How to Check Car Oil

For all its power and capability, your Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, or Ram vehicle can’t function without clean, fresh motor oil. The purpose of motor oil is to lubricate the engine’s moving parts, protecting them from friction. Even if you don’t drive much outside of Pekin, it’s important to have a pulse on your car, SUV, or truck’s oil level, especially when the weather begins to turn cold. Read on to learn more about how to check car oil from our service center in Morton, IL!

Checking the Oil Level in Your Car: Step-By-Step Guide

It’s important to note that many new vehicles have electronic oil level monitors, which means you won’t find a conventional oil dipstick under the hood. Instead you can monitor the oil level by keeping an eye on the gauge in your driver information center. Check your owner’s manual if you’re unsure how to check oil levels in your car. Follow these steps if you’re checking the oil the old-fashioned way:

1. First, make sure your car is parked on flat ground. Also, make sure the engine is off and cold to the touch.
2. Next, pop the hood and locate the dipstick. Again, you can check your owner’s manual to find out exactly where it is.
3. Remove the dipstick and use a clean rag to wipe off the oil.
4. Place the dipstick back into the tube, then pull it out once more. Look at the dipstick to check the oil line. If the oil line rests between two marks or within a cross-hatched area, the oil level is fine. If it isn’t, it’s time to top up.
5. If you’re adding oil, make sure you purchase the oil that’s recommended in your owner’s manual. Remove the oil filler cap and add a bit of oil at a time until the oil level is where it should be.

Why is Checking Your Oil Level Important?

Oil changes are often put on the backburner, because they’re fairly quick services that aren’t usually complex at all. That doesn’t mean they aren’t essential, though. Usually, oil changes are recommended twice a year, although this can vary based on your make/model, location, and driving habits.

In any case, keeping up with routine oil changes will give you the confidence to set out on your daily errands in Washington, or hit the road on a weekend adventure without worrying about your oil.

Get Expert Oil Service in Morton Today!

Is your car’s hood hot to the touch, or have you noticed steam rising from underneath the hood? Your engine could be leaking oil, causing overheating. Schedule a service visit today, and our experienced technicians will take a look. Do you have questions about our service menu or service specials? Contact us online or feel free to visit us near East Peoria to meet our service team in person!