How to Check Car Oil

You know it’s important and that you should be doing it on a regular basis. The problem is no one has ever shown you how. If you don’t know how to check the oil level in a car, don’t worry. Our service department wants to help you keep your car running in top shape on the West Lafayette roads. That’s why we’ve put together the simple, easy-to-follow directions below on how to check car oil.

How to Check the Oil Level in a Car – 5 Simple Steps

Did you know that if your car runs without enough oil flowing through it, catastrophic damage could result to the extent that it would not even be financially feasible to repair the engine? This is why it is so important to know how to check the oil level in a car. It’s also why it’s a good idea to check your car’s oil every time or every other time when you stop at a Indianapolis gas station to fill up. Of course, if you need any help at all, feel free to schedule a service appointment with us. Here’s how to check the oil level in a car:

How to Check Car Oil

1. Make sure the car is off and the engine has had enough time to cool down.
2. Open the hood, and locate the dipstick.
3. Pull out the dipstick, and wipe it clean with a rag or paper towel.
4. Stick the dipstick back in all the way.
5. Pull out the dipstick again, and examine the tip.

We can’t explain how to check car oil without going over how to decipher a dipstick. Some dipsticks can be confusing or hard to read. Follow these steps:

Reading the Dipstick

1. Locate the cross-hatched area on the dipstick near the tip.
2. Oil should reach somewhere inside the cross-hatched area.
3. If the oil does not reach the cross-hatched area, add a quart of oil.
4. Run your car’s engine, turn the car off, and check the oil again.

Let the Experts at Auto Express of Lafayette Help

You can trust the knowledgeable professionals in our service center to help you maintain your car and keep it running in stellar condition. So, schedule an appointment. If you found this guide to be helpful, check out our posts on how often oil should be changed and how long you can expect an oil change to take. Remember, we’re just a short trip away from Crawfordsville, so drop by or give us a call!