Checking your car’s oil is one of the easiest ways to keep your engine healthy. It takes less than 10 minutes and can prevent significant engine damage, especially in older vehicles or those with high mileage.
Here’s how to do it properly, even if you’ve never done it before.
Table of Contents
Step 1: Park on a Flat Surface and Let the Engine Cool
Before anything, make sure your car is parked on level ground. This gives you an accurate reading. If the ground is sloped, the oil will pool on one side and throw off the measurement.
Turn off the engine and wait at least 10 minutes. This gives the oil time to settle into the oil pan.
If your car’s manual recommends checking oil while warm, you can follow that, but most drivers should wait for it to cool.
Step 2: Open the Hood and Locate the Dipstick
Pop the hood using the release lever inside your car. Then, unlatch the hood at the front and prop it open.
Look for the dipstick. It’s usually a thin metal rod with a colored handle, often yellow or orange, sticking out from the engine. You’ll recognize it once you see it.
If unsure, your owner’s manual will show the exact location.
Step 3: Pull Out the Dipstick and Wipe It Clean
Pull the dipstick out completely. It will likely already have oil on it, but don’t use that reading. It’s not reliable.
Grab a clean, lint-free cloth or a paper towel and wipe the dipstick from end to end. This will remove the old oil so that you can take an accurate reading.
Avoid using napkins or tissues that shed fibers. They can stick to the dipstick and give false results.
Step 4: Reinsert the Dipstick Fully
Once clean, slide the dipstick back into the tube. Push it in until it’s seated. Wait a few seconds for the oil to coat the stick again.
Then pull it out carefully, holding it horizontally. This keeps oil from dripping or running up the stick.
Step 5: Read the Oil Level
Look at the end of the dipstick. You’ll see two marks labeled “Min” and “Max,” or two dots, or a crosshatched area. Where the oil stops is your level.
If it’s between the marks, you’re good.
If it’s below the minimum, you need to add oil.
If it’s above the maximum, there might be too much oil, which can cause foaming or pressure issues.
Aim for the level to sit close to the top line without going over.
Step 6: Check the Oil’s Color and Consistency
Fresh engine oil is amber or golden. It darkens with time, which is normal. But texture and smell matter, too. Wipe some oil onto your cloth and inspect it:
Light brown and smooth: Still in good shape.
Very dark or black: Getting old, consider a change soon.
Milky or frothy: It could mean the coolant is mixed with your oil. That’s a red flag for serious engine trouble.
Gritty or smells burnt: Time for an oil change.
If you see metal shavings, stop driving and call a mechanic. Also, if you frequently notice oil spots where you park or detect low oil levels even after topping off, your car might be suffering from impact-related leaks.
This can sometimes happen when repeatedly scraping against rolled curbs. If your driveway has a rolled curb, consider installing a ramp like SmoothCurb to reduce underbody damage and protect vital components.
Step 7: Add Oil If Needed
Check your car’s manual for the right type and weight if your oil is low. You’ll see something like “5W-30” or “10W-40.”
Unscrew the oil filler cap, usually labeled “Oil” and located on top of the engine. Use a funnel to avoid spills. Add a small amount, no more than half a quart at a time.
Wait a minute, then recheck the dipstick. Add more only if needed. Stop once the oil hits the right level.
Never overfill. Too much oil can damage your engine seals or cause excessive pressure.
Step 8: Secure Everything and Close the Hood
Once the oil is at the correct level and the dipstick is reinserted, screw the oil cap back on tightly. Check around for tools, funnels, or rags. Make sure nothing is left behind in the engine bay. Close the hood securely until it clicks. You’re done.
Why Checking Fluids Matters
Your engine isn’t just powered by fuel. It runs on fluids, the most critical of which is oil. Oil lubricates moving parts, prevents overheating, and reduces wear. If it runs low, parts grind, heat builds, and damage happens fast.
Dirty oil is just as bad. It stops doing its job and starts harming the engine. You can’t rely on warning lights alone. By the time they show up, it’s often too late.
Checking your oil is faster than a mechanic visit and costs nothing. Think of it as a regular car health checkup.
How to Add Oil
Adding oil is simple, but doing it right prevents spills, overfilling, and engine issues. Here’s the correct way to top up:
1. Check Your Manual for the Right Oil Type
Every car requires a specific type of oil. Look in your owner’s manual for the exact type, such as 5W-30 or 10W-40. Never guess—using the wrong oil can affect engine performance.
2. Make Sure the Engine is Off and the Car is Level
Your vehicle should be parked on flat ground with the engine turned off and cooled down. This helps you get an accurate reading and prevents burns.
3. Open the Hood and Find the Oil Cap
Pop the hood and locate the oil filler cap. It’s usually on top of the engine and marked with the word “Oil” or an oil can symbol.
4. Remove the Cap and Add a Small Amount
Twist the cap off and use a funnel to pour in about half a quart (roughly half a liter) of oil. Pour slowly to avoid overfilling.
5. Let the Oil Settle and Recheck the Level
Wait a minute to let the oil flow down to the pan. Then pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, reinsert it, and recheck the level.
6. Add More if Needed
If the oil still reads low, add the rest of the quart in small increments. Stop once the dipstick shows the oil level within the safe range.
7. Replace the Cap and Close the Hood
Tighten the oil cap securely and ensure it’s sealed. Then, close the hood properly before starting the engine.
When Should You Check Your Oil?
Get in the habit of checking it:
Every 2 to 4 weeks
Before long road trips
After an oil change, make sure it’s filled correctly
If your oil warning light flashes or stays on
If you hear strange engine sounds or smell burning oil Consistency is more important than frequency. Catching a problem early makes a big difference.
Final Thoughts
Oil is your engine’s lifeline. It cools, lubricates, and protects critical components. Ignoring it leads to wear, overheating, and, in the worst cases, total engine failure.
The good news? You don’t need a mechanic. You just need to check the dipstick occasionally.
This isn’t about being car-savvy. It’s about being smart. A few minutes under the hood keeps your vehicle running longer, smoother, and safer.
Make it a habit. Stay ahead of problems. And if something looks off, don’t wait, handle it before it gets expensive.
