
- A paper towel or rag
Steps
- Park on level ground. For most cars, check with the engine off and cooled for at least 5 minutes.
- Pull the dipstick (usually a yellow or orange handle), wipe it clean, push it all the way back in, and pull it out again.
- Read the oil line between the two marks. If it's at or below the low mark, add half a quart at a time of the correct oil and recheck.
- Look at the color: amber to dark brown is normal. Milky or foamy oil can mean a coolant leak; have it checked.
- Some newer cars have no dipstick. Check the level in the dashboard menu instead.
Tips: Never overfill: too much oil can foam and damage seals.
Get the exact parts for your car
Oil grade, quantity, filter and part numbers for your exact year and model.
Always follow your owner's manual and use proper safety equipment. Disclaimer
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